18 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas When You’re Fresh Out of Inspiration
These last minute ideas are cheap and oh so easy to pull off, just what parents need!
We're right in the middle of Elf on the Shelf season, and it's been a few weeks of coming up with clever ways to wow the kids. We know it's been so fun seeing the delight on everyone's face when they wake up in the morning and discover what shenanigans the Elf got into overnight, but hear you that you are all out of new and clever ideas. Don't fret! We are hear to help with 18 incredibly easy Elf on The Shelf ideas that will get you through these last few weeks—we know you need some time to bake Christmas treats!
The Elf will have fun playing Scrabble (You'll get a pass if the word isn't in the Scrabble dictionary!) or Dominoes. If you have an Elf that loves to snack, nestle her in a tin of popcorn, the cookie jar, or in a vintage recipe box. If your Elf likes to help out (some elves are good after all) set him up in the tool box surrounded my the tools of the trade. Or if he is mischievous, set him up with an etiquette book so he can (pretend) to learn some manners.
If you've still got some energy left for elaborate ideas, take a look our of gallery of 97 Elf on The Shelf ideas. Or if you have completely run out of steam and want to just buy a kit that has ideas to get you through, there is no shame in that! Don't worry, it's almost over....until next year!
The Elf on The Shelf Breaks into the Cookie Jar
The Elf will be snacking all day on store-bought gingerbread cookies from a Santa cookie jar. Coffee optional!
The Elf on The Shelf Spies
He's just making sure that everyone is being nice, not naughty. That's what we are telling ourselves! To set up, rest the binoculars on books and set them on the elves arm do she says upright.
The Elf on The Shelf Learns Some Manners
Set up with a mini etiquette book and a cup of tea, the Elf is working hard on being a good member of the family. If you don't have a mini etiquette book simple fold a 3-by-5 card in half and write "Etiquette Book" or "Learn Manners" on the front and voila.
The Elf on The Shelf Pigs Out on Marshmallows
It's the time of year when everyone overindulges on sweet and the elf is no exception. No vintage Marshmallow tin? Simply open the bag and stick the elf in head first!
The Elf on the Shelf Plays all the Games
Everyone has games around the house so set out what you have for the elf to play. Use a mini notepad, 3-by-5 card, or Post-it note for the score card. Make sure the Elf gets ALL the points.
The Elf on The Shelf Helps Around the House
Hopefully it is actually help! Set the elf up in the tool box surrounded by tools and supplies. You'll be done in 5 minutes.
The Elf on The Shelf Plays Scrabble Idea
Use a Scrabble board to spell out Christmas words and make it appear that your Elf is the smartest around! This idea can truly be done last-minute, as along as you have a game board on hand. Be sure to position the Elf so he doesn't interfere with the playing surface.
The Elf on a Shelf Gets Wrapped in Twine Idea
Wrap a tiny package, using red and white bakers twine in place of the ribbon, and then wrap the Elf in more twine. She is naughty, right? Save this idea for night when you have all of your gift-wrapping supplies out.
The Elf of The Shelf Drinks Coffee Idea
Set the Elf up with a morning cup of joe (whole beans are optional). The kids won't believe he is able to sit still after all the caffeine. If you're making coffee anyway, this is about as low-effort as it gets.
The Elf on the Shelf Demands Dinner Idea
Just like growing kids the Elf is hungry and wants a snack NOW! Simply nestle her in a recipe box with a "Feed Me" sign nearby. If you don't have a recipe box, set her up with an open cookbook.
The Elf on The Shelf Eats Popcorn Idea
Pop up some corn (or if your are lucky, someone gifted you a giant holiday tin!) and nestle the Elf in it. Don't have a cute Christmas tin? Simply put the popcorn in a paper lunch bag and have the Elf's head peaking out.
The Elf of The Shelf Drinks From a Bottle of Maple Syrup Idea
Feed the Elf's sweet tooth by propping him on a bottle (or a few cookbooks) of maple syrup with a straw poking out of it. If you plan on having pancakes that morning make sure you have an extra bottle of syrup on hand! A measuring cup and measuring spoons help take the idea over the top.
Elizabethan Elf on the Shelf Idea
To elf or not to elf? Is there really any question? All you need is a cupcake liner or two for a ye-olde statement collar and an old book and you’ll unleash a tiny Shakespearean sprite.
Egg Dozen Elf on the Shelf Idea
Feign shock as you set out to make omelets and discover that your pesky elf has swapped out your dozen eggs for decorative ornaments.
Button Elf on the Shelf Idea
Use vintage buttons to spell out a festive message or greeting from Mr. Claus himself. Fuzzy Santa beard optional. If you don't have buttons, try candy.
Bingo Elf on the Shelf Idea
Swap standard chips with peppermints and it’s officially game on. If you don't have bingo cards, you can easily find some online and print them.
Crafty Elf on the Shelf Idea
Look, he got into the yarn and knitted up all the ornaments! To make the ornaments, wrap yarn around a clear plastic Christmas ornament, holding the beginning of the yarn in place with a dab of hot glue, until the ornament is completely covered. Thread bamboo cocktail picks through the yarn to mimic knitting needles.
Tic-Tac-Toe Elf on the Shelf Idea
A set of mason jar rings and lids along with a few feet of ribbon is all you need to set up this classic crowd-pleasing game.
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