13 Super Easy Elf on the Shelf Hacks and Ideas

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Are you looking for easy Elf on the Shelf hacks? Then you are in the right place!

Here are 13 Elf on the Shelf Hacks and Ideas for Kids including matching activities.

Let’s have a look!

easy elf on the shelf hacks and ideas

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Table of Contents

Elf on the Shelf Facts

Before we get started with our Elf on the Shelf hack ideas, let’s learn a little bit about this elf tradition.

What Is an Elf on the Shelf?

The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition centered around Scout Elves who fly each night to the North Pole to report Santa if each child was naughty or nice.

With their Scout Elf around kids love to maintain their best behavior, to make sure to be on Santa’s nice list!

How Does the Elf on the Shelf Tradition work?

Each Scout Elf arrives at home in a keepsake box set that features a storybook. This book explains how the Elf on the Shelf works.

  • 1. Read the Story and Name your Elf

After your elf arrived at your house read the story to your children, then it is crucial that you name your scout elf.

  • 2. Follow the Rules

There are three rules you and your children should follow:

  1. Don’t touch your Scout Elf, or they will lose their magic!
  2. Your Elf can’t talk but they are great listeners. Your children can share secrets and wishes with their elves as often as they’d like.
  3. On Christmas Eve it is time to say goodbye to your Scout Elf. All elves will return to Santa to prepare for the next Christmas.
  • 3. Let the Magic Begin

When Scout Elves return each night from Santa they land in a different spot in your home. The founder of the Elf on the Shelf refers to this as “elf ideas.”

Essentially, elf ideas are photos or instructions that inspire elves’ new landing spots or gimmicks. Let your creativity free range.

These and more Elf on the Shelf facts and inspirations can be found on the official elf page.

Elf on the Shelf Accessories

I assume you might already have an Elf on the Shelf. Therefore here is a list of fun Elf on the Shelf accessories to spice your adventures up:

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13 Easy Elf on the Shelf Hacks

Wheater your Elf on the Shelf is visiting your classroom or at home. Here is a couple of easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that take less than 5 minutes to prepare and will help you with this year’s Elf on the Shelf adventure.

If you do not have an Elf yet let me give you an honest thought to consider. Once you have started with the Elf on the Shelf it is hard to break the tradition.

Your kids will love it for sure, mine are excited every year again.

BUT are YOU prepared for the Elf to move every night? It is definitely a task to take on after a long day with kids for sure.

Are you willing to take this commitment?

If your answer is YES you are in the right place! Here you will find easy hacks for your Elf on the Shelf that take less than 5 minutes to set up.

These Elf on the Shelf ideas can be easily done after a long day of work. So let’s have a look:

Elf on the Shelf Hack 1: Adopt an Elf on the Shelf

Of course, before you can start with this adorable Christmas tradition it is time to get your own Elf on the Shelf.

Order them here and then check our second hack for Elves on the Shelf:

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Elf on the Shelf Hack 2: Know the Rules

As explained above after unpacking your elf it is time to read the book with your children, name your elf and get to know the rules.

It is important to know the rules and follow them so no accidents happen.

Here is a short summary of the Elf on the Shelf rules for you as a reminder:

  1. Don’t touch your Scout Elf or the magic will be gone.
  2. Elves on the Shelf can’t talk just listen.
  3. On Christmas Eve it is time to say goodbye to your Scout Elf. He will return to Santa.

Elf on the Shelf Hack 3: Plan Ahead of Time

Like preparing a meal plan for the week it helps to plan your Elf on the Shelf ideas ahead of time.

Social media can help you easily to find new Elf on the Shelf hiding spots.

easy Elf on the Shelf Idea Hacks
Photo Credit: ElfontheShelf.com

Check out these printable Free Elf Ideas Planning Calendars.

Elf on the Shelf Hack 4: Set an Alarm Clock

Consider setting a reminder on your phone or an alarm clock.

This might seem over the top for you but it is a tip that sure works.

Moving the elf is forgotten pretty easily after a long day. So why not set a reminder or alarm to help you to remember?

You can set your reminder either early in the morning or late at night, whatever works best for you!

elf on the shelf hack: set alarm clock

Elf on the Shelf Hack 5: Use Household Items

I know I showed you several Elf on the Shelf ideas on accessories above but you don’t have to spend a lot of money for your elf adventure.

Simply use household items and toys you have at home to create small stories for your elf to tell.

We have used toys such as action figures, soldiers, airplanes, cars, tractors, dinosaurs, and other animal toys.

When it comes to household items try toilet paper or kitchen paper rolls, a glass or cup, and flour, sprinkles, or chocolate.

easy elf on the shelf ideas

Elf on the Shelf Hack 6: Download Elf on the Shelf Printables

Did you consider getting free printables for your Elf on the Shelf?

