20 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas For Last-Minute Magic (2024)

Have you ever found yourself all tucked up in bed and then remembered the elf?! We’ve all been there – sometimes you just need some quick and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas for those late night emergencies!

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Jingles McSprinkles or Elfie McShelfie will be making an appearance in homes far and wide before we know it. Whether you love him or loathe him, you can’t deny he likes a bit of mischief!

If you are looking for some easy Elf on the Shelf ideas, here are some of our favourite fun ideas to do with your Elf in the lead up to Christmas Eve.

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Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Mustache Mayhem

Image: A Small Snippet

I mustache you a question, but I’ll shave it for later.

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Live Action Elf

Image: Gina Rae Miller Photography

Elf is whizzing along the zipline!

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Don’t Be Stuck For Ideas!

No more last-minute panic – just download our FREE Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet for plenty of fun ideas!

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Frozen Fever

Image: Pinterest

Let it go…Elsa has trapped Elf in a block of ice!

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Relax in Style

Image: Living Locurto

After a tough day, it’s time to relax in a marshmallow bath.

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Get Ready to Ho, Ho, Ho!

These fun Christmas jokes are perfect for the silly season, so get set for some Santa-sized belly laughs with these festive funnies!

Circus Time!

Image: https://www.busykidshappymom.org/meet-our-elf-franklin/Busy Kids Happy Mom

Elfie has joined the circus and had a go on the trapeze.

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Ransom Demand

Image: Jennifer Saintz

Oh no, the elf has been taken hostage!

Plan Your Festive Fun!

Our FREE Elf on the Shelf Planner is perfect for organising all your elf antics!

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Ready, Steady, Go!

Image: Pickle Head Soup

It’s time for the annual North Pole sack race!

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Pile ’em High

Image: A Small Snippet

Get ready for a snowball fight!

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These Elf Jokes Are Hilarious!

Don’t miss these FREE elf jokes and notes – pop one in your child’s lunchbox, hide it under their pillow, or use for Elf on the Shelf antics!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Get Crafty

Image: Raining Hot Coupons

A fun elf hack for making snowflakes

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Off We Go!

Image: A Small Snippet

Dashing through the snow, on a one horse open sleigh…

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Dinner Time

Image: Pinterest

Elf spaghetti is on the menu – isn’t that what everyone eats?

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How About Some Festive Fun?

Get into the festive spirit and download our FREE Christmas word search – perfect for rainy days or on-the-go fun! Can you find them all?

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An Elf Emergency

Image: Play Dr Mom

Looks like someone has the sniffles and is under the weather…poor Elf!

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Disco Elf

Image: Over the Big Moon

Grab the glow sticks as this Elf knows how to PARTAY!

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Toilet Humour

Image: Over the Big Moon

Naughty Elf! Somebody left a little present for you…

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Up, Up and Away

Image: Over the Big Moon

Hot air balloon ride anyone?

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Snow Fun

Image: Learning As I Sew

Do you wanna build a snowman…?

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Peek a Boo

Image: Love Bugs and Postcards

Snap, Crackle, Pop…and Elf?

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Tree Antics

Image: A Little Moore

Those naughty elves have redecorated the tree!

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Game Night

Image: Leslie Larch

It’s time for a fame of Elf on the Shelf Twister

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Jingle Bells

Image: SheKnows

Who knew Elf was so musical?

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Have you any more easy Elf on the Shelf ideas to share with us? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!

20 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas For Last-Minute Magic (2024)

FAQs

What are the easy ideas for a lazy elf? ›

Making snow angels is an iconic seasonal activity, but you know your elf will have their own sweet take on it. Simply pour some mini marshmallows onto a flat surface, such as a countertop, table, or even within a baking sheet, and place the elf in the middle with the shape of a snow angel around them.

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What is the number 1 rule for Elf on the Shelf? ›

The Elf Must Not Be Touched

Considered the most important rule, the Scout Elf must never be touched (of course, apart from when the parents move them around) as that will cause them to lose their magical powers. In some cases, they could also disappear when touched, such as when a dog might get a hold of them.

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Where do you put the elf tonight? ›

25 places to hide your Elf on the Shelf this holiday season

25 places to hide your Elf on the Shelf.
Above the stockings. Difficulty level: EASY. ...
Inside the holiday wreath. ...
Inside the family photo area. ...
Tucked in the toys. ...
Peeking out of a Rice Krispie cereal box. ...
Scaling the wall with bows. ...
Climbing the tree.

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Can elf do magic? ›

The upper limits of elf magic were not known; however, it was incredibly versatile and allowed them to perform very powerful magic. They were often underestimated however because of their small stature. Their loyalty also prevented them from using magic against their masters until they were free.

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What are the 3 rules in elf? ›

The Code of the Elves is three simple rules:

Treat every day like Christmas.
There's room for everyone on the nice list.
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Dec 7, 2020

Read The Full Story ›

What are only three jobs available to an elf? ›

He states the only 3 jobs available to an elf are making shoes, baking cookies in a tree, and building toys in Santa's Workshop.

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Where can I move my elf? ›

Living Room

On the mantel.
In the Christmas tree.
On the presents.
In the stocking.
By the door.
On the shelf.
On the staircase.
On the windowsill.

More items...

Get More Info ›

Can grown ups touch elves? ›

Santa advises that no family member touch their Elf on the Shelf, but he does describe a few rare instances when an adult may use tongs or potholders to help an elf in an urgent situation. Parents: read on to learn about special, few and far between cases where emergency help will be required.

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Does each child get their own Elf? ›

Do I need one Elf per child or one per household? The choice is yours. We have included two Nice List Certificates and two Letters to Santa in each kit, as these items are personal. All the other items can be shared as a family.

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What is the best last day Elf on the Shelf ideas? ›

Fun and easy Elf on the Shelf goodbye ideas

Grab some textured snow spray and write a message on a window of your house. Have your elf sitting in the Christmas tree holding a goodbye sign or sitting on a paper airplane. Type a letter from your elf with its picture at the top for your child to cherish until next time.

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What day does my elf leave? ›

According to The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, the night before Christmas, an elf's job comes to an end. On December 24, most Scout Elves say farewell to their families and fly back to the North Pole following Santa's sleigh.

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Do elves naturally have magic? ›

While elves aren't creatures of magic naturally, with enough energy to draw upon they can become one. It is believed that the elves from the Age of Light possessed a similar level of power to these elves.

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How do I activate elf? ›

Press the Power Button Five Times: To activate the Elf Vape Pen, quickly press the power button five times in succession. This safety feature, known as the "five-click" feature, prevents accidental activation and helps conserve battery life.

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Can house-elves perform magic? ›

All house-elves had their own brand of powerful magic, which allowed them to perform tasks, such as Apparating, where wizards and witches couldn't. Their abilities remained even after they were freed from their masters.