There’s nothing quite like waking up each December morning to find that your mischievous little elf has been up to something magical overnight.
Whether you’re a first-time elf parent or a pro looking for fresh inspiration, we’ve gathered fun, creative, easy, and last-minute Elf on the Shelf ideas that will make your children giggle and keep the Christmas spirit alive all season long.
Easy, Last Minute, Creative Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Brilliant Elf on the Shelf displays aren’t always the fancy crafts; sometimes they are simple, imaginative ideas that don’t take too much time and effort!
Elf Delivers a Letter from Santa
For the ultimate surprise, have your elf deliver a Personalised Santa Letter straight from Santa himself. Kids will be amazed to see that their elf isn’t just mischievous; they’re also working closely with Santa to spread Christmas cheer!
You could even have them deliver an activity kit to keep them busy on a cold winter’s day.
Marshmallow Bubble Bath
Fill your sink with mini marshmallows and pop your elf inside with a tiny towel and a rubber duck. It’s a quick and easy elf idea that will have the kids laughing and wondering if their elf will ever get out of the tub.
Zip Line Adventure
Tie some string across the living room or hallway and attach your elf with a candy cane or ribbon. It’ll look like your Christmas elf is zooming through the air on an exciting zip line adventure.
Cheeky Elf Climbing the Christmas Tree
One morning, kids will wake to find their cheeky elf halfway up the Christmas tree, clutching a candy cane or hanging from a bauble. Scatter a few pine needles or bits of wrapping paper to make it look like they’ve been on quite the climb.
Snowball Fight Fun
Build a mini snowball fight scene with cotton balls or rolled-up toilet paper. Position your elf behind a paper cup fort, ready for action. For an extra giggle, have them target toy soldiers or other elves hiding behind the gingerbread house.
Cookie Sneak Attack
Catch your elf red-handed sneaking cookies from the jar, or from Santa’s special plate. Sprinkle a few crumbs to show how clumsy they were during their late-night snack raid.
Storytime with Friends
Set up your elf surrounded by other toys and teddy bears, reading from a Christmas book. It’s a gentle reminder that even elves love storytime, and a great way to encourage your kids to enjoy festive reading, too.
Christmas Elf Selfie Station
Create a photo booth using wrapping paper as a backdrop and props like paper moustaches, candy canes, or toy cameras. Print a “selfie” of your elf with the family photos.
Candy Cane Hunt
Hide candy canes around the house and leave your elf holding a sign saying, “Can you find them all?” It’s a fun and interactive activity that keeps kids engaged and helps them burn off that Christmas excitement!
Cheeky Elf Stealing Advent Calendar Chocolate
The advent calendar is too tempting for an elf to resist! Pose them mid-heist with a piece of chocolate in hand and a guilty look on their face. Maybe they even tried to cover their tracks with toilet paper or a trail of Coco Pops.
Funny Elf Plays a Card Game
Gather other toys or even a few gingerbread men and set them up around a pile of cards. Your elf’s hands can be “holding” a winning hand, and maybe they’re even snacking on microwave popcorn during their game night.
