With the year we’ve had your either really looking forward to the Elf coming to break up the monotony of being in the house so much. Or, you are dreading the elf because your family it at home so much, how are you supposed to find time to plan out and set up the little guy or gal every night?
I’m somewhere in between. When I have things planned it’s all fun and good. But if I have to figure something out, it’s not so easy. Especially if your kids have ADHD, anxiety or other sleep problems where they only fall asleep around midnight and the slightest noise can wake them. Having kids with ADHD or anxiety can add a little extra to elf adventures.
Parents, you are welcome! Here are 24 easy Elf on the Shelf ideas!
- Nothing screams 2020 like an elf in quarantine!
2. Elf under construction. Click here for free printable.
3. Your kid is a smarty pants!
4. Make it about what your kids like. If they like playing candy crush make an ‘elf’ version that they will love!
5. This is fun for kids of all ages! You can tie it into the Polar Express movie, or if you are tired of spending all the time in the house together, it’s a great toy. Set up racetracks and courses and play kids against each other or kids versus parents.
6. Level Up! This is a fun one for the moms of boys! The kids will get a kick out of it. Just be warned, if you do have a son they may likely actually try to pee into the hole… mine did!
7. Get the decorating going. This one is fun for a tree, but the elf could have easily brought a poinsettia.
8. Incorporate your favorite family holiday movie! My kids LOVE home alone. Who am I kidding… my husband does too. This is a fun one that you can watch the movie and the elf can surprise them the next day.
9. Don’t swallow the gum! My mother used to say this to me all the time… this is a fun idea and the kids get some gum!
10. How the Grinch stole Christmas is a holiday classic in our house. You have movies, cartoons and books to bring the joy of Whoville to you!
11. My friend Kathryn is super dedicated! I have to admit I don’t think I would have the patience to do all this. But if you can, your kids will LOVE it!
12. A socially distanced elf. Just grab some painters tape and have fun!
13. Making holiday cookies is many families traditions. Why not incorporate your family traditions with the elf?
14. The lemonade stand is a popular elf trick. You can find tons of free printables for a lemonade stand on Pinterest.
15. All I want for Christmas is World Peas! In our house I’ll take a little World Peace too!
16. Target practice. This is an easy one and you can just draw the target on any paper.
17. This is an easy one for parents. My kids are spending WAY too much time on electronics lately. This is a good way to get your elf to help you get them off the electronics.
18. If your kids love Charlie Brown Christmas, this is the idea for you!
19. Put those elves to work making some holiday masks! This is an elf on the shelf idea that fits in with the year.
20. Kids love their toys… and their toys love their elves. It’s a no-brainer!
21. If there was ever a year for games, 2020 is it!
22. Have a Hallmark Christmas Movie marathon! This is a fun and easy one. You can get some cute holiday trinkets and use them as prizes. Prizes may even help the dads stay interested when they aren’t into holiday movies.
24.When the elf leaves the kids are always sad. It’s always fun to make it into something that they will find fun. It’s a good idea to leave them with some games, or gifts that they can play with the whole Christmas break.
Looking for more Elf on the Shelf easy ideas? Check out this post. How about Elf breakfast ideas?
Looking for a fun way for your Elf on the Shelf to arrive?
If you want more Elf departure ideas read this.
Do you have any elf on the shelf ideas? Share in the comments below.
