Last Minute Elf Ideas

My recent last minute elf on the shelf idea was also one of my best-ever elf on the shelf ideas. The other morning, when I walked out into our kitchen, my 7-year-old exclaimed, "Mom! Elf is playing Xbox! I bet they're playing NBA2K." It was one of the simplest yet most creative Elf ideas I have ever done. Took me all of 10 seconds to grab the Xbox controllers and put them with the Elves, right before I work him for school.

And he loved it. Creative and funny elf ideas don't have to mean it's complicated and time consuming. This is one of our household's favorite Christmas traditions. Now that my boys are teens, yes, we are still doing Elf ideas. Hey, we're busy, right? How many times are we in bed and think "I forgot to move the Elf!"

elf playing xbox elf on the shelf idea example
Bonus! Kept him off screens for the day!

Click here to Add Disabilities to your Elf on the Shelf

And let's be honest, most of the complex vignettes that you see on social media are NOT for kids. That's adults having fun and trying to outdo other adults. I just don't have the time or the energy for that. Most of my elf on the shelf ideas are last minute, since it happens late at night or early in the morning.

Kid Friendly Elf on the Shelf Ideas

The key to this is simple. Talk about it. Yep, that's it. Engage your kids in a conversation every morning when they find their Elf. "Why do you think he decided to go there? What do you think he's looking for in the fridge? Do you think he eats his Cheerios with bananas?"

Get the IEP Toolkit

A complete online library of printable and downloadable resources that gives you the tools to become an empowered and organized parent advocate for your child.

Download Now

I followed the lead that my second grader was putting out there…and now we have simple ideas, but they are fun and memorable. You can also find Elves with different skin tones to make it more personal for your child.

So here you go, dozens of super easy, creative and funny ideas for your Elf. When I say "no props!" I mean they don't require any special purchases. Most of us have some version of these household items that you can use. No special purchases or set up necessary. And, yes, I've done most of these with my kids.

Elf for Teens

You know what? My sons no longer believe in Elf or Santa. After all, they are tweens and teens. I still get him out. They humor me. My boys still enjoy seeing what Elf will do next. And, this year, we are taking turns moving him.

Teens may enjoy exploring their creativity in a safe environment. Especially now that we're stuck at home together, nostalgia may make them feel safe and comforted during uncertain times.

Free Elf Printables

If you are looking for some free elf on the shelf printables, check out my friends over at Frugal Coupon Living. Yes, it's a prop, but even if you don't have a printer, you can easily replicate the ideas found in this free elf on the shelf printable with a marker and paper.

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas

I'm planning on keeping our Elves once my kids outgrow them, and then they'll have them for their kids. Elf arrives from the North Pole, so you can work that into your arrival. Since many families have Elf arrive Thanksgiving night, you likely need a last minute elf on the shelf idea because you've been busy preparing a feast.

You can buy Elf on the Shelf just about anywhere. At least, I have seen them at most of the major retailers, Hallmark stores and online. Since Elf comes with a story book about his arrival, you may want to look at book stores too. I know I have seen the Box Sets at Barnes and Noble, and at the small, local book retailers. Usually, it has a fixed price, so you won't necessarily save money by shopping at a big box store instead of supporting a small business.

Some of the easiest Elf ideas were also the funniest to my family. Now that my kids are tweens, they just roll their eyes at me. They know he isn't real. Still, we have a lot of fun. The kitchen and the bathroom Elf ideas can be some of the funniest.

Even though my kids know that he isn't real, they won't touch him. I guess superstitions die hard! When a child cannot touch Elf, it makes it more fun to put him in some funny and inconvenient places. It's a great way to keep a kid off the Xbox for a day.

