It’s December 1st! The Christmas vibes are kicking in, Mariah Carey’s tunes are filling the air, but wait…something’s missing. Oops, you forgot about the Elf on the Shelf!
And now, there’s no time left to whip something up. It’s a bummer when the Elf “forgets” to move or doesn’t show up on the first night.
But hey, we parents are swamped, and it’s tough squeezing everything in. And sometimes, well, we just slip up. But don’t stress. It’s fixable – all you need is a simple idea!
Check out these last-minute Elf on the Shelf ideas to make sure that never happens again! This list of elf ideas is chock-full of fun and easy-peasy tricks to keep the holiday cheer going.
Need some inspiration for where to hide them or playful elf activities? These tips will guarantee a magical and unforgettable holiday experience for your family.
Quick Elf on the Shelf Ideas
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Try creating a cute, easy toilet paper roll snowman with the elf hiding inside. This last-minute Elf on the Shelf idea is perfect for festive fun and doesn’t involve a lot of preparation or cleanup.
Start a meaningful Christmas tradition this year with the Christmas giving jar. The elf can drop off the easy-to-obtain supplies to create a project that will last all year. Download the free printable to get started.
Need a quick Elf on the Shelf idea? Go through the kids’ toy closet and find some toys to create this cute scene. The elf is being held hostage by dinosaurs or any other toys that look imposing enough to kidnap a magical elf.
This next last-minute Elf on the Shelf idea looks more complicated than it is. Trap the elf in a water bottle with these easy instructions. The best part is it will only take a few minutes to achieve the fun results. And why stop there? The post offers multiple ways to trap the elf in various silly ways.
Print the cute “Today Let’s” elf sign and keep it on hand when you need a last-minute Elf on the Shelf idea. Write something fun and easy to do, like read a book or visit the park.
Having options on hand is a must when it comes to figuring out what that elf is going to get into. Go ahead and print this mini elf twister game. When you need a quick idea, lay the game out with some toy friends and the elf.
Here is another idea that you can keep on hand. Download, print, and cut the kit in the article. Then, quickly set up the scene inspired by the movie Elf when you need a last-minute idea.
Combine two things that most kids love: superheroes and their elf. Dress up the elf in the kids’ favorite superhero outfits with these free printables.
You can even take it a step further and lay out some dress-up costumes for the kids so they can match the elf. Make it into a movie night with a superhero movie. The Hawkeye series, Iron Man 3, and Shazam all take place at Christmastime, for example.
Create a magical Elf on the Shelf prop with this printable tic tac toe game. Download, print, and follow the directions for a festive activity with your elf. Kids could even take turns with the elf, who won’t move until after the kids are in bed, so this activity can last several days.
An elf’s name represents their personality, but what would your child’s elf name be? Download and print up the free elf name generator printable to find out. Kids will love finding out their elf name with this surprise.
In this article, discover the ultimate solution for hassle-free Elf on the Shelf adventures. The printable Elf on the Shelf props will help you effortlessly create magical scenes. Some props are a marshmallow roasting kit, a fire truck, a fishing pole, scarves, and more.
If you have some brown paper bags on hand, this is an adorable last-minute Elf on the Shelf idea that the kids will love. Set up a paper bag race with several stuffed animals and the elf.
The greatest part about this is that it takes zero setup. The post also contains multiple other ideas for when you are a little more prepared.
Are you going to add any of these ideas to your rotation? If so, let us know in the comments below!
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Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.