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.
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
p.s. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I am so grateful for your support.
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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
This Elf on the Shelf holiday movie night basket is a festive surprise the whole family will love. Filled with Christmas snacks, popcorn, and cozy treats, it’s an easy and creative Elf on the Shelf idea that turns any night into a holiday memory.
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
This Elf on the Shelf riding hanging toilet paper is a hilarious and unexpected bathroom prank that will have the kids giggling. A quick and easy Elf idea that uses items you already have at home for a fun holiday surprise.
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
This Elf on the Shelf copy machine prank is pure holiday fun—complete with a photocopied picture of the elf and a friend. A creative and silly Elf idea that’s perfect for adding a little office-style mischief to your Christmas season.
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.
17 | Self Care Bubble Bath Elf
This Elf on the Shelf Barbie bath filled with mini marshmallows is the ultimate holiday self-care scene. Complete with a cozy tub and tiny spa vibes, it’s a cute and creative Elf idea that will have kids and adults smiling.
Place your elf in a cute bathrobe for a little self care & relaxation.
18 | Elf feeding the dinosaurs
This Elf on the Shelf feeding mini marshmallows to toy dinosaurs is a playful and imaginative holiday setup. A fun and easy Elf idea that brings a little prehistoric mischief to your Christmas season.
19 | Elf mechanic
This Elf on the Shelf playing mechanic under a toy truck is a clever and easy holiday setup. Complete with tools and a little Christmas mischief, it’s a fun Elf idea that will spark kids’ imaginations.
20 | To the moon and back
This Elf on the Shelf dressed in a DIY foil space suit with a ‘To the Moon and Back’ sign is an out-of-this-world holiday idea. A fun and creative setup that’s perfect for space-loving kids and adds a unique twist to your Christmas Elf traditions.
via: pinterest . com
21 | Elves made eggs
This Elf on the Shelf pretending to make eggs with a Kinder Egg is a sweet and silly holiday setup. A fun twist on kitchen-themed Elf ideas that kids will love discovering in the morning.
22 | Wealthy elf with lottery tickets
These Elves on the Shelf with lottery tickets make for a hilarious and unexpected holiday surprise. A fun and easy setup that’s perfect for adding a little grown-up humor to your Christmas Elf ideas.
23 | Elf roasting marshmellows
This Elf on the Shelf roasting marshmallows over a candle is a cozy and creative holiday setup. A simple yet fun idea that brings camping vibes to your Christmas Elf traditions—perfect for kids who love s’mores.
24 | Snow angel elf ARRIVAL note
This Elf on the Shelf snow angel with a cute arrival note is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. Surrounded by ‘snow’ and a festive welcome message, it’s a magical and memorable Elf arrival idea kids will never forget.
25 | Couch diving elf
This Elf on the Shelf diving into the sofa cushions with found coins and crumbs is a silly and relatable holiday setup. A funny, low-effort Elf idea that’s perfect for adding everyday mischief to your Christmas traditions.
26 | Decluttering elf arrival note
27 | Elf Toilet paper snowmen
This Elf on the Shelf toilet paper stack with snowman faces drawn on is a hilarious and festive holiday prank. A quick and easy Elf idea that turns everyday items into Christmas fun the whole family will enjoy.
Recreate this look:
28 | Elf drawing for santa
29 | Help me underpants elf
This Elf on the Shelf taped to the fridge in underpants is a laugh-out-loud holiday setup that’s sure to surprise the kids. A silly and unexpected Elf idea that’s quick to put together and guaranteed to get giggles.
30 | Pedicure day elf
This Elf on the Shelf spa day setup with its feet soaking in a bowl of mini marshmallows is a cozy and creative holiday scene. A fun and relaxing Elf idea that adds a little self-care magic to your Christmas traditions.
31 | The Milk Has Gone Bad
32 | Sunday Elf Sundae Surprise
This Elf on the Shelf sundae bar setup is a sweet and colorful holiday surprise. Complete with toppings, sprinkles, and festive treats, it’s a fun and interactive Elf idea kids will love discovering in the morning.
33 | Toasty elf
This Elf on the Shelf with an ‘It’s Toasty Inside’ sign and arms tucked into the toaster is a warm and witty holiday setup. A playful and easy Elf idea that’s sure to get laughs and make mornings more fun during the Christmas season.
