This post is about elf on the shelf ideas.
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There is nothing more fun for kids to wake up to than their elf! All of these easy elf on the shelf ideas are truly easy to copy. Several of these take less than 5 minutes to set up, and the kids will love them!
Whether you want some funny ideas or unique ideas, this list has both! Make sure to save these for all your inspiration.
This post is about easy elf on the shelf ideas.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas: Easy
Melted Snowman
Place your elf next to a bowl of water with a carrot, sticks, and buttons. If you don't have all of these, do what you can! Just make sure it looks enough like a melted snowman. Add a handwritten note saying something about trying to bring a snowman back from the north pole!
Snow Angel
Sprinkle some flour on a flat surface, and lay your elf down with arms and legs spread. Make snow angel marks around it with your fingers. This is quick to prep and makes a magical mess that kids love.
Climbing on the Counter
Set your elf up mid-mission reaching for a cookie jar. You could stack any jarred or canned goods to get your elf at the correct height of the counter. The kids will crack up seeing their elf caught red-handed.
Monkey Bars
Drape your elf on your light fixture. The light fixture will act as the monkey bars. You can use ribbon or tape to tie into place. This idea takes less than 5 minutes and works great in kitchens or living rooms.
You Butter Watch Out
Tuck your elf into an empty butter container. Keep his head popping through for the kids to see when they open the fridge. Add a festive note and replace the word better with butter. This is a fun and festive idea that takes less than 5 minutes!
Baker Elf
Put your elf on the counter with some cookies & a whisk! If you don't want to make cookies, you could buy some or grab any treats you have. This kids will love a sweet treat to enjoy while laughing because their elf made them!
Elf on the Shelf Ideas: Funny
Snowball Fight
Set the scene for a mini snowball fight by scattering a handful of mini marshmallows around your elf. You could put other stuffed animals or another elf across from the scene. This idea only takes minutes to set up but looks adorable and festive. Out of all easy elf on the shelf ideas, this has to be a favorite!
Toilet Paper Prank
Place your elf in the bathroom in between the toilet paper roll. Add some Hershey kisses next to your elf to complete the scene. The kiddos will find this one hilarious, and you probably already have everything at home!
Looking for other Christmas ideas?
DJ Elfie
Turn your Elf into a DJ by placing them next to a record player or a small speaker. Add a pair of tiny headphones or diy headphones on your elf. We used some tissue paper! This setup is perfect for music-loving families and takes just a few minutes to create. This is a super creative and easy elf on the shelf idea.
Fishing for Goldfish
Put your elf next to a bowl of water. You can use a plastic straw or tape toothpicks together to make a fishing rod. Add gold fish into the bowl of water to act as the fish. Wait until the last-minute to add the gold fish because they will disintegrate quickly.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas: Unique
Painting Elf
Set up your elf with a tiny paintbrush and a miniature painting. You could add a piece of paper saying that the painting is from santa! If you are wanting to create an activity for the kids, this is the perfect elf on the shelf idea. Add a plain piece of paper and some paint for the kids to create their own for santa.
Sprinkle Water
Place your elf next to the sink with a funny sign. Add sprinkles to the piece of tape to make it look like water is coming out of the sink. This is a hilarious way to start your kids morning.
Sledding
Use wrapping paper to create the hill or even cardboard. Position is on a cabinet in the kitchen or on the edge of your couch to create a slant. We created our sled with just paper. If you add some cotton balls to imitate snow, it'll be the perfect touch!
Build a Snowman
Create a snowman with white powdered donuts, sprinkles, and chocolate chips. Add all the ingredients on another plates o your child can create their own! This is the perfect way for the kids to start their morning.
Pasta Elf
If you want an elf on the shelf idea that comes with an activity, this is perfect! Set out some flower and a rolling pin to get started. Create a sign letting the kids know it's time to make some homemade pasta!
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