Last Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas

SIMPLE ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS

Got caught in a bedtime scramble with no elf plan in sight? Take a deep breath—I’m here to save the night with some fun Last Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas. They’re simple, quick, and use stuff you’ve probably got on hand at home.

These ideas are the lifesavers of the elf season, especially when you’re short on time or energy. They’re the best for those last-minute scrambles because there’s something for every situation. Some are grab-and-go, ready in seconds to surprise the kids by morning. A few might need a quick 5-10 minute touch-up with things you already have, like scissors or a marker. And for the ones that call for a printer, it’s as easy as click, print, and place. No matter how late it is or how hectic the day has been, you’ll have a playful scene set for when the little ones wake up, keeping the magic alive without the stress.

EASY LAST MINUTE ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS

In search of ultra-simple, last-minute Elf on the Shelf setups? I’ve got you covered with some free printable Elf on the Shelf scenarios. It’s a good move to print out a few sets now and keep them ready for those nights when time slips away and you need a snappy solution. These print-and-go ideas are total game-changers for busy evenings!

ELF PRINTABLES

• Elf on the Shelf Good Deed Cards – Help your kids catch the kindness bug with our cozy little Good Deed Cards. Each one’s got a sweet nudge from your elf, suggesting fun ways to spread cheer and help out. It’s like a tiny high-five for their hearts every time they do a good thing!
• Free Printable Elfisms – Your Elf on the Shelf just zipped back from the North Pole with a bunch of Elfisms, ready to deck your halls with laughs straight from the movie ‘Elf’! You can go for a daily dose of cheer, letting your elf deliver one each day, or go big with a full-blown Elfism scavenger hunt, ending with a cozy movie night treat where you can watch Buddy’s hilarious adventures. So, print these out and let the giggles follow!
• Elf Joke Cards – Need a little extra sparkle in those December days? Our Elf Joke Cards are just the thing to get the chuckles going. Slip them into your kids’ lunchboxes for a midday giggle, or let your Elf scatter them around the house for some spontaneous fun. They’re small, they’re silly, and they’re sure to bring out the smiles with a touch of elfish humor!
• Secret Message from Santa – Shh, listen up! Your Elf on the Shelf has swooped in with a top-secret mission straight from Santa: a coded message just for your kids to decipher! Armed with a special decoder key, they’ll have a blast unlocking the hidden words. It’s a piece of the North Pole puzzle, delivered by their elf, that turns decoding into a merry mission during the holiday season.
• Elf on the Shelf Secret Mission Cards – Time for your kids to team up with their elf for some top-secret fun! These Secret Mission Cards are your ticket to some serious Christmas capers. Each day brings a new little quest – shh, don’t tell – it’s our little secret!

EASY ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS

Elf Countdown Chain

Capture the holiday spirit with an easy DIY Elf on the Shelf moment! Our elf is perched next to a handmade countdown chain, a festive and simple craft that requires just construction paper, scissors, and glue. In under 10 minutes, you can create a visual countdown that adds a touch of excitement and encourages a fun, crafty playtime. Quick and cost-effective, it’s a perfect last-minute addition to your holiday tradition.

ELF SLEDDING IDEA

Catch the holiday thrill with your Elf on the Shelf ready to sled down the stair railing! In this whimsical setup, our elf has found an innovative sled – a common household item such as a Pringles lid or a Tupperware lid works perfectly. These items provide just the right shape and size for our elf’s winter escapades. You could also repurpose a butter tub lid or even a small sturdy paper plate for more creative sledding fun.

ELF ON THE SHELF PAPER AIRPLANE IDEA

Oops! Our Elf on the Shelf has taken a playful nosedive into a household plant or Christmas Tree with their paper airplane! This cute crash-landing scene is a cinch to set up with just a folded sheet of paper—proving that a little elfish mischief can be a high-flying time, even when it lands in the leaves. It’s a quick and easy spark of fun for your festive greenery!

ELF ON THE SHELF NATIVITY SCENE

Our Elf on the Shelf has taken a pause from the usual antics to join the Nativity scene, quietly situated behind the baby Jesus. It’s a sweet, subtle addition to your holiday decor, blending elfish whimsy with the serene spirit of the season.

ELF MIRROR IDEAS

Caught in the act! Our Elf on the Shelf turns into a merry messenger, using a mirror as a canvas for a festive note. Get creative—scribble a simple “Merry Christmas” or start a daily countdown to the big day. All you need is a dry erase marker or lipstick and a bit of elfin imagination to bring a smile and a daily dose of Christmas cheer to everyone at home. It’s an interactive and joyful way to build excitement as the holiday approaches!

ELF CUTTING SNOWFLAKES

Look who’s getting crafty! Our Elf on the Shelf is snipping away, creating a delicate snowflake out of paper. With just a pair of scissors, this elf is demonstrating how a simple piece of paper can transform into a winter wonder. It’s a cute scenario that might inspire some DIY snowflake crafting in your own home, spreading both creativity and holiday cheer!

