Best Super Quick & Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas 2023

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.

Using a wipe-clean pen you can deface photos. Makes sure you test the pen first to make sure it is easily removed.

Using everyday flour or sugar you can create this simple, but effective snow angel.

Taped to the wall, if you have toy soldiers great, if not you could pretend any toy has done this.

With just a sharpie pen and you can bring the bananas to life.

Place the elf in a roll and position condiments around him.

Wrap an elf in a burrito and cut a circle for his head.

Put the Elf in a jar

Put the middle of a kitchen roll to pretend he is stuck.

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

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.

A great idea if one of your little ones has lost a tooth. 

Pile up your cushions and sit the elf on the top! Simple but genius

Line up your child's dinosaur toys and sit the Elf riding on the front one. This can also be done with horses.

Put the elves in toilet rolls, you can also recreate this note.

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

Put the elf in the toilet roll at the bottom of the stairs, leave some unraveling.

Draw on the toilet rolls to create a toilet roll snowman. If you have time, make a scarf.

Place the elf as if he reading a story to the other toys.

The secret message can be made up by you, or even quicker - just print it here 

Wrap a towel or blanket around the elf and pop him in the fridge.

Sharks in the bath

Elf stuck in the washing machine

Squirt toothpaste into the sink.

Place one elf against the wall. Use the other elf to be checking how tall the other elf is along a wall.

Great for children who don't brush their teeth.

Put the toilet rolls on top of each other.

Fill a shoe with rice crispies. Quick to do last minute but takes a while to tidy up the next day.

Place the Crisps into a tree shape.

Grate a carrot and draw a face on him.

Tip sprinkles on a tray and place elf in the middle.

Wrap an adult's shoes in clingfilm.

Write a list of things the elf would like such as cookies, syrup and candy canes.

Hang the elf from the ceiling with a coat hanger

Print off a face of spiderman and attach to the elf, hang upside down.

Using candy canes hang your elf from the ceiling.

Use wrapping paper to create long legs on the elf. 

Trap the elf on a balloon and blow it up. Write 'Help Me' on the front of the balloon.

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

Fill a bowl with brown cereal.

Such an easy one, place the elf outside with a note saying 'Help, you locked me out'

The elf on the shelf is taking a serious phone call

Place the elf between toilet rolls and write on the toilet roll with pen.

Place the elf in the box and place coco pops on the table.

Place the elf near some candles and write a note asking the children when the elf's birthday is.

Place the elf amongst the animals.

Place a chocolate chip on a toothbrush

Toasing marshmallows over candles

Place the elf in a 'snow bath' using cotton wool

Using Chocolate chips in a glass.

Throw toilet paper over the tree.

The elves find animals to cross the finish line

By drawing a mini twister board you can easily create this design.

Hang the elf upside down from a light.

Wrap an iPad in clingfilm, so quick and effective.

Fill a sink with water, add some rubber ducks. Add some bread

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

Such an easy way to make a snowman

Ask the children to draw a picture that the Elf will give to Santa. Great way to get children being creative.

By stacking tins on top of each other can make a really effective 'Elf Ladder"

Ironing crinkle cut chips to make them straight

Make Ice hills out of toilet paper on your furniture.

Introducing Princess Elf on the shelf

Using a pack of eggs, create a scared look on the egg's faces

Put the elf in a shoe box and cover with a pretend cover and pillow. Add the Vaporub, tissues and a thermonitor next to them.

Using cherrios to symbolize elf donuts

Using milk and cereal.