Need quick and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas you can pull together in less than five minutes? Here are 30 easy Elf ideas for busy parents who need easy ideas for staging your elf quickly. Be sure to have your Elf on the Shelf handy when December 1st rolls around!
Also, don’t forget to snag your Kid’s Holiday Activity Kit, complete with Elf on the Shelf Notes & Letter Boards, Letter to Santa, Activity Sheets, Countdown to Christmas, Christmas Scavenger Hunts & I Spy Games, and much more!
30 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Busy Parents
The second year we had an Elf on the Shelf in our home, I ran out of ideas by basically the 5th day and had to explain to the kids why our Elf (who they named Peppermint) hadn’t moved for three days straight.
I couldn’t outright say, “Mommy forgot” or the idea of the Elf would be lost forever.
Elf on the Shelf while a beloved Christmas tradition, but for busy parents, finding new ideas can feel like a challenge. Luckily, with a bit of creativity and minimal effort, you can keep the magic alive without spending hours planning.
This year, I have 30 of the best easy Elf on the Shelf ideas for busy parents designed to bring joy to your children while making your life easier during the busy holiday season. These ideas take five minutes or less to set up and use household items you likely already have on hand!
Pssst.. we just released 95 New & Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas if you want to load up on even more quick, easy, and funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas for December.
Why Elf on the Shelf is Exciting During the Holidays
The Elf on the Shelf tradition creates anticipation and excitement for kids as they wake up each day to see what antics their elf has been up to. We don’t utilize the Elf to encourage positive behavior as kids work to stay on Santa’s “nice list” – at our house, it’s purely for fun!
With a little planning, you can maintain this holiday magic without feeling overwhelmed.
How to Keep Your Elf Antics Stress-Free
- Start Simple: If you’re just starting this tradition, don’t feel pressure to go overboard. A playful, simple pose is enough to make kids laugh and smile.
- Set a Reminder: Use your phone’s alarm to remind yourself to move the elf each night. This prevents the “Oops! The elf didn’t move!” conversation in the morning.
- Get Creative with Supplies: Most ideas can be done using everyday items, like cotton balls, tape, or even your kids’ toys. You don’t need to purchase anything special unless you want to.
Why These Ideas Work
- Fast Setup: Each of these ideas takes less than five minutes to pull off, perfect for busy parents who don’t have hours to spend on elaborate displays.
- Minimal Supplies: Most setups use common household items, so no need for extra trips to the store.
- Engaging for Kids: These ideas are interactive and funny, keeping your children excited to find their elf every day.
Before you check out all the fun and super simple Elf on the Shelf ideas…
Be sure to snag the free printable Elf “Caught You Being Good“ Notes to stick with your elf for the next morning. Use them to reinforce good behavior, praise your child and point out all their best qualities.
If you have older children who are learning to read or already know how to read, consider adding little notes from your elf. These can be silly jokes, encouragement for good behavior, or even mini scavenger hunts.
(You can also download a set of Elf on the Shelf notecards at the bottom of this article)
30 Easy Elf Ideas: Elf on the Shelf Ideas in 5 Minutes or Less
Elf on the Shelf is Wrapped up in a Spider Web
(via Katherine Forbes Photography)
Elf Freezing in the Fridge
via Source Unknown
Elf Drawing Minions on Bananas
via FancyShanty
Elf Stuck in a Glass
via Andiamo
“Be Good” Written in Cheerios
Elf Caught in a Bag of M&Ms
Elf Caught Drawing Mustaches on Pictures
Making Flour Angels or Sprinkle Angles
via Indulgy
Elf Reading a Book to his Friends
via My Mommy Style
Army Man Take the Elf Hostage
Elf Drinking Syrup with Barbie
Do You Want to Make a Snowman?
Elf Lifting Marshmallow Weights
Caught Doodling in a Kid’s Coloring Book
via First for Women
Elf Fishing in the Sink
via Melanie Stofka
Elf Zip Lining
via Rachel S Wartley
Enjoying Leftover Pizza
Elf Hiding With the Silverware
Ooops, They’re Frozen by Elsa
from I Heart Naptime
The Elf on the Shelf is no match for Darth Vader
Elf in the Jaws of T-Rex
via Picklehead Soup
Having a Super Fun Sack Race
via Picklehead Soup
Elf Playing a Game with a Doll
via Little Blue Boo
Leave a new Book for Your Kids to Read
via Mrs. Pauley’s Kindergarten
Caught Ya’ Cooking with M&Ms
via Picklehead Soup
Little Elf Went Nuts with the Stickers
via Enza’s Bargains
Camo Elf is Hiding in the Christmas Tree
Someone Went a Little Crazy with the Copy Machine
via t’s A Yummy Life
He Whipped Up a Batch of Mini Elf Pancakes
Creative & Fun Elf on the Shelf Outfits & Accessories:
Download 40 Elf on the Shelf “I Caught You Being Good” Notecards
Create Your Own Elf on the Shelf Tradition
Once you’ve tried some of these ideas, start thinking of ways to personalize the tradition. Does your family have a favorite holiday movie? Set up the elf in a scene from it! Or, let the elf reflect your family’s hobbies—whether it’s sports, reading, or crafting.
By keeping it fun and simple, you’ll create lasting holiday memories without added stress. And don’t forget, you can also plan ahead and even reuse ideas your kids loved the most from previous years. Happy Elf-ing!
More Elf on the Shelf Ideas:
- 35 Funny & Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 48 Elf on the Shelf “Caught You Being Good” Notes
- Elf on the Shelf Printable “I Caught You Being Good” Notecards
Check Out All the (Non-Junk) Gift Guides for Parents:
- Ultimate Guide: 200+ Practical Non Toy Gifts for Kids That Aren’t Junk
- Best Board Games for Kids and Families to Play Together
- Best Gifts for Kids Who Love Arts and Crafts
- Best Outdoor Toys for Kids to Promote Active Play & Healthy Habits
- 40+ Unique Stocking Stuffers for Baby – Toddler (Ages 0 – 3)
- Non-Toy Gifts for Giving Children Experiences Not Things
- Gifts for Kids to Receive in the Mail All Year Round
And More Christmas Resources…
- 12 Hilarious Minute To Win It Christmas Games for Kids
- 24 Cute & Healthy Christmas Snacks for Kids
- Traditional Christmas Coloring Pages for Kids
- Letter to Santa & Certificate for Making Santa’s Nice List
- 5 Gift Rule Christmas: Want Need Wear Read (& A Special Family Tradition You Need)
Want even more?
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Fun ideas! Gave me some good antics to get me through Christmas! Visiting from Share Your Style party.
Thanks so much for these brilliant ideas!!! Tomorrows specials is the elf is cooking up candy for breakfast, it was THAT cold in the North Pole that Elodie wanted a hot breakie!!
Very creative elf on the shelf ideas. Love them all