Instead of creating a time intense story for your Elf on the Shelf, you should consider getting some free printables for your journey.

Elf on the Shelf Printable Jokes

Your elf could be funny with some printable joke cards.

Here are some examples of elf jokes:

  • What was the name of the girl elf on the shelf? Miss Chievous.
  • What brand of cookies does the elf on the shelf like most? Keebler (made by elves with elfin magic)
  • Why is the elf on the shelf’s favorite school subject? Spilling.

Read the full list of 135 Elf on the Shelf Jokes here and get your free printables with them.

kids elf on the shelf jokes

Printable Elf on the Shelf Quotes

In case you prefer your Elf to be on the smart side, try one of these 60 Elf on the Shelf Quotes with printable quote cards.

Check out these examples:

  • Go on and treat your-elf.
  • Have a little elf-estem.
  • I am putting this elf on the shelf.
  • When you believe in your-elf, all will be well for sure.
cute elf quote cards

Did you find our simple Elf on the Shelf hacks useful?
Then go check out these great stocking stuffer ideas for girls, boys, toddlers, and kids next.

Elf on the Shelf Hack 7: Write an Elf on the Shelf Letter

You will not believe it but Elf on the Shelf letters are a thing. Only because your Elf on the Shelf can not speak doesn’t mean he can’t communicate with you via letter.

Here are some blank Elf on the Shelf Letter Templates you can use for your letter from or even to the Elfs.

They can also be used as:

  • Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter
  • Letter to Santa
  • Christmas Wishlist
  • Goodbye Letter from Elf

Download your own Blank Elf on the Shelf Letter Templates here.

elf on the shelf hack: free printable letter

Elf on the Shelf Hack 8: Use Easy or Lazy Elf on the Shelf Ideas to Hide

Not every cool Elf on the Shelf idea must be difficult. Sometimes the easiest ideas are the best.

easy elf on the shelf hack ideas

Take a look at the following Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas from Finding Myself Young.

For Lazy Elf on the Shelf Ideas take a look here.

Our visual learners, go check out the following quick Elf on the Shelf ideas as well.

By the way if you are tired of moving your elf you can always place them in a jar and place them in Elf Quarantine. That always works!

Elf on the Shelf Hack 9: Positioning Tips

When you adopt your elf it comes with sewed arms and mainly all he can do is sit or lean against something. Here are some popular tricks on how to bring and keep your Elf easily in position.

  • Stick on Velcro or Magnets
  • Use Paper Clips
  • Attach Wires to His/Her Arms

Elf on the Shelf Hack 10: Get an Elf on the Shelf Pet

Does your elf already have a pet?

There are three official Elf on the Shelf pets. A reindeer, fox, and dog. They will help you switch things up and create new ideas.

You can find them here:

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Elf on the Shelf Hack 11: Have an Excuse

Whatever you do, be prepared that you will need to have an excuse up your sleeves. Whether it is because your elf didn’t move or because the kids watched you move your elf.

Check out the following Excuses why you moved your elf from Finding Yourself Young.

easy elf on the shelf hacks

Or Excuses why your elf didn’t move.

My favorite excuse is by the way that the elf just landed in the same place again!

Elf on the Shelf Hack 12: Keep Calm

The most important rule of all is to keep calm, there is no need to stress. Your elf doesn’t need to do big things, they don’t need to be creative, or look perfect.

Simply hiding the Elf will do it as well. You will see the kids will have fun just searching for your elf as well.

Keep Calm Your Elf on the Shelf Is Not Going Anywhere!

Susanne from Lil Tigers

So take a deep breath and don’t let it get to you!

Elf on the Shelf Hack 13: Get Help

If all our Elf on the Shelf Ideas above doesn’t help, don’t panic.

Simply ask for help and ask family members to be your “elf helpers”.

Normally my husband is my elf helper but Everett from the Best Nest had a great idea:

“If you have older kids in the house, get them involved with setting up the elf for younger siblings.
Not only does it give you a break, they get a chance to be creative and do something fun during December even after they’re “too old” for Elf on the Shelf.”

Everett Franchuk

Easy Holiday Activities for Kids

Did you enjoy our easy hacks for your Elf on the Shelf? Your children will also enjoy our other winter and holiday activities during this cold but jolly season!

Pin Our Fast Elf on the Shelf Hacks

Don’t forget to save our 13 Best Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Kids on Pinterest for later! Be sure you are following along with Lil Tigers here.

easy elf on the shelf ideas

Now I would like to hear from you!
Which idea for Elves on the Shelf did you like best? Do you have a better one?
Either way, let me know by leaving a comment below right now.
I love to hear from you!

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