It’s December 1! Since the Christmas countdown has officially begun, that means your Elf on the Shelf has made his annual arrival. However, it’s easy to quickly run out of creative ideas for hiding your elf each day leading up to Christmas. And with the hecticness of everyday life, there isn’t always time to think up an elaborate display the morning of. But spreading the magic of Christmas and seeing the joy on our kiddos faces is priceless. So, here are 10 fun and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas.
#1 Elf hiding (or stuck!) in your tree
This is a super quick way to hide your Elf on the Shelf that is still fun for your kids. Hide your elf (or make it appear like he got stuck) in your Christmas tree! Your kids will have a blast searching for him.
#2 Elf eating a treat
Stage your elf to look like he got into something sweet – cookies, candy or whatever you have on hand. Leave some evidence by placing a treat with “bites” missing, or sprinkle some crumbs around your elf. Your kids will get a kick out of it!
#3 Or, have your elf bring a treat!
Instead of your elf eating a treat, have him bring a treat! Place some unopened candy next to your elf, and your kids can take it to school to enjoy after lunch. You can even leave a note from the elf saying he brought it for them.
#4 Write a letter from your elf
Write a letter about how nice (or naughty) they have been and what Santa thinks. It can serve as a mid Christmas countdown progress report. Sign it from your elf and put it in an envelope!
#5 Elf hanging from a light
This is another quick but fun way to hide your elf. If you have a hanging light fixture, set your elf on it. Your kids might not expect to see him up that high!
#6 Elf and friends
Gather a few of your kid’s toys and arrange them with your elf. Make it look like they are hanging out and having fun.
#7 Reading elf
Grab you child’s favorite book and open it to make it look like your elf was in the middle of it.
#8 Elf on the curtain rod
This is similar to the light fixture idea: quick, easy and fun. Set your elf on top of one of your curtain rods so he can have a bird’s eye view.
#9 Elf in a plant
Limited time one morning? Hide your elf in one of your house plants.
#10 Elf leaves a special message on the fridge
If you have fridge letter magnets, write out a short and sweet message from your elf. Set him on top of your fridge so your kiddos know who wrote it! Or, if you don’t have letter magnets, you can write a message on a piece of paper and hang it on the fridge using a regular magnet. This can be done any day but would be a fun and memorable set-up for your elf’s last day.
Related articles
The Ultimate Christmas Movie Guide
Best Places to See Holiday Lights
Tips to Prevent Chapped Lips in Cold Weather