Elf on the Shelf Hiding Ideas

elf on the shelf in a cheerios box
  • Does your child pour their own breakfast cereal in the morning? Put him inside the box.
elf on the shelf milk jug
  • Put him through the handle of a jug of juice or milk in the fridge.
elf on the shelf in refrigerator
  • In produce or dairy drawer if yours are clear; or if child will reach for fruit in morning.
  1. Unroll your paper towels about 3-4 feet. Put Elf in, head sticking out, and roll back up. Put back on the paper towel holder. (make sure you don't have to use paper towels that day, or leave a roll on the counter)
  2. Sitting at the table eating something.
  3. Depending on what your kitchen cabinets are (not just knobs) put Elf through the door handles.
  4. Where do you keep glass flower vases or jars? Put him in one.
  5. Do you have wine/beer/bar glasses out on display? Put him in one.
  6. Put him on edge of the sink, hugging the sink hose nozzle. But not tight enough to squeeze it and get someone wet–just like he's threatening to.
  7. Does your child help pack his/her lunch? Put Elf in the lunch box for a surprise when they pull it out to get ready for school. This last minute elf on the shelf idea is a huge bonus because then I don't have to pack a lunch that day either.
  8. In your child's favorite juice glass or cereal bowl that you know they'll use in the morning.
  9. Use a sharpie and draw on bananas.
  10. Hanging on the oven door handle.

Easy Elf Ideas: Bathroom

elf on the shower curtain

Make sure it's a non-bath day!

  1. Rolled up in toilet paper, like paper towel example above.
  2. In a tissue box, covered with tissue blankets.
  3. In your child's drawer where they will go for comb, toothbrush, etc.
    Elf on the Shelf in the Bathroom
  4. Sitting on bathroom counter pretending to use a product.
  5. Hanging from light fixture if possible.

Easy Elf Ideas: Bedrooms

elf on the shelf good morning

Time to get up!

  1. Wearing your child's underwear in their underwear drawer (open when they get ready for school).
  2. If your child plans out their outfits the night before, stick Elf in sleeve or pocket. Guess they'll have to pick something else!
  3. Put in sleeve or pocket of a coat.
  4. In a backpack or on backpack (don't recommend making the journey to school!).
  5. Reading your child's books.
  6. Riding in a toy vehicle-the TMNT shellraiser vehicle works well, or Barbie stuff.
  7. Building something with Legos.
  8. Hanging from light or ceiling fan.
  9. In your child's shoe in their closet
  10. What hobby/toy/game/thing/trend is your child into right now? Have Elf do that.
  11. A Scout elf! If your child does scouting, have him working on a badge or reading the book.
elf on the shelf in lunchbox

Guess you'll have to buy lunch today.

Easy Elf Ideas around the House.

elf on the shelf kitchen sink

Look out!

  1. Notebook paper or scratch paper and pen-making a to-do list.
  2. Making a naughty/nice list.
  3. Doing your child's homework (if they have workbook/worksheets).
  4. Writing a check to Santa with your checkbook.
  5. Reading a magazine, preferably seasonal one.
  6. Making a list of cookies to bake, presents to buy, favorite Christmas songs.
  7. Find a bungee cord, belt or scarf, even tie 2 socks together–can hang him from just about anywhere-ceiling fan, curtain rods, light fixtures, etc.
  8. Hogging the remote on the couch.
  9. Playing Xbox or PlayStation or other video game.
  10. Sitting with your child's earbuds on his ears.
  11. Put Elf in the mailbox after mail comes but before the child gets home from school, ask them to go out and get the mail.
  12. Bundled up on the couch with "sick" supplies like tissues and thermometer.
  13. In linen closet.
  14. If you have a glass breakfront or other piece of furniture that displays things (curio cabinet) put him in there.
  15. In a Christmas stocking, if they're up.
  16. Have him wrap up something silly in Christmas wrapping paper. (like the remote)
  17. Put him on your Christmas tree someplace. Just sitting on a branch peeking out is fine.
  18. Sitting on a wreath.
  19. Does your child have a pet in a tank? Put the doll in there. Or outside looking in.
  20. Start your Christmas cards, but have him start putting the stamps on at night (you can finish next day)
  21. Reading the Bible or another religious book.
  22. Reading a Christmas book.
  23. Have your Elf read one of your child's books or activities, such as working on a Scout badge; a Scout Elf!

And that makes 50 last minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the busy parent. Good luck and stay sane this holiday season!