Last-Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas That Save the Day
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If you’re anything like me, the holiday season is already hectic, and remembering to move the Elf on the Shelf can feel like just one more thing on the list. Some nights, I’m scrambling for ideas at the last minute, hoping to create a little holiday magic without a ton of effort. That’s why I put together this list of easy, last-minute Elf on the Shelf ideas. These are the ones that have saved me time and time again, and they’re sure to bring a smile to your kids’ faces while keeping things simple for you. Let’s make this fun and stress-free!
Easy Last-Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Elf Yourself
Use red and white chalkboard markers to draw an elf silhouette on your bathroom mirrors. Your kids can then ‘elf themselves’ by standing in front of it and turning into elves! It’s much easier to create than it looks and so much fun.
Make Brown-E’s
Have your elf ‘make brownies’ for your kids, but here’s the twist—it’s a prank! Cut out capital E’s from brown construction paper and arrange them on a plate. Cover the plate with foil, and when the kids lift it, they’ll discover the joke. Add a fun printable to complete the setup and make this elf prank unforgettable!
Play Tic-Tac-Toe with Bows
Use painter’s tape to create a tic-tac-toe grid on the wall and use Christmas bows in two different colors as the X’s and O’s. Leave a couple of bows free so your kids can play along with their elves and join in the fun!
Build a gum drop house
If you have candy dots or any gummy candy and toothpicks on hand, have your elves leave them out for the kids to build their very own candy or gumdrop house!
Elf Stuck Inside TV
This is probably the easiest one of all—pretend your elf got stuck inside your TV! Simply play the Elf Stuck Inside TV YouTube video on your TV (make sure it’s muted) and hide your elf somewhere your kids won’t find it for the night. Here’s the Elf Stuck Inside TV YouTube video (my channel also has other fun elf versions, like the girl with blue or brown eyes and the boy with brown eyes too!)
Elf Taking A Bath
Turn any Crock Pot, slow cooker, or large pan into a cozy bathtub for your elf using cotton balls. Add some bath toys for extra fun, and create a cute elf hair towel by wrapping a paper towel around their head and taping it in place!
Don’t Feed The Dinos
Place your elves high up on a shelf or counter and have them feeding toy dinosaurs with a sign that says ‘Don’t Feed The Dinos.’ Use fruit snacks, candy, or any small snack items, and feel free to substitute the dinosaurs with action figures or small toy animals your kids have for an added twist!
Elf Reads Elf on The Shelf Book
Have your elf reading The Elf on the Shelf book! This is such an easy idea, and if you already have the elf, you likely have the book too—making it a perfect, no-fuss setup!
Elf Toilet Papers The Tree
Take a roll of toilet paper and wrap it around your Christmas tree, then give your elf the empty roll. If you have more than one elf, you can even wrap an elf in toilet paper too! It’s super easy and guaranteed to get a laugh!
Elf Minion Bananas
If you have bananas and a Sharpie marker, draw Minions on the bananas and leave the marker in your elves’ hands. It’s a fun and simple way to add a little mischief to your elf setup!
Elf Playing Video Games
If you have a video game controller at home, set up your elves to look like they’re playing video games. You can even turn the TV on to make it look like they’re actually playing before your kids wake up in the morning!
Elves Rolling Down The Stairs
Stick your elves inside a roll of toilet paper and have them look like they’re rolling down the stairs. It’s such an easy and fun setup that’s sure to bring some laughs!
Want more Elf on The Shelf Ideas? Check out:
- How to Restore Your Elf’s Magic After It’s Been Touched
- 40 Best Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas for 2024
- 100+ Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas For 2024
- 25 Quick Elf on The Shelf Ideas
- 25 More Quick Elf on The Shelf Ideas
- Dollar Tree Elf on The Shelf Props You Need to Buy Now Ahead of The Holidays
- KitchenAid Elf on The Shelf Idea
- Elf Late Arrival Ideas (With Free Printable Letter)
- Dino Nugget Elf on The Shelf Idea
- Easy Elf On The Shelf Departure Ideas (Ways to Say Goodbye)
