These (mostly) easy elf ideas will keep you going until Christmas Eve
It’s that time again. Yup, your Elf on the Shelf is about to parachute in to make your life (slightly) more challenging for the next few weeks. Get ahead of the game and prep your bag of tricks with these brilliant ideas. From Elf on the Shelf clothes to setting last-minute Elf on the Shelf ideas that’ll make the whole family giggle, we’ve got enough easy elf ideas to last you the whole holiday season.
1. Elf held captive. If you have two Scout elves, this Elf on the Shelf idea is a lot of fun. Pull out the toy train, and string, and decide which elf is going to be extra naughty.
2. Dramatic rescue. Rescuing the family elf is always interesting. If you’ve got train tracks, going Wild Wild West is a super-easy way to keep him tied down!
3. Plan a hot cocoa party. This is fun on the first night or maybe on a weekend day, where the kids can help you set up and then maybe enjoy some themselves! Snag printables for the party here.
4. Spell it out. Do you have Scrabble tiles or Bananagrams? Then it’s a cinch to let your elf leave a sweet message for your littles to discover the next day.
5. Deeds worth doing. Since reporting good deeds to Santa is your elf’s duty, it’s the perfect opportunity to remind kids about the spirit of Christmas. We dig the free downloadable from Over the Big Moon.
6. Rock climbing wall. All you need are several pre-made bows to make a route for your elf.
7. Coloring elf. Take 30 seconds to scribble in a coloring book or on a printable, scatter crayons, and set up your elf. Giggles are guaranteed!
8. Window view. If you’ve got a window and a curtain rod, you’ve got a sweet spot to place your elf. Easy-peasy.
9. Cookies, please. Elves love anything made with sugar. Set yours up with the stuff to make cookies; not only will you be able to cross one day off your calendar, but you’ll get to spend quality time with your kiddos. Bonus: If you don’t get around to making them, a repeat appearance by your elf with a more urgent request for cookies is appropriate.
10. Zipline. This Elf on the Shelf idea is popular, but it does take a little time to set up. All you need is string or yarn, a candy cane, and a way to secure your elf to the candy cane!
11. Not-so-fresh Frosty. Looks like Frosty the Snowman found himself in a warmer climate! Head over to Picklehead Soup for more genius ideas.
15. Exhausted elf. All those trips up to the North Pole make for one tired elf. Let your little one in red take a day off. Psst! You don’t need an elf-sized sleeping bag. A doll blankie works just as well.
19. A Stuck Elf. This is a super easy elf idea, and you don’t even need the message board to pull it off. Just grab a mason jar and a prominent place to display your elf’s tight situation.
20. Play games. Set up your elf mid-move with this adorable mini-Twister printable.
21. Elf in the kitchen. Got a play kitchen? Then let your elf whip up something yummy.
22. Super Elf! Your kids will love to find their family elf has gone superhero overnight. Construction paper or felt works great for a cape and mask.
23. On the road. With a toy car, your elf can go just about anywhere they want to go. Headed to buy a Christmas tree? Done. Want to take Wonder Woman out on a date? Totally!
24. Put the elf in the freezer. Your elf sure does miss the North Pole! Give him a little time to chill.
30. Hanging by a limb. Any elf will feel right at home when dangling from a branch of the Christmas tree.
35. Let it snow. Sprinkle some sugar as “snow,” and let your little rascal make snow angels on your counter.
42. Cards, anyone? You didn’t know elves love to play games? They do, and they love to be caught in the act.