15 Easy Elf On The Shelf Antics When You Have No Time!

Our Elf on the Shelf has been visiting since 2013, and over the years, the antics have only gotten sillier, and more memorable.

What started as a simple tradition quickly turned into something we genuinely look forward to each December.

From tiny pranks to sweet surprises, these easy Elf on the Shelf antics have become part of our holiday rhythm and still make my son laugh every morning.

If you’re short on time but still want a bit of elf magic, this list of free and simple ideas will help you keep the fun going without the stress.

Collage of fun and easy Elf on the Shelf antics including outfits, props, printables, and silly setups for kids.

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Table of Contents

Easy Elf On The Shelf Ideas

Coming up with new Elf antics every night can get overwhelming, especially during the holiday rush.

That’s why I’ve pulled together our go-to easy Elf on the Shelf ideas, fun, low-prep setups that still bring plenty of smiles.

These simple tricks have helped us keep the tradition going year after year, without the stress.

Arrival Ideas

The party starts in mid-November with the elf door under construction popping up out of thin air! It’s like a little Lego wonderland, and even though it takes some time to set up, it’s totally worth the effort. But hey, the rest of our antics are a breeze!

We have also created an Elf on the Shelf arrival letter to explain what is happening.

WANT ALL OUR ELF ACTIVITIES IN ONE PLACE?

GET OUR ELF ACTIVITY BUNDLE!

Bedding

Imagine waking up on the first of December to find all your bedding magically transformed into Christmas wonderland goodness! Yeah, our Elf has some serious magic powers, and it makes our mornings so much more festive!

This is fairly difficult to pull off, but clearly, the elf has magical powers!

It’s like sleeping in a cozy North Pole cottage!

Elf Changing the Bedding to Christmas Bedding

Clothes

You think our Elf just hangs around looking cute? Nah, he’s got a whole wardrobe that’ll put ours to shame!

Last year, he rocked a Harry Potter sweater, and let me tell you, it was epic! This Elf is a true fashionista!

Pssst, check out our latest post on the best Elf on the Shelf accessories for some style inspo!

Elf Hats

For funny Elf on the Shelf ideas, you are going to love these Elf on the Shelf hat printables and add them to all of your family photos!

Elf hat on, camera’s ready, and say “cheese” it’s photo time!

Santa Wish List

Towards the beginning of December, the elves bring along a letter to santa wish list. This is for my son to fill out so they can take it to Santa that evening.

We put it in a special Santa envelope that we made with some felt. if you don’t have time Etsy has loads.

Time to make those Christmas wishes known!

3 Elf on the Shelf dolls with a my wish list and to santa felt envelope

Spray Painting the Windows!

Our Elf knows how to throw an epic birthday surprise!

For my early December birthday, he goes all out, leaving a massive “Happy B’day” message on our windows with washable spray paint. Not as messy as it sounds, promise!

Get some fake snow here.

happy birthday spray paint on windows with an elf on the shelf

Elves playing in a band

This is a quick and easy elf antic. Set up some teddies and place musical instruments in front of them!

Get ready for the cutest concert you’ve ever seen!

Elf and his friends playing in a band with teddies

Elves feeling at home

After we’ve made gingerbread houses for our North Pole Breakfast, our Elf takes the leftovers and creates a cozy North Pole setup.

Complete with a suitcase made from an old ring box! It’s the cutest thing ever, and the snowman marshmallows make it even more delightful.

A couple of years ago I made the elf a suitcase out of an old ring box and added some sparkly pipe cleaner for the handle!

Elf going home to the North Pole with his suitcase on a plate with fake snow, snowman marshmallows, and mini gingerbread houses

Elf Race

Hold your reindeer! Our Elf crew is on a wild race using road map rugs, reindeer toy cars, and tractors! We’ve got quite a bunch of Elves, you see, we’re completely mad about them!

Get ready for the Elf Olympics!

5 elf on the shelf on a road map rug having a race on reindeer toy cars, and tractors

Elves Stuck in a Traffic Jam

You think Elves are immune to traffic? Not ours!

They get stuck right in the middle of a toy car traffic jam on our window sill. Poor Elf, trying to get around during the holiday rush!

Santa should invest in Elf-sized teleporters!

Elf on the Shelf riding a toy car, followed by other small figures and a Santa sleigh on a windowsill.

Helping Decorate!

Our Elf can’t resist joining in on the fun! When we were painting our hall, he grabbed a tiny paintbrush and went to town. It’s like he’s part of the family!