Thinking about getting into the Elf On The Shelf bandwagon? This post will be your complete guide for easy, funny and last minute ideas.
Our elf, Elfie, has been visiting our house for 4 Christmases now. When my son first asked me why Santa hadn't sent him an elf yet, I'll be honest: I thought it sounded like one more thing to add to an already packed December.
Fast forward a few seasons, and it's become one of our favorite traditions. Along the way I've figured out how to keep the magic big and the effort small.
Well, just the other day my little one asked me “mama, when does Santa send Elfie back?”.
And for a few moments, the thought completely overwhelmed me. And I wanted to create a resource list for moms who feel just like I do.
So below you'll find 75+ Elf on the Shelf ideas I've tried, tested and recreated at home. Each one comes with a quick supply list and a lazy-mom tip, so you can set it up in minutes with stuff you already have.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on the Shelf is a modern Christmas tradition that began with a children’s picture book written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell.
The book, titled “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition,” was first published in 2005. This mischievous elf, who reports directly to Santa Claus, is known for his creative antics and clever hiding spots.
The story introduces the concept of an elf sent by Santa Claus to monitor children’s behavior during the holiday season.
The elf moves to a new spot in the house every night, providing children with a delightful morning surprise as they discover the elf’s latest antics.
From mischievous setups and funny ways to encourage laughter to heartwarming scenes and gift giving, the possibilities with Elf on the Shelf are endless.
Related Reading: 55+ affordable and chic Christmas home decor finds
How Do You Do Elf On The Shelf?
Ready to start your own Elf on the Shelf magic? It’s so much easier and more fun than I thought. Just order yourself an elf. Then, once he arrives from Santa’s workshop, give your elf a name and introduce them to your family.
Then, each night, hide your elf and let the fun begin! Can your kids find their mischievous little friend in the morning? Get ready to make this Christmas extra magical with these cute and hilarious Elf on the Shelf ideas!
You can even order a pre-made 24 days of Elf accessories kit to help save you time.
How to Make Elf on the Shelf Easy (The Lazy Mom System)
Let’s be honest, mama: the hardest part of Elf on the Shelf isn’t the creativity. It’s remembering at 11pm when you’re already in bed. Here’s how I keep it stress-free:
Plan your week on Sunday. Pick 7 ideas from this list, screenshot them, and save them to a “Elf” album on your phone.
Build an elf bin. Keep mini marshmallows, sticky notes, washi tape, a dry-erase marker, candy canes, cereal and a few tiny props in one box so setups take two minutes.
Set a phone alarm for 9pm labeled “MOVE THE ELF.” Future you will thank you.
Mix lazy nights with big nights. Not every setup needs to be Pinterest-worthy. A simple hiding spot on a Tuesday and a funny mess on the weekend is the perfect rhythm.
Avoid messes you’ll hate cleaning up. Flour snow angels are cute until you’re vacuuming before school. Save the messy ones for weekends.
What to Do If You Forget to Move the Elf
It happens to every parent. Here are kid-approved excuses:
“He loved that spot so much he stayed an extra day.”
“Santa needed a longer report last night, so he flew back late.”
“Maybe someone touched him and he lost a little magic. Let’s write Santa a note.”
Have the elf leave a quick note the next night: “Sorry I didn’t move! I was watching you be extra kind.”
Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas
The arrival sets the tone for the whole season. Most families have their elf show up the day after Thanksgiving or on December 1st. Easy ways to make a big first impression:
An elf-sized suitcase with a letter from the North Pole
A “snow” angel in powdered sugar (see above photo)
A cozy North Pole breakfast with hot cocoa and donuts
A bag of new Christmas pajamas or a holiday book to read together
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN DOING ELF ON THE SHELF:
There are two rules to this fun tradition.
Rule #1: kids CANNOT touch the elf or they will lose all their magic.
If they accidentally touch the elf, they will need to write an apology letter to Santa and sprinkle some cinnamon near the elf.
Rule #2: the elf does not move until the little ones are asleep.
SHOP ELF DOLLS:
ACCESSORIES TO HELP YOU:
Below You’ll Find:
Creative Elf On The Shelf Ideas
Funny Elf On the Shelf Ideas
Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas
Last minute Elf On The Shelf Ideas
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75+ Clever & Easy Elf on The Shelf Ideas
01 | An elf Selfie
Pose your elf holding your phone (or a paper phone) like he's snapping a selfie, then set a letter board next to him with the day's message. A letter board makes it easy to have the elf "talk" to your kids every morning.
