Hilarious and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Busy Moms

Find fun and creative Elf on the Shelf ideas to make holiday mornings magical for your kids! Get inspired with easy setups for every day of December.

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Unique Elf on the Shelf Ideas Kids Will Love

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Getting Started with Your Elf on the Shelf

Have you ever wondered where that playful little elf hiding in your living room came from? Let’s give you the scoop on the Elf on the Shelf tradition.

It all started with a book that tells the story of how these elves visit your home during the holiday season to check in on the kids.

Each night, they head back to the North Pole to report to Santa if you’ve been naughty or nice. The next morning, they’re back, but in a new spot! It’s like a festive game of hide-and-seek.

The elf doesn’t move or speak while you’re awake, it’s all about the magic happening overnight.

We suggest sitting down with the kiddos and making it crystal clear: no touching the elf, or its magic might fade!

For us parents, remember to set an alarm as a reminder to move that crafty little elf each night.

Sneaking it around can be as much fun for you as finding it is for them.

The key? Keep it light, keep it fun, and watch the holiday magic unfold in your home.

Fun and Festive Elf on the Shelf Setups

We’ve all been there, staring at our Elf on the Shelf, wondering how to spice things up this December.

Let us tell you, injecting some creativity into your Elf setups can turn the whole holiday season into an exciting adventure for the kids (and let’s be honest, for us too!).

You don’t need to be a DIY guru to craft some holiday magic.

Simple mischief like having your Elf “accidentally” spill some cereal can have the kiddos giggling at breakfast.

And for those of us feeling a bit more ambitious, how about setting up a North Pole breakfast complete with tiny Elf-sized pancakes? Imagine the delight on your children’s faces!

If you’re running out of steam and need last-minute Elf ideas, no worries.

A funny Elf setup, like your Elf hanging from the chandelier, can be a total win.

Remember, the best part about Elf on the Shelf is making those festive Elf scenes that become precious December memories. So, let’s get creative and keep the holiday spirit alive!

Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Ideas

Who knew saying goodbye needed its own setup, but in our experience, setting up an elf on the shelf goodbye is a good idea.

When it’s time to send our mischievous little friend back to Santa, you can do something extra special about that final elf goodbye.

Our favorite idea is a goodbye letter from the elf. Have your elf thank the kids for the holiday fun and remind them to keep up the good behavior.

It’s not just a goodbye; it’s a promise of return next December.

And hey, why not throw a festive elf goodbye breakfast?

Their favorite pancakes shaped like Christmas trees, with a little note from their beloved elf. It’s these engaging elf surprises that keep the magic alive.

Remember, it’s not just about the elf mischief or the creative elf scenes we’ve set up – it’s about the joy and holiday spirit these little guys bring.

Let’s send them off in style, and start dreaming up those elf return ideas for next year!

Elf on the Shelf Idea Must Haves

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Here’s a list of must-have Amazon finds to make your Elf on the Shelf scenes even more fun and effortless this season!

1. The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition – Start a beloved holiday tradition with this classic Elf on the Shelf set, including the storybook and posable elf.
2. Snoop Dogg Snoop on a Stoop 2024 Christmas Elf Doll – Bring humor to your holidays with this unique Snoop Dogg-inspired Christmas elf figure.
3. 28 Days Magical Christmas Traditions Elf Activity Kit – Enjoy 28 days of creative holiday fun with this activity kit full of ideas for elf mischief.
4. The Elf on the Shelf 24-Day Super Set Official – Packed with 24 days of exciting accessories, this set makes every day in December extra special.
5. The Elf on the Shelf Polar Props Peppermint Plane Ride – Take elf antics to the next level with this whimsical peppermint plane prop.
6. The Elf on the Shelf Insta-Props 2-in-1 Scene Kit with Reversible Pop Out Backdrop – Create magical scenes with ease using this 2-in-1 pop-out backdrop kit.
7. The Elf on the Shelf Glide and Go Accessory Pack – Add adventure to elf playtime with this glide-and-go accessory pack.
8. Elf Doll Accessories Clothes, Get Along Shirt – Promote holiday cheer with this fun “Get Along” shirt, designed to fit any elf.
9. The Elf on the Shelf Claus Couture Gifts and Glamour Party Dress – Dress your elf in festive style with this glamorous party dress from the Claus Couture collection.
10. Wooden Christmas Elf Behavior Meter Ornament – Track elf behavior with this charming wooden ornament for extra holiday fun.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas: Final Thoughts

We think you are going to love these elf on the shelf ideas. It’ll make spreading the joy this season much easier.

Don’t forget to snap a pic of your elf’s latest adventure. You could pop it onto your favorite social media as the perfect way to swap ideas for next year’s holiday season.

Trying to keep up with the daily elf scenes may seem like a lot. But, keep in mind you are creating the best memories.

Alright, now you have to tell us – What’s your favorite Elf on the Shelf idea? Let us know in the comments!

If you enjoyed these elf on the shelf ideas, make sure to pin the image below to reference later!