Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas That Take Minutes Not Hours

The holidays are upon us, and although it can be a magical time of year, busy parents don’t need to spend hours creating intricate scenes for Elf on the Shelf every night when there is a plethora of creative Elf on the Shelf ideas and graphics out there.  

Big or small you will find ideas that not only generally create the biggest grins and most treasured memories, but they are also quick and easy. These quick and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas can be set up and executed in a few minutes using materials you likely already have at home. 

If you are a seasoned elf warrior, you already know this and if you are brand new to Elf on the Shelf and freaking out about how in the world you are going to pull off this whole new tradition, these simple/easy ideas can still help to let some magic happen without complete catastrophic chaos at midnight. 

Lazy Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas

• Elf sitting in the fruit bowl eating a banana or apple
  
• Elf “sleeping” in a tissue box with a washcloth as a blanket
  
• Elf hanging from a light fixture or ceiling fan by his arms
  
• Elf face-down in a cereal bowl like he’s swimming in milk
  
• Elf sitting inside the refrigerator behind the milk jug
  
• Elf wrapped up in toilet paper like a mummy on the bathroom counter
  
• Elf sitting in a coffee mug like it’s a hot tub
  
• Elf hiding in a shoe or boot in the closet
  
• Elf sitting on top of the toilet paper roll reading a magazine
  
• Elf positioned in front of the TV with the remote and a tiny snack

Quick And Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas

• Elf sitting in the kitchen sink with a sponge like he’s taking a bath
  
• Elf wrapped in dental floss or string like he’s tied up
  
• Elf sitting inside the microwave with a sign saying “Warming up for Christmas”
  
• Elf hiding in the pantry inside a cereal box with just his head poking out
  
• Elf sitting on the bookshelf reading a tiny book or magazine
  
• Elf positioned in the bathroom “brushing teeth” with a toothpick
  
• Elf sitting in a mason jar or glass container like he’s trapped
  
• Elf lying flat under a napkin or paper towel like he’s hiding
  
• Elf sitting in the car cup holder ready for a road trip
• Elf positioned near the coffee maker with a tiny coffee cup made from a bottle cap
  
• Elf sitting in a houseplant like he’s camping in the jungle
  
• Elf hanging upside down from a cabinet handle by his feet

Funny Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas

• Elf sitting on the toilet with a newspaper or phone like he’s using the bathroom
  
• Elf with his head stuck in a jar of peanut butter or cookie jar
  
• Elf “drunk” on vanilla extract lying next to the spice bottle
  
• Elf doing “yoga” in weird positions on a kitchen towel mat
  
• Elf with underwear on his head from the laundry basket
  
• Elf sitting in front of a mirror flexing his tiny muscles
  
• Elf “photobombing” family pictures by sitting in the frames
  
• Elf with a tiny sign saying “I’m watching you” while sitting on the TV
  
• Elf covered in flour like he tried to bake and made a mess
  
• Elf sitting in the dog’s food bowl eating kibble with a spoon
  
• Elf wearing sunglasses indoors acting too cool for Christmas
  
• Elf positioned like he’s picking his nose with a toothpick

Kid Friendly Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas

• Elf having a tea party with stuffed animals or dolls
  
• Elf reading bedtime stories to toy cars or action figures
  
• Elf sitting in a toy dump truck or fire engine like he’s driving
  
• Elf playing hide and seek by peeking out from behind picture frames
  
• Elf building a snowman out of marshmallows with toothpick arms
  
• Elf sitting at a tiny table made from a book with bottle cap plates
  
• Elf “sleeping” in a matchbox or small toy box as a bed
  
• Elf playing with Legos or building blocks making a tiny fort
  
• Elf sitting on a toy horse or rocking horse like he’s riding
  
• Elf having a picnic on a washcloth with toy food or snacks
  
• Elf “painting” with a tiny brush near art supplies or crayons
  
• Elf sitting in the toy kitchen cooking with play food
  
• Elf reading to teddy bears arranged in a circle like story time
  
• Elf playing board games with game pieces scattered around
  
• Elf sitting in a toy boat or bathtub boat ready for adventure

Cute Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas

• Elf cuddling with a small stuffed animal or teddy bear
  
• Elf sitting in a teacup with mini marshmallows as bubbles for a bath
  
• Elf making snow angels in flour or powdered sugar
  
• Elf tucked into a tiny bed made from a matchbox with tissue blankets
  
• Elf sitting under a small Christmas tree ornament like an umbrella
  
• Elf holding a candy cane like a walking stick or fishing pole
  
• Elf surrounded by cotton balls like he’s playing in fresh snow
  
• Elf sitting in a paper boat floating in a shallow bowl of water
  
• Elf wearing doll clothes or a tiny scarf and hat for winter
  
• Elf positioned like he’s giving hugs to small Christmas decorations
  
• Elf sitting with hot cocoa made from a bottle cap and mini marshmallows
  
• Elf reading a tiny book to a row of Christmas village figurines
  
• Elf ice skating on a mirror with paper clip skates taped to his feet
  
• Elf building a fort out of books with a flashlight for camping
  
• Elf sitting in a sleigh made from a small basket with ribbon reins

I prefer you to check our other post: 250+ Unique And Creative Drawing Ideas For Drawing Lovers

Conclusion

The magic of Elf on the Shelf is not about setting up Pinterest-worthy scenes or competing to have the most elaborate setups when simple easy Elf on the Shelf ideas work just as well. The magic is about encouraging your child’s imagination and providing a little excitement and happiness to their December mornings by using these simple easy Elf on the Shelf ideas.

These simple easy Elf on the Shelf ideas show you don’t have to give up sleep or break the bank to create a holiday full of childhood memories. Your kids won’t remember if you set the most complicated easy Elf on the Shelf ideas. 

They will remember the thrill of finding out what their elf has been up to.  Give yourself a break, use these simple easy Elf on the Shelf ideas and focus on what is really the most important creating magical memories with the ones you love the most.

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