What you need: an old phone or paper phone cutout, a mini letter board
Lazy mom tip: Keep the letter board out all season. Some nights, changing the message is the whole setup.
02 | Movie night with snacks
Your elf planned family movie night! Fill a basket with popcorn, Christmas candy and a holiday movie, and leave a note: "Movie night tonight!"
What you need: a basket, popcorn, a few treats, a holiday movie
Lazy mom tip: Plan this for a Friday so the elf does your weekend planning for you.
03 | Candy breakfast
Set your elf at the stove with a mini frying pan full of colorful cereal and candy, plus a note: "I made you breakfast!"
What you need: a toy or mini frying pan, cereal, a few candies, a note
Lazy mom tip: A play-kitchen pan works perfectly. No real stove needed.
04 | Coloring outside the lines
Place your elf next to an open coloring book with crayons scattered around and a scribbly, messy page. He's been busy with some not-so-perfect artwork!
What you need: a coloring book, crayons
Lazy mom tip: Let your kids finish the page in the morning. It's a built-in calm activity before school.
05 | Elf Self Portrait
Set your elf up with markers and paper, then draw a silly "self-portrait" of him in front of the fireplace. It looks like your elf made his own holiday portrait overnight.
What you need: paper or a paper towel roll, markers
Lazy mom tip: The wobblier the drawing, the funnier. No art skills required.
06 | Elf and Starbucks
Cut out paper stars, tape a dollar bill to each one, and set your elf up with a mini coffee cup and a sign: "Grab some Star Bucks!"
What you need: paper stars, a few $1 bills, a mini coffee cup
Lazy mom tip: Let the kids keep the "Star Bucks" for a family hot cocoa run. Got two elves? Get the pair of naughty elves for double the fun.
07 | Elf Gingerbread house
Prop a few slices of bread around a jar of ground ginger and add a sign: "Check out my gingerbread house!" No glue, no frosting, just good elf humor.
What you need: bread slices, ground ginger, a sign
Lazy mom tip: It's a two-minute setup, and the bread goes straight into breakfast toast.
08 | Elf Camping out
Set up a tent with an open book turned upside down, then build a "campfire" out of mini marshmallows and a few pretzel sticks.
What you need: a hardcover book, mini marshmallows, pretzel sticks
Lazy mom tip: Add a battery tea light under the pretzels for a glowing campfire with zero fire risk.
09 | Elf sliding down the toilet paper
Hang your elf from a long strip of toilet paper like he's zip-lining or sliding down from the towel bar. A quick bathroom prank that always gets giggles.
What you need: a roll of toilet paper, tape
Lazy mom tip: Tape the paper at both ends so it doesn't sag under the elf's weight.
10 | Cheerio notes
Have your elf "spill" the Cheerios and spell out your child's name or a short message like "Hi [NAME]!"
What you need: Cheerios or any O-shaped cereal
Lazy mom tip: Spell it out on a baking sheet so cleanup is one quick tip into the trash.
11 | Elf playing connect four with woody
Pose your elf mid-game across from one of your kids' favorite toys, like they stayed up late playing Connect 4.
What you need: Connect 4 (or any board game), a favorite toy
Lazy mom tip: Leave a note challenging the kids to a rematch after school.
12 | Elf copy machine selfie
Lay your elf face-down on the printer or scanner, make a copy, and leave the printouts all around him. Caught red-handed!
What you need: a printer or scanner, paper
Lazy mom tip: No scanner? Snap a phone photo of the elf and print a few copies.
13 | Elf gone fishing for duckies
Set your elf in the sink with rubber duckies and a pencil fishing pole, and write "Gone fishing!" on the mirror in dry-erase marker.
What you need: rubber duckies, a pencil and string, a dry-erase marker
Lazy mom tip: Keep the sink dry and let the duckies "swim" on a blue washcloth instead.
14 | Gummy Bear rock climbing
Tape gummy bears up the side of a kitchen cabinet like rock-climbing holds, and pose your elf halfway up with a sign: "Rock climbing!"
What you need: gummy bears, painter's tape, string (optional for a "rope")
Lazy mom tip: Painter's tape peels off cabinets without leaving residue.
15 | Elf Mini Chocolate kisses
Lay a trail of chocolate kisses across the bathroom sink (or from the bedroom door) leading to wherever the elf is hiding.
What you need: a bag of chocolate kisses
Lazy mom tip: Leave a note with the total number so you know none got lost under the couch.
16 | Elf Just Chilling
Tuck your elf on a fridge shelf between the drinks with a tiny sign: "Just chilling!" Kids love finding him when they reach for the milk.
