50 Funny and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
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Does the Elf on the Shelf return to your home every year, too? Need some easy Elf on the Shelf ideas to keep him busy and the kids entertained, while not taking up a ton of your time? I got you! Read on, busy parents, read on.
Every year, right around Thanksgiving, the Elf on the Shelf returns to my home. As long as my husband and I can find where we hid him last year (oops!), Santa will usually drop him off when he’s picking up the kids wrapping paper selections. From that day forward, my kids look forward to the antics of Mr. Elf (they named him).
You know what, though? I’m not really interested in spending a ton of time and effort on Mr. Elf’s activities. Sure, the kids love him, but you know what else the kids love? A clean home, delicious meals, and Christmas gifts (among other things), so this mama’s gotta spend her time wisely.
If you are able to craft elaborate Elf on the Shelf displays and such, by all means, go for it! If you’re looking to save some time, but still provide a memorable Elf on the Shelf season for the kiddos, I got you! Read on for over 50 easy Elf on the Shelf ideas!
The majority of these ideas are super simple and can be completed in a matter of minutes with common household items. You’ll need a little extra planning for number 17, but, really, the rest should take no more than 5 minutes to set up. When you complete an activity, just cross it off the list. Or not. If you want to do ideas more than once, who are we to stop you? #busymomsunderstand
Over 50 Funny, but Easy Elf, on the Shelf Ideas
- sitting on top of a Christmas tree
- squeezing out toothpaste on the bathroom countertop
- scribbling in a coloring book
- hanging from the chandelier
- riding in a toy car
- hanging from a curtain rod
- peeking out of a cereal box
- putting together a cotton ball snowman
- sitting in spilled flour, with measuring spoons around
- decorating a mini Christmas tree
- in a bowl with ingredients to make slime around it
- in the refrigerator, hanging onto a gallon of milk dyed green
- eating a bowl of spaghetti
- stuck under an overturned drinking glass
- peeling the wrapping paper off of a gift
- making an angel in a pile of flour
- frozen in a block of ice in the freezer
- peeking out of a cookie jar
- sitting on a shelf with a broken leg (my personal favorite – he stays there for days!)
- building a tower with blocks
- sitting on top of a basket of laundry, sorting socks
- laying next to silverware in the drawer
- playing “go fish” with a stuffed animal
- fishing in the kitchen sink
- sitting in a bot in the bathtub
- hanging from a doorway
- building a sleigh with LEGOs
- hanging from a floating balloon
- drawing on the window with window markers
- working out, laying under a hand weight
- on a photo frame, putting googly eyes on the people
- stuck inside a clear balloon
- eating a donut
- having a tea party with dolls
- reading a book
- drinking syrup out of the container with straw
- playing a board game
- sitting in front of the tv with the remote
- riding on a toy train
- looking through a Christmas toy catalog, circling toys with a pen
- swinging on a ceiling fan blade
- peeking out of a stocking
- writing a grocery list of all candy
- sleeping in a tissue box
- packing a suitcase for a trip
- spelling out a message with m&ms
- making snowflake shapes with q-tips
- laying in a hot dog bun on a plate
- having a race with toy cars
- rock climbing up a bookcase
- spelling out a message with alphabet magnets
- writing a note to Santa
These ideas should keep your elf busy for a while, right? Are there any other fun, but still easy Elf on the Shelf ideas you would add to the list? Leave us a comment and let us know!
While you’re in the Christmas season, you may want to encourage some literacy activities in your home. Check out three ways we encourage literacy in our home over the Christmas season for ideas you can implement in your family!
