Here are 12 Last Minute or Free Elf on the Shelf Ideas that either need no supplies or things you probably already have laying around the house. No more panic needed when you forget to plan something else!
SIMPLE ELF IDEAS
Throughout Elf season, there are always those days where it’s time for bed and you don’t have an idea or plan for your Elf on the Shelf. No worries though, I’ve got you covered! Here are 12 Last-Minute or Free Elf on the Shelf Ideas that either need no supplies or things you probably already have laying around the house. Most of these ideas are relatively fast too!
If you are still needing ideas, be sure and check out my post with 25 Quick and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas that take under 5 minutes! I also have a ton of fun Elf on the Shelf Free Printables that are worth checking out! For a preview watching the video below!
LAST MIN ELF PRINTABLES
LAST MINUTE ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS
Make a Mini Countdown using some cardstock or paper! Kids love this idea because they get to continue to take rings off the countdown all the way until Christmas!
Sledding Elf! If you don’t have an actual elf-sized elf, no worries! Just use a Tupperware lid or a frisbee! Idea from Crazy Lou Creations
Take 1 minute and channel your inner child to fold a paper airplane! If you have the time, it’s fun to draw on it and write the name of your Elf on the side! Then stage your Elf laying in it, near a window!
Elf worshiping Jesus! If you have a Nativity in your home, have your Elf jump into the Nativity scene! Idea from Ten Cow Chick.
Message on the Mirror from your Elf! Grab some lipstick and write a message from the Elf on your bathroom mirror! Idea from Come Together Kids.
Naturally, all Elves love snowflakes, so it only makes sense that they love making snowflakes too! Make some snowflakes using paper and stage your Elf next to them with some scissors! Idea from Yvette’s Photos on Flicker.
Grab a Christmas themed coloring page and stage your Elf coloring the picture!
Make mini Hershey kisses with chocolate chips, foil, and Kleenex. You can stage them around your Elf! Idea from Maya Made.
Elves Rule, Gnomes Drool signs! My kids got a kick out of this idea! Just make the signs and stage your Elf by them!
Hang some underwear from your fireplace or on your Christmas tree! Then put your tree in the underwear! Kids get a kick out of this funny idea! Idea by Small Town City.
Generally we stage our Elf in plain sight, so I loved watching my kids scramble looking for Jasper. Then they went to get a spoon to eat their cereal with and viola there he was!
If your kids have been naughty, this is a silly and playful little way to try and get them to be nicer! Just make a quick Strike sign out of paper and a straw.
One more way to make the Elf Season simple is to buy a few fun Elf 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.
I hope these ideas help you simplify your Elf Season!
* 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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hi lisa i want to buy the “ultimate elf” , do you give deliver in india.
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All the ideas are so charming,Great post.
I really like and appreciate your work. The points you have mentioned in this article are useful. I must try to follow these points and also share others.
Hi there,
I have made repeated attempts at purchasing your EOTS e-book and it will not accept my method of payment/visa; might this be because I am Canadian and perhaps you do not accept international methods of payment? Any altetnative suggestion as to how I could go about doing so?
I see that the order went through! Let me know if you need anything else! Thanks so much!
Great ideas! Our elf will make her appearance tomorrow so I need to come up with a few ideas quickly!
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All the ideas are so charming,Great post
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That was cool I just did one and we taped it to the wall and put army soldiers around it
These are cute ideas. I do good to remember to move the thing! Ours just hides somewhere up high–the top of a cabinet, peeking out of a lamp shade, etc.
My daughter is only 1 but I am planning on hopefully getting an elf at after christmas sale or next year and “starting the tradition” next year. I think it is so fun.
These are adorable ideas! My daughter is still pretty little, but I’m tempted to get her an elf this year. It’s such a fun little tradition.