What you need: a small handwritten sign
Lazy mom tip: A 30-second setup for nights you almost forgot.
17 | Self Care Bubble Bath Elf
Fill a doll bathtub with mini marshmallow "bubbles" and let your elf soak in a little holiday self-care.
What you need: a doll tub or small bowl, mini marshmallows, a tiny bathrobe (optional)
Lazy mom tip: Pour the marshmallows back in the bag in the morning to reuse all month.
18 | Elf feeding the dinosaurs
Line up your kids' toy dinosaurs and have your elf feeding them mini marshmallows one by one.
What you need: toy dinosaurs, mini marshmallows
Lazy mom tip: Any toy animals work, so use whatever your kids are obsessed with this year.
19 | Elf mechanic
Slide your elf under a toy truck on his back with a few toy tools around him, like he's fixing Santa's sleigh before the big night.
What you need: a toy truck, toy tools
Lazy mom tip: Add a "Santa's Garage" sign for extra charm.
20 | To the moon and back
via: pinterest . com
Wrap your elf in a foil space suit, add a paper-cup helmet, and set him next to a paper moon with a sign: "I love you to the moon and back!"
What you need: aluminum foil, a small paper cup, a paper moon cutout
Lazy mom tip: Perfect for space-loving kids. Hang the moon from a lamp or ceiling fan chain for extra drama.
21 | Elves made eggs
Set your elf at the table with Kinder Eggs standing in egg cups (or an empty egg carton) and a note: "An egg-cellent breakfast is served!"
What you need: chocolate eggs, egg cups or a carton, a note
Lazy mom tip: Kids get a treat and a toy surprise inside, and you get a five-minute setup for a busy school morning.
22 | Wealthy elf with lottery tickets
Pose your elf with a fan of scratch-off tickets and a sign: "I'm feeling lucky!" This one's a little grown-up humor the parents will love.
What you need: a few scratch-off tickets (or play money), a sign
Lazy mom tip: Swap in chocolate gold coins if you'd rather keep it kid-friendly.
23 | Elf roasting marshmellows
Set your elf beside a "campfire" with a marshmallow on a toothpick, ready for s'mores.
What you need: a battery tea light, a toothpick, mini marshmallows, graham crackers (optional)
Lazy mom tip: Always use a battery tea light, never a real candle, since the elf sits unattended overnight.
24 | Elf Sledding Down the Stairs
Your elf found the best hill in the house! Set him on a baking sheet or a plastic lid at the top of the stairs, with a trail of cotton-ball or marshmallow "snow" running down the steps and a sign: "Last one down is a rotten snowball!"
What you need: a baking sheet, plastic lid or piece of cardboard for the sled, cotton balls or mini marshmallows, a sign
Lazy mom tip: Keep the "snow" on the side of the steps, not the middle, so nobody slips on the way down to breakfast. No stairs? A couch cushion propped up like a hill works too.
25 | Couch diving elf
Tuck your elf between the couch cushions with just his legs sticking out, surrounded by crumbs and a few coins, plus a note: "I can explain…"
What you need: a cracker or cookie, a few coins, a note
Lazy mom tip: Use crackers, not chocolate, so cleanup is a quick brush-off.
26 | Decluttering elf arrival note
Have your elf arrive with a note asking the kids to pick a few toys to donate, "to make room for Santa's sleigh." It's a sweet way to start the season with giving.
What you need: a note, an empty box or bag labeled "For Santa's Workshop"
Lazy mom tip: Do this the week of arrival, and you get a decluttered playroom before the presents come in.
27 | Elf Toilet paper snowmen
Stack toilet paper rolls, draw snowman faces and buttons on them, and pose your elf proudly beside his "snow family."
What you need: toilet paper rolls, a marker, googly eyes (optional)
Lazy mom tip: Draw on the outer sheet only, then tear it off when you use the roll.
Recreate this look:
28 | Elf drawing for santa
Set your elf up with paper and markers, mid-drawing a picture to take back to Santa. Leave a note asking the kids to add their own drawings.
What you need: paper, markers, a note
Lazy mom tip: Save the drawings in a memory box for the "North Pole mail."
29 | Help me underpants elf
Tape your elf to the fridge door in a pair of your kid's underwear with a speech bubble that says "Help me!" Mischief clearly went wrong.
What you need: kids' underwear, painter's tape, a paper speech bubble
Lazy mom tip: Painter's tape won't leave marks on the fridge or the elf.
