Simple and quick Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can use. Perfect for that last minute panic!
After years of dodging the Elf nonsense I finally got suckered in when my son said he was so excited for an Elf to arrive this December. So I've joined the ranks of all you parents desperately trying to put together an idea at 10pm every night when all I want to do is crawl into bed!
I'm sharing all my ideas here in case it's helpful to anyone else. These are all ideas using props from around my house. I was determined not to spend any money buying unnecessary bits and pieces, so hopefully you will find these ideas quick and cheap to do.
I've also included links to my Instagram videos if that's useful!
Swinging From The Christmas Tree
Tie a ribbon between the Christmas Tree and another point in your house. Add a candy cane and use sellotape to hang the Elf from the candy cane.
I Pea'd Myself
Ok quick warning with this one, it wasn't quick. It took me about 30 minutes to do. But if you have someone to help it will be much quicker.
I just used frozen peas to line up the letters. The dog ate them the next morning - no waste!
Train Hijack
If you have a train that goes around the bottom of your Christmas Tree, tie up Elf's hands and feet with some string and stick some tape to his mouth then place him on the tracks in front of the train!
I Made Crisps!
Draw a face on a potato and stick it into a cheese grater. You might find it easier to do this by cutting a small slice off the back of the potato.
Then add some crisps underneath.
Funny Face Photograph
Use a sharpie to draw funny faces onto the glass frame of a family photo.
You might want to do a small test of this first to make sure it does come off. I wiped it with a little cleaning spray the following day and that did the job for me!
6-7!
I'm so tired of hearing this on repeat in my house but decided to use it to my advantage and do a 6-7 themed Elf idea!
I put the Elf into a stocking and sellotaped Uno cards to his hands.
Broken TV
This was an emergency Elf idea when I forgot to do it the night before! Search on You Tube for "broken screen" and it will play a video that looks like the tv screen is cracked.
Then sellotape the Elf's leg to the back of the tv so it looks like he has crashed into it.
Elf Poop
Another super easy idea. You just need some toilet roll and chocolate chips so it looks like the Elf has pooped!
Robot Vacuum Reindeer Ride
I searched around the house for anything to turn the robot hoover into a reindeer. I found some reindeer antlers, plastic eyes and used a small decoration for the nose.
I glued the eyes and nose to the vacuum and inserted the antlers into the holes underneath the lid. Then propped the Elf up.
Where's The Elf?
Sellotape the Elf to the back of your jumper along with a note saying "Shhh... don't tell Mum!"
The kids will find it hilarious as you are manically searching for the Elf in the morning!
Home Alone Elf
This is an easy one for any Home Alone fans. I printed out the iconic image of Kevin holding his face in his hands. And also printed the words "Keep The Change Ya Filthy Animal".
Sellotape Kevin onto the Elf's face and leave some loose change beside the sign.
Booby Trap
A one to make the kids giggle! Tape a bra or sports bra to a mirror and pop the Elf in.
Then write "Booby Trap" on the mirror with lipstick.
Elf in Blender
Pop the Elf in the blender with a "Help" sign. But top tip... take the blade out first. You don't want to damage the Elf and the kids might quickly stick their hand in there and get cut. So take it out please!!
Observe The Moon
I can't take credit for this one as my friend saw the idea and made it for me.... gave me a night off Elf duties and I was very grateful!
Use a box with a divided piece of cardboard in the centre. Place an empty toilet roll through a hole in the middle. One Elf observing and another Elf (or a toy) baring his butt!
Butt Toothbrush
Another super quick and easy idea.
Put the Elf sitting in a toilet roll and place their toothbrush upside down behind the Elf. Add a little note to the toilet roll. My son really laughed at this one!
Jingle Bells
Another easy one for the kids who love a bit of toilet humour.
So simple, although its surprisingly more difficult to write on toilet paper than you might think!
Elf Selfie
A super quick one you can do in the morning if you have forgotten to move the Elf the night before!
Prop him up in front of an ipad and taken some selfies!
Elf in the Washing Machine
Another quick and easy idea! Pop the Elf in the washing machine or tumble dryer. Sellotape him upside down to the inside of the door.
Then pop in a little note.
Elf Spa
The poor guy needs a break after all his antics this month!
I popped him into a bowl. I put in srunched up balls of toilet paper to fill out the bottom of the bowl and then topped with white mini marshmallows.
Wrap toilet paper round his head so that it looks like a towel then cut some thin slices of mini cucumbers for the eyes.
Elf Stuck In The TV
This is another good emergency idea to have up your sleeve for mornings when you've forgotten to move the elf the night before!
Search on You Tube for "Elf Stuck In TV" and then hide the Elf somewhere the kids won't find it.
Free Haircuts
A simple idea which will hopefully make the kids laugh.
Just cut the top off some small florets of broccoli. You can pop on some plastic eyes if you have them. Then prop the elf up with his bald broccoli friends and a sign saying "Free Haircuts".
Just be careful with young kids and the scissors if you leave them out too!
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