Looking for some tutorials on how to cut a snowflake? I love the Craft Daily Snowflake tutorials on their YouTube Channel!

ELF ON THE SHELF COLORING

Our Elf on the Shelf is showcasing their artistic flair, happily engaged in coloring. Set them up with crayons and a coloring sheet for a scene that invites kids to join in the creative fun. It’s a delightful and easy way to bring the joy of art into your holiday traditions!

Looking for some Elf on the Shelf Coloring Pages? Here are some of my favorites!

• Elf on the Shelf Inspired Coloring Pages
• Christmas Coloring Pages featuring an Elf on the Shelf
• Elf on the Shelf Coloring Pages

ELF HERSHEY KISSES

Check out our Elf on the Shelf getting in on the candy-making fun with these cute, elf-sized Hershey Kisses. Made from chocolate chips all wrapped up in foil with tiny paper tags – just like the real deal! It’s a quick DIY that’s bound to get some ‘awws’ and maybe start a new crafty tradition in your house. Perfect for a sweet little surprise that’s as much fun to make as it is to find.

ELF ON THE SHELF SIGNS

Looks like our Elf on the Shelf has stirred up a little friendly trouble with a couple of cheeky signs – “Elves Rule” and “Gnomes Drool.” How about joining in the fun? Grab some markers and let the kids whip up their own goofy signs. Maybe Spiderman’s all “Team Elf” or the Barbies are backing up the Gnomes. It’s all about having a laugh and getting everyone in on the action with a bit of that elfish mischief!

You could also change it so the Elves are taunting other objects in the house like Barbie or Spiderman:

For a Barbie-themed rivalry:

• “Elves are Epic, Barbies are Basic.”
• “Elves Craft Magic, Barbies Just Model.”

For a Spiderman-themed matchup:

• “Elves Soar Higher, Spidey’s Just Sticky.”
• “Elves Spread Cheer, Spidey Spins Webs.”

Rivarly with toy cars or trains (like Hot Wheels or Thomas the Tank Engine):

• “Elves Fuel Fun, Cars Just Run.”
• “Elves Lay Tracks of Cheer, Trains Just Follow.”

For action figures or dinosaurs in the mix:

• “Elves Lead Adventures, Action Figures Just Pose.”
• “Elves Spread Yuletide Roar, Dinos Only Soar.”

ELF ON THE SHELF UNDERWEAR IDEA

Whoops, looks like our Elf on the Shelf is kicking back in style – they’ve turned some festive undies into a makeshift hammock on the Christmas garland or tree! Just a bit of elf magic and a clothespin, and voilà: instant chill zone. It’s a funny little surprise that’s sure to get some laughs and spread that cheeky elf cheer.

ELF ON THE SHELF HIDING SPOT

Our elf Jasper’s usually right out in the open, but today? He decided to play hide-and-seek. Watching the kiddos look everywhere for him was the best—until they popped open the silverware drawer for a spoon and there he was! If you’re up for some elfish hide-and-seek, you could pop your elf in the cookie jar, hang them on a coat hook, or even tuck them in with the fruit in the fruit bowl. Just imagine the giggles when they find their elf buddy while going about their day!

ELF ON STRIKE

Oh hey, our Elf on the Shelf seems to be on a tiny timeout, holding a handcrafted “Elf on Strike” sign! Wanna make your own? Just fold a small piece of paper in half, scribble in your “Elf on Strike” message, and then wrap it around a pencil. Stick it together with a dab of glue or a quick staple, and your elf’s got the cutest picket sign for a bit of holiday hilarity. It’s a super simple way to add a dash of fun to the mix!

ELF ON THE SHELF OUTFITS

One more way to make the Elf Season simple is to buy a few fun Elf OUtfits Accessories! I literally just change their outfit and put them in the center of our kitchen island a few times each year! Just click the link — Elf on the Shelf Outfits and Accessories Shopping Guide.

* This post was originally published in October 2011 and has been updated with more detailed step-by-step instructions and new pictures.

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Elf on the Shelf Ideas Easy Ideas

A collection of Last Minute and Free Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Author: Over The Big Moon

Instructions

ELF COUNTDOWN CHAIN

• Create a paper chain with your elf to count down the days until Christmas. It's a fun, fast craft that adds excitement to the season's anticipation.

ELF SLEDDING IDEA

• Use a Pringles lid or any small lid as a sled for your Elf on the Shelf to ride down the stair railing. It's a quick and playful addition to your elf's nightly adventures.

ELF ON THE SHELF PAPER AIRPLANE IDEA

• Fold a paper airplane and place your Elf on the Shelf either in it or on it, ready for some aerial fun. Then, nestle them into a plant or Christmas tree to look like they've just made a soft landing. It's a quick and playful scene that adds a dash of elfish mischief to your festive decor.