30 | Pedicure dAY
Your elf is treating himself to a spa day, feet soaking in a bowl of mini marshmallows with a tiny towel nearby.
What you need: a small bowl, mini marshmallows, a washcloth
Lazy mom tip: Add cucumber slices and a cotton-ball face mask for extra giggles.
31 | The Milk Has Gone Bad
Draw a sneaky face and a tiny robber mask on the milk jug, and pose your elf next to it with a sign: "Careful, the milk has gone bad!"
What you need: a milk jug, a dry-erase marker, a sign
Lazy mom tip: Dry-erase marker wipes right off the plastic.
32 | Sunday Elf Sundae Surprise
Your elf set up a sundae bar with sprinkles, toppings and bowls, plus a note: "Sundae Sunday after dinner!"
What you need: bowls, sprinkles, toppings, a note
Lazy mom tip: Set out only shelf-stable toppings at night, and add the ice cream after dinner.
33 | Toasty elf
Perch your elf on the toaster with his arms tucked in the slots and a sign: "It's toasty in here!"
What you need: a toaster (unplugged!), a small sign
Lazy mom tip: Unplug the toaster first and leave it unplugged until the kids have seen it.
34 | Naughty or Nice Elf Meter
Draw a "Naughty or Nice" meter on paper with a movable arrow, and pose your elf nudging the arrow toward Nice.
What you need: paper or cardstock, a brad or tape for the arrow, markers
Lazy mom tip: Keep the meter up all month and have the elf move the arrow on good days. It's a gentle behavior reminder.
35 | Lollipop Lick Counter
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a lollipop? Your elf stayed up all night trying to find out! Lay him on a notepad with a crayon in his arms, a half-licked lollipop beside him, and a page of tally marks under the word "Licks." He clearly dozed off before he got there.
What you need: a lollipop, a notepad, a crayon or pencil
Lazy mom tip: Leave a note asking your kids to pick up where the elf left off and keep counting. It keeps them busy (and quiet) for a good five minutes at breakfast
36 | The post it bandit
Cover a door, the fridge or a bedroom wall in colorful sticky notes, and leave your elf sitting proudly in the middle of his masterpiece.
What you need: a few pads of colorful sticky notes
Lazy mom tip: Write a hidden message on a few notes so it doubles as a scavenger hunt.
37 | rock and roll elves
Your elf is putting on a concert! Pose him with a toy guitar or pencil drumsticks, with stuffed animals lined up as his audience.
What you need: a toy instrument (or pencils and an upside-down bowl drum), stuffed animals
Lazy mom tip: Play a Christmas playlist at breakfast to keep the concert going.
38 | Bow climbing elf
This Elf on the Shelf rock climbing wall made of holiday bows is a festive and creative Christmas setup. A fun and colorful Elf idea that brings adventure and holiday cheer to your home.
39 | elf watch
Your elf is on duty! Pose him peeking through "binoculars" made from two toilet paper tubes, with a sign: "I'm watching you… be good!"
What you need: two cardboard tubes, tape, a sign
Lazy mom tip: Perch him somewhere high, like the top of the fridge or a bookshelf, so he looks like he's keeping watch.
40 | Elf Kabobs
Your elf made breakfast kabobs! Thread marshmallows, gumdrops or fruit onto skewers and line them up on a plate.
What you need: wooden skewers, marshmallows, gumdrops or fruit
Lazy mom tip: Snip off the pointy skewer tips for little ones.
41 | Elf CAR WRECK
Park a doll car crashed into the Christmas tree with a few ornaments scattered around, like the elf took a wild late-night joyride.
What you need: a doll or toy car, a few shatterproof ornaments
Lazy mom tip: Use shatterproof ornaments for the "wreckage."
42 | MERMAID ELF AT the beach
Your elf is dreaming of a beach Christmas! Give him a paper mermaid tail and set him on a washcloth "beach towel" with a few shells and sunglasses.
What you need: a paper or felt mermaid tail, a washcloth, shells, tiny sunglasses (optional)
Lazy mom tip: Sprinkle a little brown sugar for "sand." It sweeps up easily.
43 | PIKACHU ELF
Your elf got creative with the fruit bowl! Draw Pikachu faces on the bananas with a marker and leave your elf beside his "Pokémon" crew.
What you need: bananas, a black marker
Lazy mom tip: Draw on the peel only, so the banana inside is still good for breakfast.
44 | elf pead himself
Have your elf spell out a message in frozen peas on a plate, like "Eat your veggies!" or your child's name.
What you need: frozen peas, a plate
Lazy mom tip: Frozen peas hold their shape and go right back in the freezer.
