Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas For Little Kids

Alessandra | Posted on November 25, 2024 |

It’s that time of year again! Whether you love or hate your elf, in this blog you’ll find insanely simple Elf on the Shelf ideas for your little kids are that bound to make you fall in love with your elf again!

When you’re a tired and busy mom with a few kids, simple Elf on the Shelf ideas are a must this time of year! We have had our Elf on the Shelf, Percy, going on 6 years now and I won’t lie…I love this tradition. I think it’s so fun and just adds a little extra sparkle to the Christmas season. Whether you love your Elf on the Shelf or you’re not a huge fan, this blog is going to help you out! We could all use a good elf idea here and there. In this blog I’m sharing 19 insanely simple Elf ideas that you can do quickly.

Since I know you got into your bed, got all nice and cozy and then said to yourself “sh*t! I forgot to move the elf!” I’m sharing some quick and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas so you can move your elf, make it look even more magical than you feel, and be off to bed. Plus, keep reading for my very BEST tip to help you ACTUALLY REMEMBER to move your elf BEFORE you get into bed!

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Simple Elf On The Shelf Ideas

I’ve gotten a bit creative over the years with our Elf on the Shelf. I find it super fun to move him around and I love how excited my kids get to search for our Elf each morning. Also! Our Elf comes out on December 1 because I don’t need it here any earlier than that. So if you’re the same way, know that it doesn’t matter how long your Elf comes to your house. Maybe it’s 30 days, maybe it’s 2 weeks…it’s up to you. But on the first day back, our Elf always writes a nice little “I’m Back!” note.

Pro Tip: I use my non-dominant hand to write the notes so my kids don’t catch on to the handwriting.

Elf On The Shelf Ideas for Toddlers

Many of these Elf on the Shelf ideas are great for toddlers too! If you didn’t know, you’re not supposed to touch your elf because he will “lose his magic!” And we don’t want that to happen. So for toddlers who don’t quite understand this concept, you’ll want to put your Elf out of reach. Hiding in the window, on a high shelf, or even in a wall decoration all work for that.

More Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas

I honestly love setting up our Elf with other toys. Have your elf play a game of Jenga with a doll or read a book to toys. I honestly can’t find my picture of that one, but I know I’ve done this! Your Elf can also go camping with Barbie, or hang with a Christmas Gnome!

Also throwing the Elf in a string of lights or slinging him in the Christmas tree is simple and silly! Placing your elf on a real shelf and knocking a few letters off the letterboard is another insanely simple but magical idea too.

Silly Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Throw your elf in the refrigerator next to some food, smudge a little chocolate on his face for good measure. Set up your Elf with a Christmas I Spy book or put him in a “bubble bath” for some silly fun. You could also have your Elf take a “selfie” (or an “elfie!”) with some dress up jewelry on. Have your elf draw silly faces on your child’s photos or simply put him on a shelf with a prop. Can you tell when I took some of these photos *cough face mask?*

Final Thoughts

Whether you love your Elf on the Shelf or not, it doesn’t have to be a daunting or annoying task. You can make your child’s Elf on the Shelf experience super magical with just a few props and a sense of humor. It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, it doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be fun and simple and ultimately no matter what, it will be so magical for your kids! Let me know in the comments section below what your favorite ideas are. Merry Christmas, mama!

And for my very best tip to help you remember to move your Elf on the Shelf…(you’re going to be mad at yourself for not thinking of this sooner, I know I was haha!) Drum roll please…Set an alarm on your phone! I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner than this year. But after 1 day of our Elf being out and my husband and I forgetting to move it I knew I had to be more proactive. So, I set an alarm for 10:00 PM which for me is before I’m in bed. I move the Elf, then I go to sleep. No more waking up in a panic at 5 AM to move the Elf quickly without waking up my kids! I highly suggest you give this one a try. 🙂

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