Easy Low Effort Elf On The Shelf Ideas You Can Do At The Last Minute

For the last few years, I have been doing Elf on the Shelf during December for the kids. There’s no way I would have had the mental capacity to do this when they were toddlers and I had two under two. Or when I had my third child as a toddler or baby. Now that they are 8-14, I am embracing it and I find it fun. So if you’re in the camp of it’s just one more thing to drive you crazy, don’t do it. Or, just literally move it around the shelf! 2022 was the year I got a tiny bit creative with my elf. I usually have about 5 or 10 minutes to myself in the morning and that’s when I moved him when the magic happened. The kids knew it wasn’t magic, and I didn’t pretend he was reporting back to Santa or anything. Sometimes, he moved without me doing it, and I suspect the children did it… or else the magic did really happen.

The Origin Story of Elf on the Shelf

Our festive journey began in the early 2000s when Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell self-published a charming children’s book titled “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.” The story introduces readers to Santa’s scout elves who visit homes during the holiday season to keep an eye on kids and report back to the North Pole each night.

The tradition took flight, landing the endearing elf on millions of shelves around the world, charming kids and adults alike. In 2005, the book found its way to retail shelves, and the rest is North Pole history.

The Elf’s Arrival and Purpose

The Elf on the Shelf arrives in homes across the globe at the start of December. Kids give him or her a special name, and the elf takes its place as Santa’s watchful eye. Each night, it embarks on a journey to the North Pole to report the day’s events. But here’s the twist: The elf’s “magical” abilities allow it to return to a different spot in the house each morning. It’s an enchanting game of hide and seek!

I took pictures for Instagram most mornings, because if you don’t share it on social media, what’s the point?! Now, I’m sharing these 25 easy, low-effort elf-on-the-shelf ideas for you for this year, so you can grab some inspiration.

Merry Movie Night: Have the elf set up a tiny movie night for the toys, complete with popcorn and a mini screen.
Dental Dilemma: Place the elf next to a sink with a tiny toothbrush and a funny message about keeping those sugarplum teeth sparkling.
Morning Java: Elf needs a little boost, too! Put it next to the coffee maker with a note saying, “Espresso-ly for you.”
Mini MasterChef: Set up a kitchen adventure with the elf baking tiny cookies or making a mess (you decide!).
Zip Line Adventure: Create a mini zip line using string and have the elf “zip” across the living room.
Elf rides the toy snake: Elf rides the toy snake or whichever large stuffie you have.
Elf rides the train: Elf takes a ride on the mini toy train.
Candy Caper: Stage an elf “candy heist” with the mischievous little one raiding the candy bowl.
Elfie Selfie: Have the elf take a selfie using a small toy camera.
Fishing for Fun: Elf fishing in a jar of goldfish crackers or gummy worms. A tiny fishing pole will do the trick!
Elf plays with Lego: Chuck him in the Lego box, if you have more time make some creations.
Toilet Paper Shenanigans: Elf got carried away with the toilet paper – oops!
Gumball Machine Elf: Create a makeshift gumball machine with a clear bowl and colorful pom-poms.
Marshmallow Bubble Bath: Elf indulging in a marshmallow bath in a little dish.
Toothpaste Art: Elf uses toothpaste to leave a message on the bathroom mirror.
Elf got stuck in a Jar: Place the elf in a jar face down in a jar or trapped in a jar
Musical Elf: Arrange a scene with toy instruments where the elf conducts a merry symphony.
Tape Trap: Elf gets “caught” in a web of tape while trying to reach the cookies.
Hot chocolate station: Create a hot chocolate station with cocoa powder, cute mugs, and marshmallows.
Elf goes sledding: If you get snow, make a mini sled from whatever you have to hand.
Christmas Card Chaos: Elf pens a few hilarious holiday cards and leaves them on the table.
Game Night: Organize a mini-game night with the elf challenging other toys to card or board games.
Snow Angel Elf: Use flour to create a tiny snow angel for the elf.
Make some unique Custom Keyrings and exquisite Custom Medals: Then connect them with string or small beads. Then print some elves on the medals as if the elves are dancing happily around the tree. For a special touch, you could also hang personalized Custom Neon Signs, and by adjusting the lights to make different colours, you will create a mysterious atmosphere like a dream or even a kitchen disco!
Tree Decorating: Have the elf “decorate” a miniature tree with tiny ornaments.
“Study” Buddy: The elf brings a mini book and sits next to your child’s homework, encouraging some reading.

Here are my efforts from last year, what do you think? If you’ve been inspired, you can grab an elf from your local toy shop, or get it from my link. I have some cute elf pajamas that he can change into. There are all manners of outfits and accessories you can get, the possibilities are endless. Who is it for again?