50 Funny and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas

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

  1. sitting on top of a Christmas tree
  2. squeezing out toothpaste on the bathroom countertop
  3. scribbling in a coloring book
  4. hanging from the chandelier
  5. riding in a toy car
  6. hanging from a curtain rod
  7. peeking out of a cereal box
  8. putting together a cotton ball snowman
  9. sitting in spilled flour, with measuring spoons around
  10. decorating a mini Christmas tree
  11. in a bowl with ingredients to make slime around it
  12. in the refrigerator, hanging onto a gallon of milk dyed green
  13. eating a bowl of spaghetti
  14. stuck under an overturned drinking glass
  15. peeling the wrapping paper off of a gift
  16. making an angel in a pile of flour
  17. frozen in a block of ice in the freezer
  18. peeking out of a cookie jar
  19. sitting on a shelf with a broken leg (my personal favorite – he stays there for days!)
  20. building a tower with blocks
  21. sitting on top of a basket of laundry, sorting socks
  22. laying next to silverware in the drawer
  23. playing “go fish” with a stuffed animal
  24. fishing in the kitchen sink
  25. sitting in a bot in the bathtub
  26. hanging from a doorway
  27. building a sleigh with LEGOs
  28. hanging from a floating balloon
  29. drawing on the window with window markers
  30. working out, laying under a hand weight
  31. on a photo frame, putting googly eyes on the people
  32. stuck inside a clear balloon
  33. eating a donut
  34. having a tea party with dolls
  35. reading a book
  36. drinking syrup out of the container with straw
  37. playing a board game
  38. sitting in front of the tv with the remote
  39. riding on a toy train
  40. looking through a Christmas toy catalog, circling toys with a pen
  41. swinging on a ceiling fan blade
  42. peeking out of a stocking
  43. writing a grocery list of all candy
  44. sleeping in a tissue box
  45. packing a suitcase for a trip
  46. spelling out a message with m&ms
  47. making snowflake shapes with q-tips
  48. laying in a hot dog bun on a plate
  49. having a race with toy cars
  50. rock climbing up a bookcase
  51. spelling out a message with alphabet magnets
  52. 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!

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