12 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas

I don’t know about you, but in the crazy month of December, I certainly don’t need anything else to worry about, especially not an elf! Fortunately, I always start off the month with fun, creative escapades for our visiting elf.  However, by the middle of the month, I’m burnt out! Since our elf arrives the day after Thanksgiving, some years, like this year, it’s a long elf season.

Unfortunately, my problem is that my older son is at the age where he gets so much joy from finding “Buddy” (real original, I know). As a result, I can’t stop the elf now. So what’s a working mama of two supposed to do when it comes time to move the elf? Search Pinterest of course! That’s all good and well in the fall, but when you need to move the elf in 5 mins, what are you to do? As a result of my last minute scrambling, I created an easy and fast list of 12 Elf of the Shelf ideas anyone can do…even my husband!

1. Put the elf on the Christmas tree! I like to use this if Buddy is bringing a gift.

2. Hang the elf from a light fixture. This is a favorite because my son knows Buddy is watching him at meal times.

3. Put your elf in the toothbrush cup in the bathroom. What a great way to make sure your children are brushing their teeth and washing their hands.

4. Put your elf in the fridge or freezer with a note “feels like home to me.” This would probably be better for children who can read.

5. Use painter’s tape and tape your elf to a door or wall…I lie to make my elf hang upside down.

6. Set your elf up somewhere were s/he can “read” a book. I like to do this on the top ledge of the couch in our living room.

7. Build a scene with your child’s toys. For us, Buddy always builds with our duplos or Paw Patrol figurines (This one takes about 5 mins.)

8. Put your elf “to sleep” in a tissue box. If you want to add a little more to this one, write a note that says “I’m sick.”

9. Build a snowman with your elf and toilet paper. My son thought this was hysterical last year. (This also take a few extra minutes).

10. Put your elf in a favorite cup or mug of your child’s.

11. Put your elf in a corner for “timeout.”  

12. Have your elf “help” cook and get stuck in a mixer or hanging out of a cabinet.

Do you have an easy elf on the shelf idea you can share?

If you are in need of more help check out the FCMB Holiday Gift Guide! The company 76th & Newbury’s Elf Guru Guide is a featured gift that you will want to have!