24 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Elf on the shelf ideas

With the year we’ve had  your either really looking forward to the Elf coming to break up the monotony of being in the house so much. Or, you are dreading the elf because your family it at home so much, how are you supposed to find time to plan out and set up the little guy or gal every night?

I’m somewhere in between. When I have things planned it’s all fun and good. But if I have to figure something out, it’s not so easy. Especially if your kids have ADHD, anxiety or other sleep problems where they only fall asleep around midnight and the slightest noise can wake them. Having kids with ADHD or anxiety can add a little extra to elf adventures.

Parents, you are welcome! Here are 24 easy Elf on the Shelf ideas!

  1. Nothing screams 2020 like an elf in quarantine!

Elf quarantine ideas

2. Elf under construction. Click here for free printable.

Elf on the shelf ideas

3. Your kid is a smarty pants!

elf ideas

4. Make it about what your kids like. If they like playing candy crush make an ‘elf’ version that they will love!

elf ideas

5. This is fun for kids of all ages! You can tie it into the Polar Express movie, or if you are tired of spending all the time in the house together, it’s a great toy. Set up racetracks and courses and play kids against each other or kids versus parents.

elf ideas

6. Level Up! This is a fun one for the moms of boys! The kids will get a kick out of it. Just be warned, if you do have a son they may likely actually try to pee into the hole… mine did!

elf easy ideas

7. Get the decorating going. This one is fun for a tree, but the elf could have easily brought a poinsettia.

elf on the shelf ideas

8. Incorporate your favorite family holiday movie! My kids LOVE home alone. Who am I kidding… my husband does too. This is a fun one that you can watch the movie and the elf can surprise them the next day.

Elf on the Shelf Prank Ideas

elf easy ideas

9. Don’t swallow the gum! My mother used to say this to me all the time… this is a fun idea and the kids get some gum!

Elf on the Shelf Prank Idea

10. How the Grinch stole Christmas is a holiday classic in our house. You have movies, cartoons and books to bring the joy of Whoville to you!

elf ideas

11. My friend Kathryn is super dedicated! I have to admit I don’t think I would have the patience to do all this. But if you can, your kids will LOVE it!

Elf easy ideas

12. A socially distanced elf. Just grab some painters tape and have fun!

elf ideas

13. Making holiday cookies is many families traditions. Why not incorporate your family traditions with the elf?

Elf on the Shelf Prank Ideas

Elf on shelf ideas

14.  The lemonade stand is a popular elf trick. You can find tons of free printables for a lemonade stand on Pinterest.

Elf on the Shelf Prank Ideas

15. All I want for Christmas is World Peas! In our house I’ll take a little World Peace too!

elf on the shelf ideas

16. Target practice. This is an easy one and you can just draw the target on any paper.

Elf ideas

 

17. This is an easy one for parents. My kids are spending WAY too much time on electronics lately. This is a good way to get your elf to help you get them off the electronics.

Elf on the shelf ideas

18. If your kids love Charlie Brown Christmas, this is the idea for you!

Elf ideas

19. Put those elves to work making some holiday masks! This is an elf on the shelf idea that fits in with the year.

elf ideas

elf ideas

20. Kids love their toys… and their toys love their elves. It’s a no-brainer!

Elf ideas

 

21. If there was ever a year for games, 2020 is it!

elf ideas

22. Have a Hallmark Christmas Movie marathon! This is a fun and easy one. You can get some cute holiday trinkets and use them as prizes. Prizes may even help the dads stay interested when they aren’t into holiday movies.

Elf on the shelf ideas

24.When the elf leaves the kids are always sad. It’s always fun to make it into something that they will find fun. It’s a good idea to leave them with some games, or gifts that they can play with the whole Christmas break.

elf ideas

Elf ideas

Looking for more Elf on the Shelf easy ideas? Check out this post. How about Elf breakfast ideas?

Looking for a fun way for your Elf on the Shelf to arrive?

If you want more Elf departure ideas read this.

Do you have any elf on the shelf ideas? Share in the comments below.

About the author

Paige McEachren

Paige McEachren worked for 15+ years as a Corporate Communications Manager for world-leading technology and Pharmaceutical companies until she decided to leave the workplace and stay at home to help her two kids navigate life.