Simple Elf On The Shelf Ideas for Every Day in December: Super Fun

Alright, parents, let's talk about that tiny, mischievous houseguest – the Elf on the Shelf. We all love the magic it brings to December, but let's be honest, sometimes those little guys are a real pain to think about every single night! You're not alone if you've ever stared blankly at your elf, wondering what on earth you're going to do with it next. This year, let's ditch the stress and embrace the fun with a bunch of easy ideas that'll keep your kids giggling and your sanity intact. Forget complicated setups and hours of preparation. I've got your back with a collection of simple Elf on the Shelf ideas for every day in December that are so easy, you’ll actually enjoy this tradition. I'm going to share my secrets to keep the magic alive with minimal effort. Ready to make this December the most fun yet? Let's get started with the first half of the month.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the First Half of December

The Arrival Antics

Okay, so your elf is back! Let's make the arrival a little less predictable than just plopping it on the mantle. How about having your elf "arrive" in a suitcase with a tiny travel pillow and a note that says, "I'm back!" Or maybe the elf is found tangled in Christmas lights, looking a bit surprised. It's all about setting a fun tone right from the start. I love a bit of drama, so sometimes I’ll have the elf “crash land” in a bowl of cereal, leaving a trail of tiny footprints in the sugar.

Breakfast Shenanigans

Now that the elf is here, let's see what kind of trouble it can get into at breakfast. Imagine your kids coming down to find the elf has made a tiny pancake stack or has drawn silly faces on the bananas. You could even have the elf “fishing” for cereal marshmallows with a tiny candy cane. Keep it simple, keep it silly. One morning, I set the elf up with a tiny bowl and a spoon, pretending to eat a single Cheerio. My kids thought it was hilarious!

Toy Time Takeover

It's time for the elf to play! Let the elf get in on the toy action. Maybe the elf is having a tea party with the dolls, or maybe it's building a block tower. My favorite is when the elf is "reading" a children’s book to the stuffed animals. It’s a simple setup, but it's always a hit. It's like the elf is taking a break from watching the kids and having some fun of its own. The key here is to use what you already have around the house.

Simple Elf on the Shelf Antics for MidDecember

Crafty Capers

Okay, so we're halfway through December, and maybe you're starting to feel the pressure. Don't worry, I've got you covered with some easy crafty ideas. How about having your elf make a paper snowflake chain and leave it hanging from the ceiling? Or maybe the elf could create a tiny Christmas card for the family, complete with glitter and all. You could even set up a mini coloring station with the elf surrounded by crayons and a coloring book. It’s all about adding a touch of holiday creativity. My favorite? I once had the elf "decorate" a plain paper bag with stickers and markers, turning it into a makeshift gift bag.

This is a great time to get your kids involved too! Have the elf leave a note asking for help making paper ornaments. It’s a fun way to shift the focus from the elf's antics to family collaboration. And the best part? You probably already have all the supplies you need lying around the house. It’s about using what you have to create some simple, yet memorable, moments. So, don't overthink it! Let the elf be a little crafty, and it will be a hit.

Kitchen Chaos

Now, let's move the elf into the kitchen – where the real fun begins. This doesn't have to mean a huge mess. Think simple and silly. Maybe the elf has "made" a tiny trail of sprinkles across the counter, or perhaps it’s got a marshmallow stuck to its hand. You could even put the elf in the fridge, snuggled up in a carton of eggs with a note saying "Brr, it's cold!" I once had my elf "help" make a sandwich, leaving a tiny bite mark in the corner. It was so simple, but my kids loved it.

Another idea is to have the elf “discover” the cookie jar. You can leave a trail of cookie crumbs leading to it, and position the elf with a guilty expression. It’s all about creating a little scene that tells a story, even if it’s a silly one. The kitchen offers so many possibilities, so let your imagination run wild. The best part is that these antics can be cleaned up quickly, which is a win for everyone!

LastMinute Elf on the Shelf Fun: Simple Ideas for the End of December

Okay, the countdown to Christmas is ON, and maybe your elf's creativity is running on fumes. No sweat! We're in the home stretch, so let’s keep it simple and fun with ideas that require minimal effort. Think about having your elf "wrap" a door with some wrapping paper, creating a funny surprise. Or maybe the elf is found relaxing in a sock with a tiny eye mask. The goal here is to embrace the silliness and keep the magic alive without spending hours on elaborate setups. You can even have the elf leave a funny message on the mirror with a dry-erase marker. I once had my elf "make" a tiny snowman out of cotton balls – it was super easy, and the kids loved it.

Another idea for this last stretch is to have the elf get into some cozy activities. Perhaps the elf is snuggled up in a blanket with a book. Or maybe it’s sitting by the window, “watching” for Santa’s sleigh. These ideas are not only easy to set up, but they also evoke the warm and fuzzy feeling of the holidays. You could even have the elf leave a note asking for help decorating the Christmas tree. It's a great way to get the kids involved and make the elf's presence even more special. Remember, the magic of the Elf on the Shelf is all about the simple moments, not the elaborate ones. It is about creating fun memories.

The Farewell Finale

It's time for your elf to head back to the North Pole. Let’s make the goodbye a bit special. Instead of just disappearing, have your elf leave a goodbye letter. You can even have the elf “pack” a tiny suitcase with a small gift for your kids. I like to have my elf leave a note saying, “See you next year!”. This adds a sweet touch to the end of the elf's visit. You could also have the elf "fly away" using a balloon, or maybe even leave a trail of glitter leading to the window. The key is to make the final moment memorable and magical for your kids.

Remember, the Elf on the Shelf is all about making the Christmas season a bit more fun and playful. It doesn't have to be a source of stress for you. With these simple ideas, you can keep the tradition alive without spending hours planning and preparing. So, relax, enjoy the magic, and know that you've got this! The focus should be on spending time with your family, making memories and not about the elf.

• Have your elf leave a goodbye letter.
• Have your elf pack a tiny suitcase with a small gift.
• Have your elf "fly away" using a balloon.