Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Busy Parents

It’s that magical, and let’s be honest, completely exhausting time of year again. The Elf on the Shelf is almost back!

I always start off super enthusiastic, and then it becomes harder and harder to think of good ideas that we haven’t done before.

If you’re running low on inspiration or found yourself waking up at 2 am wondering whether the elf moved, we can help. I’ve pulled together a round-up of our favourite Elf on the Shelf antics, all sure to get a giggle out of the kids and give you an easy evening!

Ultimate List of Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Elf Parachute

Our elf has a reputation for arriving in style! Attach a small makeshift parachute (made from a paper napkin, tissue paper, or square of wrapping paper ) to your elf and suspend them from a light fixture or ceiling fan for a grand, dramatic landing.

elf on the shelf hanging from a parachute in a plant

Elf Photo Prop

Set up a mini elf photo shoot! Print out tiny paper photo props (like funny glasses, hats, or signs) or grab a polaroid/instant camera, scatter a few snapshot photos around, and let the elf play photographer.

Elves playing a game

This is super easy to set up and can easily last a few nights! Set up your elf with a board game like Tic-Tac-Toe, Connect 4, or Snakes & Ladders. Leave a note asking the kids to make their move during the day so the elf can make his move overnight.

Smarty Pants

Smarties and pants! What’s not to love? Dress your elf up in a clean pair of doll or toddler underwear and surround them with Smarties candies for a hilarious morning surprise.

Toasty Elves

Another super easy one…you just need some toast! Cut a small hole in a slice of bread and slide your elf through so they look nice and “toasty” for breakfast.

Elf Exercises

Time for an elf workout! Create mini elf weights for exercising using a chocolate stick or pretzel rod with Life Savers candies pushed onto each end.

Elf lying on a rug with weights made from a chocolate stick and candy

Elf Walks

This cheeky elf asked to be taken on a walk. Obviously, kids can’t touch the elf without losing their magic, so an Elf Carrier is a vital piece of equipment for safely taking your friend on outdoor adventures.

Tape Door Maze

Our elf used masking tape to create this epic sellotape door maze! Criss-cross tape across a bedroom or bathroom doorway to create an obstacle course the kids have to wiggle through in the morning.

elf trapped in a masking tape maze in a door entryway

The Infamous Gift Wrapped Toilet

The ultimate pesky elf trick! Wrap the entire toilet bowl (or the whole toilet!) in festive wrapping paper. It’s guaranteed to get a massive laugh during the morning routine.

Toilet wrapped in Christmas gift paper with an elf inside a toilet roll

Elf Zip Line

Did you know elves like to travel by zip line?

This is one of the easy elf on the shelf ideas on Science Sparks. You can download the challenge cards for free from the website.

Elf hanging from a zip line made from string in a playroom

Elf Telescope

That cheeky elf is up to no good again! Set up a toy telescope or roll up a sheet of paper, and position the elf so their bottom is blocking the viewing lens.

Cheeky Elf Moustache

This cheeky elf took a selfie, printed it out, and decorated the photo with a drawn-on moustache, or better yet, drew silly dry-erase moustaches on family photos hanging on the wall!

elf with a black drawn mustache and glasses sat near a photo of a child with the same

Elf Boobie Trap

Ooops, this elf got more than he bargained for when climbing the tree!

Elf Spiderman

This is one of my absolute favourites! Hang your elf upside down from a lamp or ceiling fixture using black yarn “webs” or painter’s tape, wearing a paper Spider-Man mask for an epic superhero pose.

Elf dressed as spiderman hanging from the ceiling

Elf Snowman Toilet Roll Tower

Stack three rolls of toilet paper, draw coal buttons, carrot noses, and eyes with a marker, and pop your elf on top or hide it inside one of the tubes!

Elf Toilet Roll Snowman. Elf sat in three stacked toilet rolls with a snwoman face drawn on with sharpie

Elf Pants Trap

If pants make your kids laugh, then this elf pants trap is a good one! Trap your elf upside down inside a pair of brightly colored underwear or big dad socks, with just their legs sticking out.

Elf Swing

Construct a swing using a craft stick or small piece of cardboard bound with string or twine. Hang it from a doorway, curtain rod, or tree branch for a relaxing elf perch.

Elf on a swing made from a craft stick and string for a fun elf trick

Keep the Elf Magic Alive!

Creating festive memories with your Elf on the Shelf doesn’t have to require hours of prep or complicated crafts. With simple crafts and materials you already have, you can keep your kids guessing and giggling all December long.

Which of these ideas are you going to try first? Do you have a favorite legendary elf prank in your house? Let us know in the comments below! Happy elfing!