Less than a minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Written 15th September 2022 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter
We've all been there. At first it's exciting when the elves arrive, thinking of inventive and creative ways for those cheeky elves to appear in the mornings. You may even have some elf on the shelf props lined up. Good work!
But as time goes on, it gets harder and harder and sometimes it cactches you out. How many times have we woken in the night and thought 'Oh no, I've forgotten the elves, quick what can I do that is quick and easy'.
We've compiled a list of fantastic, simple but creative ideas you can do with your elves, that will take you less than 1 minute.
Go here If you like the more shocking an and inappropriate elf on the shelf ideas.

The Blinds
Place the elf between the blinds with this poem - 'Roses are red, violets are blue, I got stuck in the blinds, coming back to you', written on a piece of paper.
Credit: Telegraph

Drawing on Photos
Using a wipe-clean pen you can deface photos. Makes sure you test the pen first to make sure it is easily removed.
Credit: Credit Unknown

The Snow Angel
Using everyday flour or sugar you can create this simple, but effective snow angel.
Credit: Credit Unknown

Hostage Elf
Taped to the wall, if you have toy soldiers great, if not you could pretend any toy has done this.
Credit: Jennifer Saintz Photography

Minion Bananas
With just a sharpie pen and you can bring the bananas to life.
Credit: Stacy Molter Photography

Elf in Kitchen Roll
Put the middle of a kitchen roll to pretend he is stuck.
Credit: Your Christmas Countdown

Broken Bones
Using toilet paper and some sellotape, create a broken leg/arm. May also encourage children to tidy up.

Elf Poo
A packet of chocolate chips across the floor looks like elf poo. If you have a potty you can go one further and sit the elf on there.

Tooth Fairy
A great idea if one of your little ones has lost a tooth. just fold up some paper, and attached to the back of the elves.

Dinosaur Ride
Line up your child's dinosaur toys and sit the Elf riding on the front one. This can also be done with horses.
Credit: Ally T

Toilet Roll Elves
Put the elves in toilet rolls, you can also recreate this note.
Credit: Jennifer Tarnowski

Elf Surveillance
This sign can be bought from Etsy. Alternatively, you can create your own.

The Toilet Roll
Put the elf in the toilet roll at the bottom of the stairs, leave some unraveling.
Credit: The Mummy Bubble

The Toilet Roll Snowman
Draw on the toilet rolls to create a toilet roll snowman. If you have time, make a scarf.
Credit: Mummy of Four

Secret Message
The secret message can be made up by you, or even quicker - just print it here
Credit: Over the big moon

Height Chart
Place one elf against the wall. Use the other elf to be checking how tall the other elf is along a wall.
Credit: Reading with Mrs D

Grocery List
Write a list of things the elf would like such as cookies, syrup and candy canes.
Credit: Cloe

Coat hanger elf
Hang the elf from the ceiling with a coat hanger
Credit: Made the best of everything

Balloon Elf
Trap the elf on a balloon and blow it up. Write 'Help Me' on the front of the balloon.
Credit: Jennifer joy life

Dog Buscuits
Pretend the elf has eaten dog biscuits and write a note to say not to leave them out for Santa.
Credit: Flickr

Help You locked me out
Such an easy one, place the elf outside with a note saying 'Help, you locked me out'
Credit: wiccanwoman
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Peek a boo
Place the elf between toilet rolls and write on the toilet roll with pen.
Credit: Tara Kush
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Eating Choco Snaps
Place the elf in the box and place coco pops on the table.
Credit: Rach Jr Palmer - facebook
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Birthday
Place the elf near some candles and write a note asking the children when the elf's birthday is.
Credit: Christina Mayhue Emmel - facebook

Elf in a cotton wools
Place the elf in a 'snow bath' using cotton wool
Credit: Dana Wisseman - facebook

Feeding the duck
Fill a sink with water, add some rubber ducks. Add some bread
Credit: Megan Ray - Facebook

Listen to Mummy
Fantastic idea for children who haven't been listening to mum. Makes some mini ear muffs using pipe cleaners and pom poms.