25 easy last-minute Elf on the Shelf ideas…inspiration to help you create magical memories!
A Magical Game
Elf on the Shelf is one tradition that both parents and children can have fun with! I’ve posted 75 Elf on the Shelf Ideas on I Heart Naptime but figured I could share some more.
For kids, Elf on the Shelf can be compared to a magical hide n seek game that they play every day with their friendly elf. They anxiously await the moment when it’s their turn to search the home again and see what their elf is up to this time.
Parents can be as creative as they want. Some go all out dressing their elf in mini clothes and staging an elaborate scene with Christmas lights and candies. If this is you, I applaud you! If it’s not, that is totally fine because some of the best Elf on the Shelf ideas require little time and effort. This post will give you 25 easy and fast last minute ideas that don’t take a lot of effort and your kiddos will love!
Elf in the Fridge
The fridge is a great hiding spot for older kids who are better finders. Your elf will feel right at home in temperatures more like the north pole!
Elf on the Shelf in the Fridge via Melissa Chrisner
Potato Sack Race
Surprise your kids by staging a fun potato sack race! Choose some of your kiddos’ favorite stuffed animals for extra fun!
Elf Potato Sack Race via Jedi Craft Girl
Elf on a Swing
Making a toilet paper swing is so creative and won’t take a lot of time! Kids will love seeing their elf swinging high above them.
Swinging in the Doorway via A Small Snippet
Candy Cane Ziplining
This is definitely one of my favorite ideas. Simply get some string, a candy cane, and some tape, and have fun!
Jolly Goes Ziplining via Carey Pace
Playing Board Games
Kids will love seeing their favorite toys competing against the elf in a fun board game. Bonus if after they find the elf, you sit down and play your game as a family!
Playing Board Games via A Small Snippet
Snowball fight
This is a classic Elf on the Shelf scene! Just pick any toy for your elf to battle and your child will absolutely love this one.
Elf Snowball Fight via Melissa Chrisner
Story Time
This scene is not only fun, but it’s also educational! Create a magical self while promoting reading at the same time!
Elf Story Time via Melissa Chrisner
Paper Planes
If you know how to make a paper plane then you can easily put this together! Your children will love imagining their elf flying through the air.
Elf on the Shelf Emergency Landing Arrival via Rookie Moms
Elf in a Soap Box
I just think this idea is so funny! The elf fits perfectly inside the soap box and it’s a wonderful hiding place.
Elf in a Soap Box via The No Pressure Life
S’mores
You can create this darling scene if you have s’mores materials and a small candle. This is definitely one your kids will remember!
Making S’mores via Madison Mom
Favorite Book
I love the idea behind this one! Simply place your elf on the table with a note describing an activity they can do together. This is a wonderful way to engage your little ones!
Elf on the Shelf Printable Notes via Momenvy
Act of Kindness
Here’s another great way to engage your children and teach them prosocial behavior! You can simply write the note yourself, just be sure to switch up your handwriting a little.
Elf on the Shelf Printable Notes via Momenvy
Bath Time
These marshmallow bubbles are adorable! This is a fun one for sure!
45+ Amazing Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas via California Unpublished
Bow Climbing Wall
Got some leftover Christmas wrapping supplies? This idea is for you! Everyone will love seeing the elf scale the wall of bows.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas|Bow Climbing Wall via Frugal Coupon Living
Coloring Activity
This coloring activity is another way to engage kids and give them something festive to do with their elf! You can even write out the note to save time.
30 Elf on the Shelf Activity Cards via Little Learning Club
Candy Cane Game
This fun hide n seek game is done with candy canes but if you don’t have any, no problem! Simply use whatever you have in your home. Kids will love the challenge of finding what the elf has hidden.
Elf on the Shelf Notes
Elf on a Boat
This one makes me laugh. It’s so simple and so good. If you don’t have a toy boat then you can just use a bowl!
Elf Floating on a Boat in the Sink via my Mommy Style
Elf on the Chandelier
Place your elf high in the sky with this idea. Your kids will look and look and not even realize that the elf is up above them!
Elf on the Chandelier via The No Pressure Life
Rice Krispies
Did you know your elf fits in perfectly with the characters on the rice krispies box? This idea is so simple is so funny!
Getting into the Rice Krispies via Madison Mom
Baking Cookies
Surprise your kids with a fun cookie-making activity with their favorite elf! This will create some amazing family bonding time.
45+ Amazing Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas via California Unpublished
Toilet Paper Roll
Oops! Your elf got into your toilet paper! This is another super easy and funny scene that your kids will love.
45+ Amazing Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas via California Unpublished
Climbing the Christmas Tree
This is a fun one! Grab some string and make it look like your little elf is climbing up the Christmas tree.
45+ Amazing Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas via California Unpublished
Where’s Waldo
I call this the where’s waldo idea because your Elf on the Shelf is hidden in a group of many different things. This is also another great idea for older kids because the elf is harder to find!
45+ Amazing Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas via California Unpublished
Build a Fort
Who doesn’t love forts?! Your little ones will go crazy when they see what you have created for them to play in.
Build a Fort with Elf on the Shelf via My Mommy Style
Nativity
I love this scene because it teaches the true meaning of Christmas! Even the elf understands and is in awe of the little baby Jesus.
Rocking Baby Jesus via A Small Snippet
More Elf on the Shelf Fun!
- 25 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
- Elf on the Shelf Notes
- Elf on the Shelf Rules{FREE Printable}
