If you need Elf on the Shelf ideas that are quick, free, and actually doable for the next twenty four days, you are in the right place. Elf on the Shelf has been around for years and while it is not new, it is still incredibly popular. There is also a lot of pressure to start this tradition and I will be the first to say that the elaborate Pinterest worthy setups I kept seeing online turned me off to the whole idea. This guide keeps things simple. You will find easy Elf on the Shelf ideas you can do in minutes before bed, a few bonus ideas if you start at Thanksgiving, and helpful tips for what to do when you forget to move the elf.
If you are thinking about starting Elf on the Shelf this year, you are not alone and it is not too late. And if you are still unsure, there is truly no rush, especially if your kids are very young. After reading the book, I realized quickly that the whole concept is designed for older children who understand the ideas of good and bad behavior, the nice list, and the naughty list. My daughter is two, so she cannot grasp most of that, but here I am giving it a try and creating a resource that parents can use year after year.
I am keeping it very simple. No elaborate scenes, no late night messes, no pressure to be crafty. Just small, fun ideas that add a little magic without adding stress.
What Is Elf on the Shelf
If you are new to Elf on the Shelf, here is a quick overview so you know what you are getting into. A scout elf arrives from the North Pole to watch your child’s activities throughout the day. At night the elf flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa and returns before morning in a new spot. The fun is simply in your child finding the elf each day. Before you start, here are a few important things the book explains:
• Kids cannot touch the elf. If they do, he loses his magic.
• You will need to name your elf.
• The elf reports on good and bad behavior, so it helps if your child understands that concept.
About the naughty elf scenes you see online. That is not part of the original story. The mischief came later from parents who enjoy creating funny or dramatic setups. It can be something to try when kids are older, but you do not have to start there. Most younger children are happy just finding the elf in a different spot each morning.
This list is full of easy ideas using things you already have at home, from a stack of books to a laundry basket to a roll of toilet paper. I also included simple solutions for the nights you forget, because it will happen.
If you are ready to keep Elf on the Shelf simple, fun, and stress free, let’s get started.
Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas
If you want simple Elf on the Shelf ideas you can set up in under a minute, this list keeps everything easy, free, and stress free using items you already have at home.
1. Elf Arrival – Place your elf coming out of its box on a mantel, shelf, or table for a simple arrival setup.
2. Elf Reading a Book – Sit the elf with an open children’s book in its lap like it spent the night reading.
3. Elf in a Tissue Box – Place the elf peeking out of a tissue box as if it is hiding.
4. Elf in the Fridge – Sit the elf in the fridge next to the milk or eggs for a cold morning surprise.
5. Elf with Toothbrushes – Lay the elf beside the toothbrushes like it is reminding everyone to brush.
6. Elf in a Boot or Shoe – Place the elf inside a winter boot or a child’s shoe like it is staying warm.
7. Elf Hanging on a Towel Rack – Wrap the elf’s arms over a towel bar so it looks like it is swinging.
8. Elf in the Toy Bin – Set the elf inside a toy bin or next to a favorite toy as if it was playing.
9. Elf in the Laundry Basket -Sit the elf on top of towels or peeking out of the laundry basket.
10. Elf with the Remote – Place the elf next to the TV remote like it stayed up watching a show.
11. Elf in the Pantry – Put the elf next to cereal or snacks it “tried” to reach.
12. Elf Coloring – Prop the elf with a coloring book or sheet of paper and one crayon like it was drawing.
13. Elf in a Cup – Sit the elf inside a plastic cup or mug on the counter.
14. Elf in the Christmas Tree – Nestle the elf into a Christmas tree branch for a fun morning search.
15. Elf Holding a Spoon – Prop the elf holding a wooden spoon like it tried to help cook.
16. Elf in the Bathroom – Sit the elf on the edge of the sink or tub.
17. Elf on a Stack of Books – Stack a few books and place the elf on top like it climbed them.
18. Elf Playing Hide and Seek – Place the elf halfway behind a pillow or blanket on the couch.
19. Elf with a Dish Towel – Sit the elf on the kitchen counter holding a dish towel like it tried to tidy up.
20. Elf Looking Out the Window – Set the elf on a windowsill looking outside like it is watching for snow.
21. Elf in the Silverware Drawer – Place the elf peeking out between the forks and spoons.
22. Elf in the Gift Wrap – Sit the elf in a bag of tissue paper or among wrapping scraps as if it was helping with gifts.
23. Elf in a Cozy Blanket – Wrap the elf lightly in a dish towel or small blanket like it is resting.
24. Elf on a Pillow – Place the elf sitting on a decorative pillow like it found a comfy spot.
What to Do When You Forget to Move the Elf
Even the most organized parents forget to move the elf at least once, so here are a few easy explanations that keep the magic going without adding pressure.
The Elf Used Too Much Magic Yesterday
Tell your child the elf used a lot of magic the night before and needed to rest instead of flying to the North Pole.
The Elf Was Watching Something Important
Explain that the elf stayed in the same spot because it had something very important to watch in that room.
The Elf Didn’t Want to Wake Anyone Up
Say the elf was ready to fly, but everyone was sleeping lightly, so it waited and ended up staying put.
The Elf Needed a Quiet Night
Tell your child the elf needed a quiet night to recharge and didn’t go anywhere.
Santa Gave the Elf a Night Off
Explain that Santa told the elf to take a break and stay right where it was.
The Elf Was Working on a Special Note or Report
Say the elf spent all night writing something for Santa and forgot to leave.
The Elf Stayed to Keep an Eye on the House
Tell your child the elf stayed in its spot to make sure everything was safe and calm.
The Elf Didn’t Feel Ready to Travel
Explain that the elf needed one more night to gather its magic before making the trip.
The Elf Was Having Too Much Fun Where It Was
Say the elf really liked that spot and wanted to enjoy it for one more night.
The Elf Thought It Would Be Funny
Tell your child the elf stayed put to see if anyone noticed or thought it was being silly.
Bonus Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Thanksgiving Starts
If your elf arrives around Thanksgiving or you want a few extra simple setups to use throughout the season, these bonus ideas work anytime and use only what you already have at home.
Elf with a Fall Decoration
Place the elf beside a small pumpkin, fall leaf, or any autumn decor still out from Thanksgiving.
Elf Helping in the Kitchen
Set the elf near a mixing bowl or wooden spoon like it helped with holiday cooking.
Elf with the Leftovers
Place the elf next to a closed leftover container in the fridge for a silly surprise.
Elf at the Dining Table
Sit the elf in a dining chair as if it joined the family meal.
Elf Holding a Thankful Note
Write a simple “I am thankful for you” on a sticky note and place it in the elf’s hands.
Elf in the Napkin Basket
Tuck the elf into the basket or drawer where napkins are stored.
Elf Near the Family Calendar
Set the elf beside the family calendar like it is preparing for the month ahead.
Elf Resting After a Busy Weekend
Lay the elf on a small pillow or folded towel like it needed a post holiday break.
Elf with Board Games
Place the elf next to a board game or puzzle box as if it wanted to play.
Elf in a Mixing Bowl
Sit the elf inside a clean, empty mixing bowl for a quick and easy setup.
Whether you are starting Elf on the Shelf for the first time or looking for easy ideas to use year after year, I hope this list keeps the tradition simple and enjoyable. Feel free to save or share this guide so you can come back to it each season.
Columbia TN Kids Guide 
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