Last minute Elf On The Shelf Ideas

Thinking about getting into the Elf On The Shelf bandwagon? This post will be your complete guide for easy, funny and last minute ideas.

For years, I’ve seen the funniest, most clever Elf on the Shelf set ups and have absolutely adored them. However, I’ve never been one to partake in the fun because it just seems like adding yet another thing to do for the holidays that could be overwhelming.

Well, just the other day my little one asked me “mama, why hasn’t Santa sent me an elf yet?”.

It was then that it occurred to me, maybe it’s time. In all honesty, I don’t even know what Elf on the Shelf really is. So, this post is going to be all about Elf on the Shelf and some funny yet easy ideas for you to recreate at home.

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.

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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.

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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65+ Clever & Easy Elf on The Shelf Ideas

01 | An elf Selfie

The best way for the elf to communicate is handwritten notes or fun signs, try using a letter board to streamline each days message.

02 | Movie night with snacks

03 | Candy breakfast

Easy Elf on the Shelf breakfast idea! Set your elf up in the kitchen with a mini frying pan filled with colorful cereal and candy, plus a cute note that says ‘Made you breakfast.’ A silly and simple Elf on the Shelf cooking scene that kids will love!

04 | Coloring outside the lines

Creative Elf on the Shelf coloring idea! Place your elf next to an open coloring book with crayons scattered around and a scribbly, messy page. It looks like your elf has been busy with some not-so-perfect holiday artwork—kids will get a laugh out of it! An easy and fun Elf on the Shelf activity scene.

05 | Elf Self Portrait

Funny Elf on the Shelf drawing idea! Set your elf up with markers and a paper towel roll, then draw a ‘selfie’ of your elf in front of a fireplace. It’s a hilarious and creative Elf on the Shelf craft that looks like your elf made their own holiday portrait. Easy setup, big laughs!

06 | Elf and Starbucks

Funny Elf on the Shelf Starbucks money prank! Set up two elves with mini coffee cups and cut-out stars labeled with taped dollar bills—aka ‘Star Bucks.’ It’s a hilarious Elf on the Shelf pun idea that parents will love and kids will find super silly. A clever, easy elf setup that looks creative but takes just minutes to pull off!

Get yourself the pair of naughty elves for double the fun.

07 | Elf Gingerbread house

Easy Elf on the Shelf gingerbread pun idea! Stack a few slices of bread over a bottle of ground ginger and add a note that says ‘My gingerbread house.’ This silly Elf on the Shelf setup is a quick win for lazy moms who love a good holiday pun. No glue, no frosting—just good clean elf humor!

08 | Elf Camping out

Adorable Elf on the Shelf camping idea! Set your elf up under an open book as a tent, with mini marshmallows arranged like a campfire. This cozy, easy Elf on the Shelf scene is perfect for sparking holiday imagination with minimal effort—great for busy moms looking for simple, fun setups!

09 | Elf sliding down the toilet paper

10 | Cheerio notes

Personalized Elf on the Shelf idea with spilled Cheerios! Have your elf spill Cheerios to spell out a fun message or a child’s name like ‘Hi Logan!’ This simple and sweet Elf on the Shelf setup is easy to create and adds a personal touch to your holiday tradition.

11 | Elf playing connect four

Creative Elf on the Shelf idea: Elf and Woody playing Connect 4! This playful holiday scene combines favorite toys for a fun, easy Elf on the Shelf setup that kids will love. Perfect for adding personality and imagination to your Elf on the Shelf tradition.

12 | Elf printer picture

13 | Elf gone fishing

Funny Elf on the Shelf bathroom idea! Set your elf with rubber duckies in the sink and write ‘Going fishing’ on the mirror for a playful, easy Elf on the Shelf setup. Perfect for adding a splash of humor and creativity to your holiday tradition.

14 | Gummy Bear rock climbing

Creative and easy Elf on the Shelf idea! Have your elf ‘rock climb’ up the cabinets using taped gummy bears as climbing holds. Add a note that says ‘Rock climbing’ for a playful, kid-approved Elf on the Shelf setup that’s quick to put together and super fun to find!

15 | Elf Mini Chocolate kisses

Adorable Elf on the Shelf idea! Set your elf ‘popping’ on the sink with a trail of mini chocolate kisses leading the way. This sweet and simple Elf on the Shelf setup is perfect for busy moms who want an easy, fun holiday surprise.

16 | Elf Just Chilling

Funny Elf on the Shelf idea! Place your elf sitting in the fridge next to drinks with a sign that says ‘Just chilling.’ This easy and hilarious Elf on the Shelf setup is perfect for adding a cool, laid-back vibe to your holiday tradition.