Stuck on Elf on the Shelf ideas? These 18 easy and funny setups are perfect for busy parents!

If you’re anything like me, the Elf on the Shelf sounds so magical in November…and then December hits and suddenly you’re lying in bed at 11:47 PM whisper-screaming, “DID WE MOVE THE ELF?!”

Been there. Many times.

So, to save both of us this year, I rounded up 18 hilarious (and actually EASY) Elf on the Shelf ideas that you can copy with zero stress. These are simple, last-minute, and guaranteed to make your kids crack up in the morning.

Easy & Funny Elf on the Shelf ideas Ideas You Can Copy Tonight

1. Elf Takes a Marshmallow Bubble Bath

All you need is a small bowl and a handful of mini marshmallows. Sink that little guy in and boom…spa day.

2. Paper Towel Roll Sledding

Put the elf on top of a paper towel roll and angle him down your couch or stairs like he took himself on a little sled ride.

3. Stuck in the Tissue Box

Pop your elf halfway out of the Kleenex box like he fell in and couldn’t get out. Kids love this one every single time.

4. Elf Riding Roomba

Tape him on top like he’s the king of the house. If the Roomba runs…even better.

5. Snow Angels in Flour

Sprinkle flour on the counter and lay the elf down so it looks like he made a flour snow angel. Yes, it’s a tiny mess. Yes, it’s worth it.

6. Doodles on the Fruit

Grab a marker and draw silly faces on your bananas or oranges. Place the marker in the Elf’s hands. Your kids will scream-laugh.

7. Elf Ziplining Across the Living Room

Tie a string from one side of the room to the other and hang him with a candy cane. It looks so dramatic but takes 30 seconds.

8. Elf Gets Stuck in the Fridge

Put him in the fridge next to the milk like he was looking for a midnight snack and froze. Literally.

9. Elf Builds a Mini Marshmallow Snowman

Stack marshmallows with toothpicks and let your elf take the credit.

10. Elf “Helps” With the Dishes

Sit him in the dishwasher sitting proudly on top of the clean dishes. He’ll look so helpful.

11. Toilet Paper Roll Snowman

All you need are a couple of markers and a little Christmas hat, and suddenly your toilet paper roll becomes the cutest festive snowman. Just tuck your elf inside (or right next to it) holding the markers, and voila..instant holiday magic.

12. Elf Riding a Toy Dinosaur

If your kid has a dinosaur toy…you’re set. It’s giving Jurassic park: Christmas Edition.

13. Mini Pancake Breakfast

Cut tiny circles out of a pancake and set your elf up like he made himself breakfast. It’s adorable.

14. Elf Balloon Ride

Just hang a balloon from the ceiling and have your elf hold onto the string. Now they’re soaring through the room on a festive flight!

15. Cereal Box Peek-A-Book

Cut out a little window in the cereal box and stick your elf inside like he’s popping out to say good morning.

16. Elf Stuck in a Jar

Place him inside a jar with a note that says, “I’m in a jar so you can take me with you. Let’s go!” Kids LOVE taking him with them to look at Christmas lights.