45 | Elf Christmas countdown
Have your elf make a paper chain with one link for every day until Christmas. Kids tear off a link each morning.
What you need: construction paper strips, tape or a stapler
Lazy mom tip: Write a mini activity inside each link, like "bake cookies" or "watch a Christmas movie."
46 | Walking the paw patrol pups
This Elf on the Shelf dog walker setup is perfect for little Paw Patrol fans. Line up your child’s Paw Patrol pups, tie a piece of yarn or ribbon to each one as a “leash,” and put all the leashes in your elf’s hands. Set it up so it looks like the pups are pulling the elf across the floor or down the hallway. It’s a cute, toy-based Elf idea that takes under five minutes and uses things you already have.
What you need: Paw Patrol figures (or any toy dogs or stuffed animals), yarn, ribbon or string, and tape to hold the leashes in place.
Lazy mom tip: Add a tiny sign that says “Pup patrol is on a roll!” or “No job is too big, no elf is too small!” for an extra giggle.
47 | Boobie trap
This one's for the grown-ups! Your elf set a trap overnight and got caught in his own mischief: string a bra between two chair backs or cabinet knobs like a slingshot, and leave your elf dangling in one cup with a sign that says "Boobie trap!" The kids will just think the elf got stuck, while mom and dad get the joke.
What you need: a bra, two chairs or cabinet knobs to stretch it between, a small sign
Lazy mom tip: Set this one up in the kitchen or laundry room where the kids see it, then snap a photo for the group chat. It's a guaranteed laugh from your mom friends.
48 | Kinder eggs for breakfast
This Elf on the Shelf breakfast surprise is one of the easiest setups on the list. Set your elf at the kitchen table with Kinder Eggs standing in egg cups (or tucked into an empty egg carton), plus a little note that says “Egg-cellent breakfast is served!” Kids get a sweet treat and a toy surprise inside, and you get a five-minute setup that looks adorable. It’s perfect for a busy school morning when you need a quick, low-effort Elf idea.
What you need: Kinder Eggs (or any chocolate eggs), egg cups or an egg carton, a small napkin, and a handwritten note.
Lazy mom tip: Buy a multi-pack and save the extras for a second “egg hunt” setup later in December.
49 | Elf electrical outlets
Credit: Tracy Ramirez
Stick googly eyes and a little drawn mouth above the wall outlets so they look like surprised faces, with your elf hiding nearby.
What you need: self-adhesive googly eyes, a sticky note for the mouth
Lazy mom tip: Put everything on the wall plate only, never in the sockets.
50 | Q-tip snowflakes
Glue Q-tips into snowflake shapes and lay them around your elf like he spent the night crafting. Leave extras so the kids can make their own.
What you need: Q-tips, glue dots, dark paper for contrast
Lazy mom tip: Glue dots are faster and safer than a hot glue gun at 10pm.
51 | fruit loop friendship bracelets
This Elf on the Shelf craft idea is sweet in more ways than one. Have your elf “make” Fruit Loop friendship bracelets for your kids by stringing the colorful cereal onto pipe cleaners or yarn, with a few finished bracelets laid out next to the elf. Add a note that says “Made these for my best friends!” It’s an easy, low-mess setup that doubles as a fun breakfast activity, since kids can finish stringing their own bracelets in the morning.
What you need: Fruit Loops (or any O-shaped cereal), pipe cleaners or yarn, and a small bowl for the leftover cereal.
Lazy mom tip: Pipe cleaners are easier than yarn for little fingers, and you can twist the ends closed in seconds.
52 | Sink Lake
Turn your bathroom or kitchen sink into a mini winter lake for this Elf on the Shelf setup. Fill the sink with a few inches of water, add blue food coloring if you want a lake look, and set your elf up for a day at the water. He can float on a sponge “raft,” fish with a pencil and string, or relax with rubber duckies. It’s an easy setup kids love because it looks like the elf made himself a little vacation spot overnight.
What you need: A plugged sink with a little water, blue food coloring (optional), a sponge or small toy boat, rubber duckies or toy fish, and a pencil with string for a fishing pole.
Lazy mom tip: Put your elf on the raft or the edge of the sink instead of in the water so he stays dry, and pull the plug once the kids have seen it so nobody has to work around a full sink all morning.
