Between all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, keeping up with Elf on the Shelf antics can become a chore. If you’re short on time but still want to keep the magic alive, these 15 lazy and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas are here to help. All of these setups are quick, creative, and guaranteed to put a smile on your kids’ faces
Table of Contents
Check out the 15 easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Christmas
1. Cereal Box Hideout
Put your elf in an empty cereal box with their head and arms poking out. It’s an easy setup and makes for a fun breakfast surprise.
You can add a note saying ‘Breakfast buddy today!’ to give it a personal touch.
2. Christmas Coloring Fun
Fill your elf’s coloring book with some holiday-themed crayons. Place a few finished or partially colored pages around to make it look like the elf has been busy making holiday art.
This is a great way to get your kids to join in on the creativity.
3. Shoe Sledding
Put your elf in a shoe, so that it looks like a sled, and stand it on an incline, like a pile of books.
Add some flour or sugar at the bottom, which will look like snow. This simple setup gives your elf’s antics an adventurous twist.
4. Candy Cane Jail
Put your elf in a ‘jail’ made of candy canes stuck into a piece of cardboard or dough.
Put up a cute sign that says, “Caught stealing Santa’s cookies!” They’ll love ‘rescuing’ their naughty elf.
5. Reading Time
Place an open book or magazine and a pair of doll-sized glasses on the floor in front of your elf.
Other tiny ‘reading material,” such as scraps of paper with doodles, can be used to surround them.
The scene is quiet and thoughtful and encourages reading.
6. Snow Angel Magic
Place some flour, sugar, or coconut flakes on the counter and position your elf mid-snow angel with arms and legs spread out.
The festive touch to your kitchen comes from this wintery scene.
7. Balloon Explorer
Your elf can be attached to a helium balloon with a ribbon around their waist or arms and let them ‘fly’ near the ceiling.
Your kids will love spotting their elf floating high above the room.
8. Snack Snatcher
Leave an open bag of chips or cookies next to your elf, and the crumbs in the room will make him look kind of guilty.
You can even add a small sign that says, “I couldn’t resist!” to make it extra funny for your kids.
9. Toilet Paper Hammock
Position two sturdy objects, such as shelf edges or chair backs, and stretch a roll of toilet paper between them to create a hammock.
Put your elf inside like they are taking a nice nap after a hard day’s work. This one is a very funny elf on the shelf ideas you can try.
10. Gift Bow Attack
Cover your elf and the surrounding area with stick colorful gift bows, as if they’ve been ambushed by wrapping supplies.
This is a light and colorful scene that sets up very easily.
11. Peek-a-Boo in the Fridge
Sitting your elf on a shelf in the fridge, next to a milk carton or juice box.
The chilly setting brings added fun, and the surprise at breakfast in the morning will excite your kids. I think this elf ideas will definitely liked by your kids and surprize it as well.
12. Mini Marshmallow Bath
To make a “bubble bath,” fill a small bowl or container with mini marshmallows.
Put your elf inside with a tiny toy duck or soap bar to add a little extra charm.
13. Desk Job
Set your elf up at a toy desk with a miniature laptop, a pencil, and stacks of ‘paperwork’ made of cut-up sticky notes.
Just a funny way to say your elf worked hard during the holidays.
14. Christmas Movie Night
Put your elf in a blanket, a mini bowl of popcorn, and a tablet or phone showing a holiday movie.
It’s a nice idea to encourage your kids to have a movie night of their own.
15. Cookie Monster Elf
Place your elf next to a plate of cookies with a few bites removed. Write a handwritten note that reads, “Oops!” Couldn’t resist!”
This classic setup is sure to make your kids laugh while possibly inspiring them to bake more treats.
Conclusion
Elf on the Shelf ideas doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming. These are simple and lazy ideas that will keep the fun alive while you get to rest well deservedly. Have a happy holiday and may your elf’s antics be a source of joy and laughter in your home!
