Who started this whole Elf on the Shelf trend, anyway? Certainly not overtaxed, tired parents but here we are, another year of forgetting to move the elf, subsequent crying, and well, you know the drill!
We’ve pulled together 20+ Elf on the Shelf ideas for lazy parents + have included some other visual examples below. We’ve got this, tired Mamas!
1. Elf “Falls Asleep”
- Set the Elf up somewhere cozy, like slouched over in a mug or wrapped in a tiny blanket on the couch. It looks like the Elf needed a nap after all the “work” it’s been doing!
2. Minimal Movement Elf
- Just place the Elf in a new spot each day without any elaborate props or setup. The kids don’t need anything too fancy to buy into the magic. A simple “Elf moved overnight!” will suffice.
3. Elf in the Bathroom
- Place the Elf on the toilet with a mini roll of toilet paper or on the edge of the sink, like it’s washing its hands. Bonus points if the Elf is holding a tiny toothbrush. It’s funny and super easy!
4. The “Forgetful” Elf
- Leave the Elf in the exact same position for a couple of days in a row. Pretend like the Elf is really tired and forgot to move. When the kids question it, you can say something like, “Looks like he needed a little break!”
5. Caught in the Cookie Jar
- Just leave the Elf sitting next to an empty cookie jar with some crumbs around it. The “evidence” will be enough to suggest he’s been snacking on your treats. (This one’s perfect if you’re already indulging in holiday sweets!)
6. Lazy Elf with a Note
- Put the Elf on the couch with a tiny mug or a phone. Attach a note from “Santa” saying something like, “I’m too tired to do anything today! Hope you’re being good!”
7. Pillow Fort Elf
- Set up a tiny pillow fort or a cozy “sleeping bag” for the Elf in the corner of the living room. The kids will love it, and you only need a few pillows to pull it off.
8. Elf Meets the Pets
- Just plop the Elf next to the family pet (real or stuffed) like they’re having a little chat. Maybe the Elf can be holding a toy or pretending to pet the dog/cat. No setup, just some easy interaction!
9. The Lazy Photographer
- Stick the Elf in front of a phone camera or selfie stick with a little pose like it’s trying to take a picture. It’s so simple but feels like you’re putting in more effort than you are!
10. Elf “Taking a Break” with a Snack
- Set the Elf up on the kitchen counter with a plate of pretzels or a candy cane. Looks like he’s having a snack after a long night of “watching,” and it doesn’t require much effort at all.
11. Elf with a Toy
- Simply have the Elf play with a toy or doll. Maybe it’s sitting on top of a toy car, in a mini toy boat, or having a “conversation” with some stuffed animals. The kids won’t care if it’s simple!
12. Elf Hanging Out with the Family
- Place the Elf in a scene with your kids’ other toys—sitting at the table for “dinner,” or hanging out with their favorite dolls. It’s cute, requires no set-up, and allows for maximum chill vibes.
13. Elf Drinks Hot Chocolate
- Put the Elf next to a mug of hot chocolate (you can even use a mini cup from a dollhouse set) with a candy cane as a stirrer. Kids will love it, and it’s one of those no-effort setups.
14. The “Lost” Elf
- Hide the Elf somewhere odd, like in the pantry with the cereal, or the fridge next to the milk. Maybe even in the laundry basket. Pretend the Elf is “lost” and needed to rest in a random spot. You can say, “Looks like he got a little confused!”
15. Netflix and Elf
- Put the Elf in front of the TV, with a tiny remote, like it’s binge-watching holiday specials. You can even leave a note saying, “Elf’s night off: Just trying to catch up on my shows!”
Bonus Idea: Elf with a Phone
- Leave the Elf holding a tiny phone (or make one with paper) and maybe a note saying, “Just checking in with Santa…he said you’re doing great!”
Quick Tips for Lazy Elfing:
- Make Use of Household Items: No need to go out and buy a bunch of fancy accessories. Look around your house for tiny items to create scenes, like toothpicks for swords or mini napkins for a blanket.
- Let the Kids Help: Sometimes just having the kids “find” the Elf can be an adventure. You can make it a scavenger hunt—“I bet the Elf is somewhere near the toys!”
- Keep It Simple: The magic is in the fun, not the complexity. A simple “Elf moved again!” is enough to keep kids excited.
How’s that for low-effort Elf ideas? Easy, but still filled with just enough holiday magic to keep the tradition going without too much stress! Here are additional ideas:
Author: Mile High Mamas