53 | Taco Tuesday Duo
Double the elves, double the fun! For this Elf on the Shelf setup, wrap two elves snugly in tortillas like a pair of tacos and lay them side by side on a plate. Sprinkle shredded cheese, lettuce or a little salsa around them, and add a sign that says “Taco ‘bout a great team!” or “We’re a taco-ble pair!” It’s a quick, funny setup that’s perfect if you have two elves or want to bring in a friend for the night.
What you need: Two elves (or an elf and a small doll), two tortillas, a plate, and any taco toppings you already have.
Lazy mom tip: Use soft flour tortillas, which wrap easily without cracking, and keep the toppings dry (cheese and lettuce only) so the elves don’t get messy.
54 | elf stuck in a balloon
Carefully stretch a balloon over your elf, inflate it and tie it off. Kids will spend the whole morning wondering how he got in there!
What you need: a large clear or light-colored balloon
Lazy mom tip: Stretch the balloon first. Pop it gently with scissors, away from little faces.
55 | Elf hanging around
This punny Elf on the Shelf idea might be the easiest one on the list. Clip your elf onto a clothes hanger, hang it from a branch of your Christmas tree, and add a little sign that says “Just hanging around!” Kids will laugh when they spot their elf dangling among the ornaments. It takes about 60 seconds, so it’s perfect for those nights you’re exhausted and almost forgot to move the elf.
What you need: A clothes hanger (a kids’ or mini hanger works best), a clothespin or binder clip, and a small handwritten sign.
Lazy mom tip: Hang it on a sturdy lower branch so the tree doesn’t tip. A lower branch also puts the elf at your little one’s eye level.
56 | car reindeer
Twist brown pipe cleaner antlers onto toy cars, line them up like Santa's sleigh team, and dress your elf as Santa in the front.
What you need: toy cars, brown pipe cleaners or craft wire, a red pom-pom (optional)
Lazy mom tip: Glue a red pom-pom on the lead car for Rudolph.
57 | Peeking Out of a Stocking
Slip your elf into one of the stockings with his head and arms hanging over the edge, like he's checking for early presents.
What you need: a stocking hung on your Christmas decor
Lazy mom tip: Add a note: "Just making sure there's room for Santa!"
58 | mini rubber duckie hunt
Turn your elf’s antics into a morning scavenger hunt! Have your elf hide a handful of tiny rubber duckies around the house overnight, then leave a note that says “I hid 10 ducks... can you find them all?” Kids will race around searching behind pillows, under plates and inside shoes. It’s a fun, interactive Elf idea that keeps little ones busy and makes the morning feel like a game.
What you need: A bag of mini rubber duckies (they come in big packs for just a few dollars) and a note telling the kids how many to find.
Lazy mom tip: Write down where you hid each duck before bed. Trust me, you won’t remember where duck number nine went at 7am. Save the duckies in your elf bin and reuse them for “Gone Fishing” (#13) or “Sink Lake” (#52).
59 | ‘elfazon’ amazon packages
Your elf has been doing a little holiday shopping! For this Elf on the Shelf idea, wrap a few small boxes in brown paper and draw on a smile-arrow logo with the word “Elfazon.” Stack them by the front door or around your elf like he just made a big delivery run, and add a note that says “Your Elfazon order has arrived!” Tuck a small treat, a candy cane or a holiday activity inside each box for a sweet morning surprise.
What you need: A few small boxes (empty jewelry or gift boxes work great), brown kraft paper or paper bags, tape, a black marker and small fillers like candy or stickers.
Lazy mom tip: Reuse the cardboard boxes from your actual online orders. Just cut them down, wrap them in brown paper, and you’re done in five minutes.
60 | “Let It Snow” Cutting Board Snow Angel
This Elf on the Shelf snow angel gets all the magic with none of the mess. Sprinkle a layer of flour or powdered sugar onto a cutting board, gently lay your elf down, and move his arms and legs to make a snow angel. Then lift him out and set him beside his masterpiece. Write “Let it snow!” in the sugar with your finger, or add a little sign. Kids love seeing the elf’s “angel” print, and you love that cleanup is just rinsing the board.
What you need: A cutting board or baking sheet, flour or powdered sugar, and a small sieve or spoon for sprinkling.
Lazy mom tip: Keeping the “snow” on a cutting board means no flour on the counters or floor. When you’re done, carry the board to the sink and rinse it off. Use powdered sugar if your kids will want to taste it.
61 | ELF YOGA CLASS
Set up dolls on washcloth "yoga mats" with your elf leading class from the front.
What you need: a few dolls or toys, washcloths
Lazy mom tip: Leave a note asking the kids to copy the elf's pose in the morning.
