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!

Why Include the Elf on the Shelf in your Holiday

Listen, I completely get that the holidays are a busy time. If you haven’t already introduced “the elf” to the kids, why should you consider adding it to your already extensive list of “things to do” this holiday season? Well, in addition to the memories you and your kids will make, there are quite a few educational benefits to including the Elf on the Shelf in your holiday activities.

Fostering Creativity and Imagination

• Creative Storytelling: Children can develop their storytelling skills by imagining what the Elf has been doing overnight or creating stories about the Elf’s adventures.
• Writing Prompts: Use the Elf’s actions as a fun writing prompt. Children can journal what they think the Elf has done each day or write letters to the Elf.

Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills

• Elf Challenges or Puzzles: Parents can set up little puzzles, scavenger hunts, or challenges related to the Elf’s activities, helping children practice problem-solving and critical thinking.

Building Literacy Skills

• Reading the Elf’s Notes: Many families leave short notes from the Elf, encouraging children to practice reading skills.
• Comprehension Practice: Children can describe what the Elf is doing, reinforcing comprehension and speaking skills.

Math Skills through Elf-Related Activities

• Counting and Estimation: Children can engage in counting or estimation activities, such as how many days until Christmas or how many “toys” the Elf is holding.
• Elf Games: Simple math games or challenges can be set up by the Elf (e.g., how many candies are in a jar the Elf is sitting near).

Incorporating Geography and Cultural Awareness

• Learning about the North Pole: This is an opportunity to teach children about the geography of the North Pole or the concept of seasons.
• Cultural Traditions: Use the Elf as a starting point to explore how different cultures celebrate holidays, opening up discussions about global traditions.

Boosting Fine Motor Skills

• Crafts and Decorating: Many Elf on the Shelf setups involve arts and crafts, which help children practice fine motor skills as they create their own decorations or setups for the Elf.

Developing Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

• Understanding Feelings: The Elf’s daily movements can prompt discussions about feelings, both the Elf’s and the child’s, helping develop emotional intelligence and empathy.

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? #busyparentsunderstand

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 boat 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 dumbbell
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

Get the Elf on the Shelf Ideas Printable

You’re well on your way to an especially memorable holiday season! To get your printable list of Easy Elf Antic Ideas, just fill out the form below. The PDF will get sent straight to your inbox. From there, you can print it out or save the file to your phone (away from wandering eyes of the littles!).

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!

Until next time, stay safe and enjoy quality time with your family,