‘Tis the season to juggle a million things at once, and as a busy mom, sometimes the Elf on the Shelf magic can slip your mind. But fear not! I’ve got your back with 10 simple, last-minute Elf on the Shelf ideas that will sprinkle a dash of holiday enchantment in no time. These quick and easy suggestions ensure that the elf’s nightly escapades will bring smiles to your children’s faces without adding stress to your already bustling schedule.

1. Elf Came in Like a Wrecking Ball 

Do you remember that iconic Miley Cyrus song “Wrecking Ball”? This was my inspiration for this easy set up. I have a lot of disco balls in my home, so our elf comes in like a wrecking ball every couple of years and the kids have all gotten a kick out of that one. 

2. Stuck Elf 

We have a dart board we bought from iKea a few years back and our elf has gotten stuck in it once or twice. It’s a quick and easy one since we already own the dart board and the elfs material sticks perfectly to the velcro darts. My youngest thought this was hilarious!

3. Elf Needs Your Letter to Santa

I love this one. Our elf shows up with a new festive pen or pencil and notepad for each of the kids. She also has a note that instructs the kids to write their letter to Santa Clause. The girls loved their new Holiday Funko pens and our elf hooked it up with very important insights. 

4. Elf Making Snow Angels

Sprinkle some flour on your dining table or kitchen island and stage your elf making snow angels! This quick and easy set up will surely bring a smile to your child’s face. 

5. Elf Toy Takeover

Let your elf gather a few of your child’s toys for a nighttime adventure. Arrange them in a playful scene, suggesting that the toys have come to life in the elf’s company. I like sitting our elf in one of our toy cars with a toy or two for added silliness. 

6. Marshmallow Bubble Bath

No time to fill the tub with bubbles? No worries! Scatter mini marshmallows around the kitchen or bathroom sink for a bubbly elf bath scene that’s quick, easy, and adorable. An alternative to the sink is to place your elf in a big mug or bowl and fill it with marshmallows to create a silly bath scene. 

7. Building Gingerbread Houses with the Elf

This one takes a little bit of planning, because you need to buy the gingerbread house and choose a day you’ll have time to build it. We choose a free weekend and our elf surprises the kids with a gingerbread house! The girls love this one because we get to spend some time together building the gingerbread house. Plus they get to eat sweets in the morning. 

8. Elf Brings Home Snow

For a chilly morning surprise, our elf brings snow from the north pole! You can either make the fake snow yourself with baking soda and hair conditioner, or you can buy premade fake snow. I like the easy way, so I buy premade fake snow. Michaels sells fake snow that’s almost odorless and makes the perfect snow for the elf, and kids, to play with. 

9. Elf in the Fridge

Pop your elf into the fridge for a chilly surprise! Your kids will giggle with delight when they discover their little friend nestled among the milk and veggies. By far one of the funniest and easiest elf on the shelf ideas. The girls look for our elf in the fridge every year!

10. Elf on a mission

If you have a set of battery operated string lights or garland, place the elf in a silly location. Like trying to reach a bottle of syrup or a bucket of candy. This setup is super simple and the kids will get a good laugh of catching their elf mid-mischief. 

Being a last-minute mom doesn’t mean sacrificing the magic of the season. With these 10 quick and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas, you can effortlessly keep the enchantment alive, bringing joy and excitement to your children every morning. So, take a deep breath, embrace the simplicity, and let the holiday spirit shine through your home with the help of your mischievous little elf!

I wish you all a feliz navidad!! 🎄🎅🏼