62 | we don’t talk about bruno
For Encanto fans: line up the elf with a few toys "singing" together, and hide one toy under a napkin with a sign: "We don't talk about Bruno!"
What you need: a few toys, a napkin, a sign
Lazy mom tip: Let the kids guess who's hiding under the napkin.
63 | elf hot tub
Sit your elf in an empty Crock-Pot filled with marshmallow "bubbles" for the coziest hot tub in town.
What you need: an unplugged Crock-Pot, mini marshmallows
Lazy mom tip: Make sure it's unplugged and cool, then add a "Reserved" sign for fun.
64 | ELF DOMINOS PIZZA
Open an empty pizza box and fill it with dominoes as the "toppings," with your elf serving it up and a sign: "Domino's delivery!"
What you need: an empty pizza box (or a round plate), a set of dominoes
Lazy mom tip: Plan it for pizza night and the elf "orders" dinner for you.
65 | elf apple watch
Draw a clock face on an apple with a marker and set it next to your elf with a sign: "Check out my new Apple Watch!"
What you need: an apple, a food-safe or dry-erase marker
Lazy mom tip: A green apple makes the clock face pop in photos.
66 | Elf Goldfishing with gummy worms
This one is super easy. Tie some gummy worms to toothpicks and hang above a box of goldfish.
67 | Elf Target Practice
Draw a target in ketchup and mustard on a paper plate, tape it to the kitchen wall, and pose your elf like he's been practicing his aim.
What you need: a paper plate, ketchup, mustard, painter's tape
Lazy mom tip: Keep the condiments on the plate, not the wall, for an easy toss-out.
68 | Elf Moon Phases
Twist open Oreos and scrape the cream into each phase of the moon, from new moon to full. Line them up with your elf as the "astronomer."
What you need: a pack of Oreos, a butter knife
Lazy mom tip: It's secretly a science lesson, and the scraps make a great snack.
69 | Toilet Paper Tree
Stack toilet paper rolls into a pyramid Christmas tree, wrap it in mini lights, and top it with a paper star.
What you need: toilet paper rolls, a battery string light, a paper star
Lazy mom tip: Battery lights mean no hunting for a bathroom outlet.
70 | Elf napping in a kleenex box
All that nighttime mischief is exhausting! For this cozy Elf on the Shelf idea, tuck your elf into an open tissue box like it’s a little bed, with a few tissues fluffed up as blankets and pillows. Add a tiny sign that says “Do Not Disturb” or “Elf Nap in Progress, Shhh!” It’s a sweet, quiet setup that’s perfect for a night when you’re tired too, since it takes less than a minute.
What you need: A tissue box (square boxes work best), a few tissues for bedding, and a small handwritten sign.
Lazy mom tip: This one’s great for the night before a busy morning. It’s simple and adorable, and it gives you an excuse for why the elf didn’t get up to much mischief.
71 | Elf irons the orange
Your elf decided the fruit bowl needed a little pressing! For this silly Elf on the Shelf idea, peel an orange, lay the peel flat on a small “ironing board” (a ruler, a book or a folded towel), and pose your elf holding a toy iron over it like he’s smoothing out the wrinkles. Add a sign that says “Orange you glad I’m so helpful?” It’s random, funny and the kind of setup kids will want to tell their friends about.
What you need: An orange, a toy iron (a dollhouse or play-kitchen iron works great), and a flat surface like a ruler or folded towel for the ironing board.
Lazy mom tip: Use a toy iron only, never a real one. Peel the orange in big pieces so it flattens nicely, and save the fruit inside for breakfast.
72 | Who let the dogs out Snoop Dog elf
Tip over a toy box or laundry basket with stuffed puppies spilling out everywhere, and pose your elf looking guilty, holding the open latch.
What you need: stuffed or toy dogs, a box or basket
Lazy mom tip: Add sunglasses on the elf for extra swagger.
73 | Elf on the Shelf U Tube pun
Your elf just launched his own channel! For this punny Elf on the Shelf idea, take an empty paper towel or toilet paper tube, write a big “U” on the front (or tape a photo of your child onto it, so it’s literally “You Tube”), and have your elf peek out of the top or sit beside it. Add a sign that says “Like and subscribe to my new channel!” or “Starring YOU!” It’s a fun one for kids who love watching videos, and it takes just a few minutes with things you already have at home.
What you need: An empty cardboard tube, a marker, tape, and a printed photo of your child (optional but extra cute).
Lazy mom tip: Paint or color the tube red and add a white “play button” triangle for a version kids will recognize instantly. Keep a few empty tubes in your elf bin, since they come in handy for lots of setups.