ELF ON THE SHELF NATIVITY SCENE

• To create this serene scene, gently place your Elf on the Shelf in your Nativity display, preferably somewhere behind the baby Jesus to ensure a respectful yet playful addition to the arrangement. The goal is to find a spot where the elf can be seen without drawing attention away from the central figures of the Nativity. This placement allows your elf to join in on the quiet reflection of the scene, adding a touch of elfish charm to the traditional setup. It's a beautiful way to incorporate the fun of your Elf on the Shelf into the more solemn and peaceful aspects of your holiday decorations.

ELF MIRROR IDEAS

• Arm your Elf with a dry erase marker or lipstick and have them leave a festive message on the mirror, like a cheerful "Merry Christmas" or a countdown. Set up your elf as if they've just written the note, for a fun surprise that blends holiday excitement with a bit of elfish creativity.

ELF CUTTING SNOWFLAKES

• Grab some scissors and paper, and help your Elf on the Shelf craft a paper snowflake. This simple setup is sure to spark some DIY fun and festive spirit in your home.

ELF ON THE SHELF COLORING

• Give your elf some crayons and a coloring sheet, and let them inspire your kids to get creative. It's a simple, joyful activity that adds a splash of color to your holiday cheer.

ELF HERSHEY KISSES

• Catch your Elf on the Shelf crafting adorable, tiny Hershey Kisses by wrapping chocolate chips in small pieces of foil. Add a tiny strip of white paper as the tag to mimic the classic Kiss look. This quick and sweet DIY is not only a cute surprise but also a potential new favorite craft for your family to enjoy making together.

ELF ON THE SHELF SIGNS

• Our Elf on the Shelf is up to some playful antics with signs that say “Elves Rule” and “Gnomes Drool.” Why not get in on the giggles? Hand over some markers to the kids and see what funny slogans they come up with. Whether it's teaming up with Spiderman or rallying with Barbies, it's all in good fun and elfish shenanigans!

ELF ON THE SHELF UNDERWEAR IDEA

• Our Elf on the Shelf has found a new way to lounge, swinging in a pair of festive undies turned hammock, clipped to the garland or tree. A simple setup for a good giggle, this elf's chill-out spot is the perfect blend of holiday spirit and playful mischief.

ELF ON THE SHELF HIDING SPOT

• Jasper the Elf took a break from his usual spots and went into stealth mode today. The kids had a ball hunting for him, only to find him hiding with the spoons in the silverware drawer! Fancy a game of elfish hide-and-seek? Try hiding your elf in a cookie jar, dangling from a coat hook, or nestled among the apples and bananas. It's sure to bring out bursts of laughter when your little ones stumble upon their elf during everyday activities!

ELF ON STRIKE

• Looks like our Elf on the Shelf is taking a little breather and waving a homemade "Elf on Strike" sign! Fancy crafting one? Fold a tiny paper, jot down "Elf on Strike," and wrap it around a pencil. A spot of glue or a staple will do the trick, and there you have it—an adorable protest sign in elf-size for some festive fun. Easy-peasy and oh-so-cheery!

Video

Notes

ELF PRINTABLES

• Elf on the Shelf Good Deed Cards – Help your kids catch the kindness bug with our cozy little Good Deed Cards. Each one’s got a sweet nudge from your elf, suggesting fun ways to spread cheer and help out. It’s like a tiny high-five for their hearts every time they do a good thing!
• Free Printable Elfisms – Your Elf on the Shelf just zipped back from the North Pole with a bunch of Elfisms, ready to deck your halls with laughs straight from the movie ‘Elf’! You can go for a daily dose of cheer, letting your elf deliver one each day, or go big with a full-blown Elfism scavenger hunt, ending with a cozy movie night treat where you can watch Buddy’s hilarious adventures. So, print these out and let the giggles follow!
• Elf Joke Cards – Need a little extra sparkle in those December days? Our Elf Joke Cards are just the thing to get the chuckles going. Slip them into your kids’ lunchboxes for a midday giggle, or let your Elf scatter them around the house for some spontaneous fun. They’re small, they’re silly, and they’re sure to bring out the smiles with a touch of elfish humor!
• Secret Message from Santa – Shh, listen up! Your Elf on the Shelf has swooped in with a top-secret mission straight from Santa: a coded message just for your kids to decipher! Armed with a special decoder key, they’ll have a blast unlocking the hidden words. It’s a piece of the North Pole puzzle, delivered by their elf, that turns decoding into a merry mission during the holiday season.
• Elf on the Shelf Secret Mission Cards – Time for your kids to team up with their elf for some top-secret fun! These Secret Mission Cards are your ticket to some serious Christmas capers. Each day brings a new little quest – shh, don’t tell – it’s our little secret!