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Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Tired Parents

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By jamie | June 1, 2020

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Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Tired Parents

These easy Elf on the Shelf ideas are perfect for tired parents who don’t have the time or energy to spend hours every night moving the Elf around. Simple ideas that are creative and fun will delight kids each and every morning!

Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Tired Parents

TIPS FOR KEEPING ELF ON THE SHELF EASY

I am going to admit I kind of regret ever bringing our elf home. It became an overwhelming task for me to come up with ideas every night for our elf. 

When we started the elf there weren’t nearly as many cool ideas available online and I had to put my thinking cap on. My cap was broken some nights and it became a chore! 

Now there are lots of ideas and I found some ways to make the whole process simpler. Here are some tips for keeping Elf on the Shelf easy.

  • Plan your Elf’s activities out in November before the massively busy month of December even starts. 
  • Buy any props or items you will need for your Elf’s antics in advance so it doesn’t sneak up on you. 
  • Set a reminder in your phone each evening before bedtime so you don’t forget to move the elf. 
  • Don’t go crazy creating lavish scenes for the elf only to fizzle out later in the month. Keep things simple from the START so you don’t have to outdo yourself!!
  • Print off ideas you find online and put them into your Christmas binder so you have it as a handy reference.

Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Tired Parents

DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHER FAMILIES

The biggest problem I have seen with Elf on the Shelf is that people try to outdo each other on social media. 

It causes a lot of stress for parents who feel pressured to have their Elf be as “active” as their child’s friends Elf. 

Come on parents, don’t fall for this adult peer pressure to keep up with the Joneses. Your Elf is your Elf and he/she can be as active or as laid back as you want. 

Christmas can be a stressful time and there is no reason to let a little stuffed Elf ruin the season for you. Use these easy Elf on the Shelf ideas to make your life less stressful.

CHEAP ELF ON THE SHELF PROPS

If you like to keep things simple with your Elf one way is to use props. 

Get a box or small tote to keep your props in and you can reuse them year after year. 

Many of these props can be purchased at Dollar Tree and won’t set your wallet back too much.

  • Bungee cords are a prop that can be used in different ways and in different scenes.
  • Dice are a fun prop.
  • Artificial flowers could be used in many different ways.
  • Candy canes can be fashioned into sleighs, used as fishing poles and much more.
  • Cheap toys from Dollar Tree can be used in lots of fun scenarios.
  • A small marker board is an easy way to leave messages from your Elf.
  • Balloons can make any Elf scene more fun.
  • Bubble wrap is loved by kids and elves alike.

EASY ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS FOR TIRED PARENTS

These fun, creative and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas will help tired parents everywhere. 

Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Let's face it, Elf on the Shelf is a great idea, but takes a lot of time and energy. Here are some easy ideas that will take you no time to complete!

Photo Credit: www.frugalcouponliving.com

Worst Cookies Ever

This idea is sure to make your kids laugh!

Photo Credit: www.artsyfartsymama.com

Mini Prop Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Fun and adorable ideas with mini props!

Photo Credit: www.thetaylor-house.com

Elf Drinking Hot Cocoa 

Cute idea that will take no more than a couple of minutes!

Photo Credit: www.frugalcouponliving.com

Toasty Elf

One of my favorite ideas!

Photo Credit: www.thetaylor-house.com

Elf Cleaning House

A helpful elf is a good elf!

Photo Credit: www.frugalcouponliving.com

Elf Rock Band with Cans

Super fun idea!

Photo Credit: crystalandcomp.com

Candle Light Smores

This is perfect for Christmas time!

Photo Credit: www.familyfunjournal.com

Elf With Christmas Lights

Super simple and quick idea!

Photo Credit: www.frugalcouponliving.com

Elf on the Shelf Bow Climbing Wall

Your kids will love this!

Photo Credit: thehomespunhydrangea.com

Quick Elf on the Shelf Ideas 

Super quick ideas!

Photo Credit: seemomclick.com

Elf Baseball Idea

Awesome idea for baseball fans!

Photo Credit: www.frugalcouponliving.com

Stuff a Balloon with the Elf 

Quick and fun idea that your kids will love!

Photo Credit: www.craftcreatecook.com

Housekeeping Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Inspire your kids to do housework with these ideas!

Photo Credit: www.frugalcouponliving.com

Magic Shrinking Machine 

This is so creative!

Photo Credit: diyinspired.com

Fast Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Easy and quick ideas that your kids will love!

Photo Credit: www.teach-me-mommy.com

Last Minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Last minute ideas!

Photo Credit: thetraindriverswife.com

Elf on the Shelf Ideas You Haven't Seen

Super easy idea!

Photo Credit: www.frugalcouponliving.com

Camouflaged Elf

This camouflaged elf is too cute!

Photo Credit: diyinspired.com

Elf on a Shelf Ideas Using Toys

Using your kids toys, great ideas!

Photo Credit: gluesticksgumdrops.com

Cute Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Get creative with these cute ideas.

Photo Credit: www.naturalbeachliving.com

Emoji Idea for Elf on the Shelf

Emoji inspired idea!

Photo Credit: www.thetaylor-house.com

Elf Getting Breakfast 

Such a simple idea that your kids will find funny!

Photo Credit: www.craftcreatecook.com

Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Three simple and adorable ideas!

Photo Credit: www.notquitesusie.com

7 More Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Fun and easy ideas for your elf!

Photo Credit: thehomespunhydrangea.com

Stranger Things Elf on the Shelf Idea

I love this Stranger Things inspired idea!

Photo Credit: www.frugalcouponliving.com

I’m Back Gumdrops Idea

Returning elf idea!

If you love the Elf on the Shelf you should check out these other Christmas traditions and ideas. 

Be sure to PIN these ideas so you can come back and refer to them next year!

Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Tired Parents

Filed Under: Elf on the Shelf Tagged With: elf on the shelf, traditions

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I am just a small town gal who believes it is never too early for Christmas. This is a holiday that makes me feel like a little girl again and I want to share my love of Christmas with YOU!

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