34 | Naughty or Nice Elf Meter
35 | Taco Tuesday
This Elf on the Shelf wrapped in a tortilla for Taco Tuesday is a hilarious and festive holiday twist on a favorite weekly tradition. A quick and easy Elf idea that’s perfect for adding a little spice to your Christmas season.
36 | The post it bandit
These Post-it Bandit Elves on the Shelf have covered everything in colorful sticky notes for a bright and funny holiday prank. A creative and easy Elf idea that’s sure to make the whole family laugh.
37 | rock and roll elves
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
40 | Elf Kabobs
41 | Elf CAR WRECK
This Elf on the Shelf riding in a Barbie car that crashed into the Christmas tree is a hilarious and action-packed holiday setup. A fun and easy Elf idea that will have kids laughing as they imagine the elf’s wild ride.
42 | MERMAID ELF AT the beach
43 | PIKACHU ELF
This Elf on the Shelf drawing Pikachu faces on bananas is a playful and creative holiday prank. A fun Elf idea that adds a pop of Pokémon magic to your Christmas season.
44 | elf pead himself
This Elf on the Shelf spelling out words with peas is a funny and unexpected holiday setup. A simple and creative Elf idea that’s easy to pull off and sure to make kids laugh.
45 | Elf Christmas countdown
46 | Walking the paw patrol pups
47 | Boobie trap
48 | Kinder eggs for breakfast
49 | Elf electrical outlets
Credit: Tracy Ramirez
50 | Q-tip snowflakes
These Elves on the Shelf making snowflakes out of Q-tips is a crafty and creative holiday setup. A fun Elf idea that doubles as a DIY Christmas project kids can try themselves.
Credit: The Crochet Mama
51 | fruit loop friendship bracelets
Credit: Trinarhe47
52 | Sink Lake
53 | Taco Tuesday
54 | elf stuck in a balloon
This Elf on the Shelf inside a blown-up balloon is a unique and eye-catching holiday setup. A playful and surprising Elf idea that will leave kids wondering how the elf got inside!
55 | Elf hanging around
56 | car reindeer
This Elf on the Shelf dressed as Santa with toy cars sporting mini antlers made from craft wire is a festive and imaginative holiday scene. A fun Elf idea that combines Christmas creativity with a dash of handmade charm.
57 | cRUMBS IN THE COUCH
58 | mini rubber duckies
59 | ‘elfazon’ amazon packages
60 | elf snow angels
61 | ELF YOGA CLASS
This Elf on the Shelf yoga class with Barbies is a playful and creative holiday setup. Complete with yoga poses and a touch of Christmas cheer, it’s a fun Elf idea that brings a little mindfulness to the festive season.
62 | we don’t talk about bruno
63 | elf hot tub
This Elf on the Shelf hot tub in a Crock-Pot is a hilarious and cozy holiday setup. Complete with marshmallow ‘bubbles,’ it’s a fun and easy Elf idea that will have kids giggling all season long."
A crock pot is the perfect elf hot tub.
64 | elf DOMINOS PIZZA
These Elves on the Shelf are serving up pizza made from Domino’s, turning dinner time into a festive and funny holiday scene. A playful Elf idea that combines kids’ love for pizza with Christmas magic.
65 | elf apple watch
Grab an apple at the grocery store and draw a clock on it to create an ‘apple watch’.
66 | elf GOLD FISHING
This one is super easy. Tie some gummy worms to toothpicks and hang above a box of goldfish.
67 | elf TARGET PRACTICE
Grab some mustard and ketchup, draw out a target and hang it in the kitchen. A funny morning kitchen moment.
68 | elf MOON PHASES
69 | Toilet Paper Tree
These Elves on the Shelf created a Christmas tree out of stacked toilet paper rolls and decorated it with festive lights. A funny and creative holiday setup that’s easy to recreate and sure to make kids laugh.
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.
p.s. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I am so grateful for your support.
💡 Pro-tip: Grab a FREE 30 Day trial of Amazon Prime to get unlimited free shipping to make shopping for your coffee bar super easy – without even leaving home!