74 | Elf Got a New “Eye-Pad”
Your elf finally upgraded his tech... sort of! For this punny Elf on the Shelf idea, stick a bunch of googly eyes all over a notepad and prop it up next to your elf with a sign that says “I got a new EYE-PAD!” Kids (and grown-ups) will groan and giggle at the same time. It’s one of the cheapest, quickest setups on the list. All you need is a notepad and a handful of googly eyes, and it takes about two minutes.
What you need: A small notepad or lined index card, googly eyes in mixed sizes (the self-adhesive kind are easiest), and a printed or handwritten sign.
Lazy mom tip: Grab a big variety pack of self-adhesive googly eyes. They’re perfect for other quick setups too, like giving faces to bananas, outlets (#49) or toilet paper rolls (#27).
75 | “You Butter Watch Out” Elf
This Elf on the Shelf idea is a little cheeky and a lot punny! Tuck your elf into the butter compartment of your fridge door, snuggled up next to a stick of butter, and tape a note underneath with a buttery twist on a classic Christmas song. Kids will laugh when they open the fridge for breakfast, and parents will appreciate the gentle “be good, Santa’s watching” reminder. It’s a quick, no-mess setup that takes about a minute.
What you need: A stick of butter, your fridge’s butter compartment, a piece of paper or an index card, a marker and tape.
Lazy mom tip: If you don’t want to write out the full song, a short note like “You BUTTER be good!” works just as well. This setup is great for the week before Christmas, when you need a little extra good behavior.
Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Ideas
On Christmas Eve, the elf flies home with Santa. Make the ending a memory instead of a sad moment:
A goodbye letter telling your child how proud the elf is of them this year
A small parting gift, like an ornament with the year on it or a new book
A "See you next year!" note with a drawing of the elf waving from the North Pole
Hot cocoa on Christmas Eve morning for one last cozy send-off
How fun are these elf on a shelf ideas? Let me know your favorite in the comments below. Which one will you try first?
Let me not forget to recommend grabbing a pre-made 24 day Elf on the Shelf idea kit to save you so much time.
Elf on the Shelf FAQs
When does Elf on the Shelf start?
Most families welcome their elf the day after Thanksgiving or on December 1st, and the elf stays until Christmas Eve. There’s no wrong answer. Start whenever it fits your family’s schedule.
What are the rules of Elf on the Shelf?
There are two main rules. Kids can’t touch the elf, or it may lose its magic. The elf only moves at night while everyone is asleep. Each morning, kids search the house to find where the elf landed.
What happens if my child touches the elf?
Don’t panic! Many families have kids write an apology note to Santa, and some sprinkle a little cinnamon next to the elf to help restore its magic. By the next morning, the elf is back to moving.
What age is Elf on the Shelf best for?
It’s most magical for kids around 3 to 8, when they fully believe and love the morning hunt. Older siblings often enjoy helping plan setups for younger ones, which keeps the tradition going.
How do I come up with easy Elf on the Shelf ideas every night?
Keep a simple bin of props, plan a week at a time, and save this list so you never have to think on the spot. Use household items like cereal, toilet paper, sticky notes and toys.
Does the elf have to do something funny every night?
Not at all. Some nights the elf can simply hide in a new spot. Kids love the search as much as the setup, so simple nights count too.
Do I need to buy the official Elf on the Shelf?
No. The original book-and-elf set is a sweet keepsake, but any small elf doll works. Lots of families also buy a second elf for double the mischief.
What do you name your elf?
Let your kids choose! Popular names include Jingle, Buddy, Sparkle, Pepper, Snowflake and Tinsel. Naming the elf together is a fun way to kick off the tradition.
How do I stop Elf on the Shelf from being stressful?
Lower the bar. Do 2–3 “big” setups a week and keep the rest simple. Use a pre-made accessory kit or a printable plan, and set a nightly reminder so you’re never scrambling.
What does the elf do on Christmas Eve?
The elf flies back to the North Pole with Santa. Many families have the elf leave a goodbye letter and a small gift, then return next year around Thanksgiving.
Can Elf on the Shelf be a kindness tradition?
Absolutely. A “kindness elf” leaves a daily good deed for the kids to do, like donating a toy, writing a thank-you card or helping a neighbor. It’s a lovely way to shift the focus to giving.
Your Turn, Mama!
Which of these Elf on the Shelf ideas are you trying first this year? Tell me in the comments. I read every one, and I love stealing new ideas from you, too!
Pin this post so you have all 75+ ideas ready every night in December.
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