Instead of stressing over your Elf, get inspired by these Elf on the Shelf last minute ideas! Most take just a few minutes to set up.
I’ve had a lot of new Elf on the Shelf ideas for you lately, so I thought I’d put them all together along with a bunch of other quick ideas in one place for easy reference!
It’s that time of the year when your scout elf returns from the North Pole to watch over the kiddos and report back to Santa Claus on their behavior.
While this Elf on the Shelf tradition is a lot of fun for the kids, it can add another stress to the already chaotic holiday season for us parents.
I know our Elf forgot to return to the North Pole many nights between December 1st and Christmas Eve, ugh, parent fail, but we always blamed it on the rain!
Some parents love this Christmas tradition and have so much fun coming up with creative ways for the Elf to return each morning, but I know not everyone is like that and might need a bit of inspiration for easy elf ideas.
If you are new to the Elf tradition, make sure you grab our free set of Elf on the Shelf printables to get you started!
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I fully admit that moving our Elf was very last minute and a lot of times he would end up on the Christmas tree, hanging out of light fixtures, or in a stocking.
But with all the free printables available nowadays, coming up with a fun idea is easier than ever!
So I’ve rounded up some of the best Elf on the Shelf ideas from my fellow bloggers and a lot of them include free printables to use (a perfect way to make the process quick!).
Elf on the Shelf Last Minute Ideas
To get the full details of the fun Elf on the Shelf ideas, click on the Read More button to hop on over to the original post.
Free Elf on the Shelf Ice Cream Stand Printable
Grab these free Elf on the shelf accessories for a cute ice cream shop.
The cutting and taping together only takes a few minutes and then you can have ice cream cones in the elf's hands leaning out the store window!
Elf on the Shelf Camping: FREE Printables!
A camping scene is a cute idea for any elf and with this free set of camping props, you can build a fun scene anyway you want!
FREE Elf on the Shelf Printable Props!!
This free set of Elf on the Shelf printable props has several photo props that you can use and is a great way to tackle multiple days of the Elf's return.
The Elf can sit on any Christmas decorations holding a photo prop! Super quick and easy!
32 FREE Elf on Shelf Notes: Printable and Easy to Use!
Using a little note is probably the easiest way to set a scene. You can use one of these cards every day of the Christmas season until the elf departs.
Elf on the Shelf Donut Shop FREE Printable
Another great idea is this cute donut shop! Again cutting out the free set and putting it together takes about 10 minutes, but then you can place the shop in a new spot, add the Elf, and you're done!
Elf on the Shelf I'm Back FREE Printable (4 Versions!)
A fun way for the Elf to return on December 1st is with an I'm Back letter. Roll up the letter and place it with the Elf anywhere!
FREE Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable (4 Versions!)
You can also print out an Elf rules sheet and put with the Elf the next day to remind little kids of not touching the Elf and about being kind.
Swiftie Elf on the Shelf Printable Props (Taylor Swift Eras Inspired!)
Have a Swiftie in the house? Grab these printable Taylor Swift inspired Elf sized props!
Free Elf on the Shelf Mouse Ears & Snacks Printables
For the Disney fans, grab these free Elf sized Mickey Mouse ears and shirts to dress up the little guy.
KitchenAid Elf on The Shelf Idea
A super quick Elf ideas is to place him in the whisk of your KitchenAid! If you store your blender on your counter, then this would be an easy last minute elf idea!
Santa! I Know Him! Free Elf Printable
For those who know and love the movie Elf, this fun scene will bring so much joy to kids and adults!
Elf on the Shelf Wasting Toilet Paper
There really are a lot of creative ideas when it comes to using toilet rolls and the Elf.
He can be wasting a bunch of toilet paper, wrapped up like a mummy in toilet paper, or even sticking out the end of a toilet paper roll.
Elf on the Shelf Snowball Fight
If you want to showcase some Elf antics, you can make a quick and easy snowball fight that your kids can then have the next day!
Elf on the Shelf Dunk Tank
If you need more funny elf ideas, print out this cute dunk an elf tank.
Elf On The Shelf Kissing Booth (Free Printable)
Who wouldn't want Elf kisses this time of year??
Christmas Elf Ring Toss
Elves love to play games! Have him play a little ring toss.
Elf on the Shelf Christmas Stories Countdown Printable
A great way to get your kids to read is during Elf season! Use this printable to encourage the love of reading.
Free Elf on the Shelf Christmas Baking Printable Set – Christmas Cookies
This Elf baking printing set would be perfect next to your cookie jar!
Elf on the Shelf idea – Candy Cane Garden
Grab some candy canes and this printable and build a candy cane garden.
Elf on the Shelf Rock Climbing
I never would have thought of this great place for the Elf to return - on kitchen doors doing rock climbing!
Elf on the Shelf Activity – St. Bernard Puppy Cupcakes
Turn cupcakes into puppies and set the Elf next to them. Kids enjoy a yummy treat!
Elf On The Shelf Letter Board Ideas
Another set of notes, this time in letter board form!
Elf On The Shelf Superhero Costumes FREE Printables
If your kids are into superheroes, they would love to see their own elf in a cape and mask.
Elf on the Shelf Hot Chocolate Station and Printable Signs
Make a fun hot cocoa station for the kids to wake up to!
This would be a great idea for a weekend morning or Christmas Eve morning when they can spend some time making their own cup of hot chocolate.
Elf On The Shelf Twister FREE Printable
Elves love board games too! Grab a free printable twister set.
Two Elf on the Shelf’s; Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Two Elves
Have more than one Elf on the Shelf? Check out these fun ideas of how much trouble two elves can find themselves in!
Easy Elf on the Shelf Idea - Olaf "Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?"
An easy cutout and scene for any Frozen fan!
Elf On The Shelf Costume Ideas
Just some more ways you can dress the Elf up withe printable or sometimes store bough accessories.
Elf on the Shelf Donate Toys Letter
Teach your kids to donate toys with this great elf printable.
I hope you found some inspiration for making this popular Christmas tradition a little more fun for you and your kiddos!
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Thanks so much for stopping by and Merry Christmas!
