Let’s all face it, Christmas is one of the most hectic times of the year and the last thing you want to worry about it having to come up with interesting and extravegant Elf on the Shelf ideas! If you understand the struggle of moving the elf every night before bed, then these lazy Elf on the Shelf Ideas are for you. Whether you are looking for quick lazy elf on the shelf ideas to do right before your kiddo wakes up or just want lazy Elf on the Shelf ideas for toddlers, we have got your back with no fuss ideas this Christmas season.
As the mom of a toddler and a baby, I can understand just how much work it can be to set up an entire creative Elf on the Shelf idea after struggling with bedtime, cleaning up the house, and making sure that all the Christmas gifts are ordered for friends and family. That is why this year I decided that I am not stressing about the Elf on the Shelf, instead I will be using some lazy mom elf on the shelf ideas. This way my kids can experience the magic of the elf while also allowing me to keep my sanity. While I wish I was the mom that could pull out the cricut and making the elf it’s own tshirt, it just isn’t possible. So I am here to share with you lazy Elf on the Shelf ideas that I have actually used in the past and have been a success with my kids.
In this blog post, we will show you 25 lazy Elf on the Shelf ideas for you to copy. From Pinterest lazy Elf on the Shelf ideas to lazy easy Elf on the shelf ideas, we have done all of the work for you so all you have to do is copy the pictures. All of these Elf on the Shelf ideas were created with items that you most likely have laying around the house for an affordable and easy idea.
This blog post is all about lazy elf on the shelf ideas.
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Buy Your Elf On The Shelf
This is your reminder to look for your Elf on the Shelf or shop for a new one if you don’t have one!
What should you do if you forgot to move the Elf on the Shelf?
If you forgot to move the Elf on the Shelf the night before, don’t panic. Here are some ideas that you can do:
- Tell the kids the elf is sleeping and then move it later when they are not looking
- Add a quick post it note next to the elf with a cute message, funny note, or a picture
- Warn them that the elf did not move because they were not on their best behavior
- Give your kids a small present from the elf or a note saying they can go to the store a pick a present for their good behavior
- Put a bottle of medicine next to the elf and say it did not move because it is sick
Best Lazy Mom Elf On The Shelf Ideas
Now, let’s uncover some super easy elf on the shelf ideas if you are feeling lazy.
1. Lazy Elf on the Shelf Arrival Idea

You may have seen some people go all out for the arrival of their elf but we will let you in on a secret, you really don’t have to! You can get your kids just as excited for their very own elf by just doing a lazy arrival. This lazy mom Elf on the Shelf arrival was one we have done in the past and it is so easy and quick to make.
All you need is an Amazon box, a black marker, and your elf. Create a hole big enough for your elf to pop out of and then draw a special message on the box for your child. You can also add the elf on the shelf book in your box, directions for the elf, candy, etc.
TIP: Make sure your handwritting is different than usual.
GET FREE ELF ON THE SHELF ARRIVAL LETTERS:
2. Easy Elf On the Shelf Idea

For the first day of your Elf on the Shelf festivities, keep things simple by making your elf get stuck in the water bottle after it was trying to take a sip. To recreate this Elf on the Shelf idea, simply cut a slit in the back of an empty water bottle and place your elf inside of it. Use clear tape to seal the bottle back together and then leave your elf out on the kitchen counter for the kids to see in the morning.
3. Easy Funny Elf on The Shelf Idea

This is one of the best lazy elf on the shelf ideas for kids if you want to get a good laugh. To copy this simple Elf on the Shelf idea, simply crack an egg on a plate and draw a funny face on it. Then, leave a note beside the elf saying “I told the egg a joke and it cracked up”.
4. Elf Pet Lazy Elf on the Shelf Idea

Here is another super easy Elf on the Shelf idea that you an use for your kiddo that will make them really happy and most importantly stay on their best behavior. Overnight an Elf Pet for your child as a special surprise and set their new pet up on the kitchen counter with a note.
GET THE ELF PET FROM AMAZON:
5. Toilet Paper Funny Elf On the Shelf Idea

Keep things funny and simple by making your elf have alittle too much fun with a roll of toilet paper. Drape the toilet paper over your lamps, pendants, or chandelier and have your elf get stuck in the toilet paper mess.
6. Last Minute Funny Elf Idea

Have some fun with your Elf by making a piece of toast and sticking the arms of your elf right through it. Add a cute note beside your elf saying how “toasty” they are.
7. Lazy Elf on the Shelf Idea For Toddler

Here is the perfect Elf on the Shelf idea for your toddler if you are a lazy mom. Simply just have your elf sit with an open book and gather around your child’s stuffed animals to make it look like the elf is reading a story to them.
8.Lazy Elf On the Shelf Ideas For Adults

It is totally ok for adults can have some fun with elf too! A super easy and lazy Elf on the Shelf ideas that the adults and kids will find funny is drawing on the family pictures little comments about everyone.
TIP: Use a dry erase marker so that the drawings come off easily after.
9. Lazy Elf on the Shelf Idea Kitchen

Make your elf participate in target practice by drawing a target and taping it to the wall. Then, place a condiment bottle on either side of the elf and squeeze alittle of the condiment on the target.
10. Lazy Fridge Elf on the Shelf Idea

The fridge is a great place for your elf to go to surprise your child when they are looking for it in the morning. To copy this lazy mom elf idea, just tape your elf’s mouth and tie it’s legs and hands together. Add a mischievous face on your milk carton and then add a “help the milk has gone bad” note right next to the elf.
11. Croc Infested Waters Elf on the Shelf

Put your elf in croc infested waters by sticking it into one of your crocs. Simply just fill your tub or sink with water and hang a sign saying no swimming in the “croc” infested waters.
12. Simple Elf on the Shelf Idea

By day 12 you are probably starting to lose motivation to keep moving your elf around so just keep things simple by putting your elf in the fridge wrapped in a dish towel.
13. Movie Elf on the Shelf Idea

Set your elf up right next to the tv or ipad watching a movie with Santa in it. Don’t foregt to stick it’s hand in a bowl of popcorn to give it the full movie watching experience.
14. Simple Toddler Elf on the Shelf Idea

Have your elf give a special hello to your child by writing a message out of Christmas candy. This is a quick and easy lazy mom Elf on the Shelf Idea that you can put together in under 10 minutes.
15. Quick Elf on the Shelf Idea

If you totally forgot to move the elf and you just have a minute or two before the kids come downstairs, just stick your elf in the Christmas tree for a festive hiding spot.
16. Snow Angel Elf On the Shelf Idea

A snow angel is a super easy and quick idea that your elf can do for day 16! Just stick your elf in a pile of flour and make it do a snow angel.
17. Dear Santa Note Elf on the Shelf Idea

Not sure what to do for your elf today? Just prop your elf up next to a note pad writing a note back to Santa.
18. Lazy Funny Elf on the Shelf Idea For Kids

Most kids find anything poop related to be funny so why not make your elf have alittle accident as a funny elf on the shelf idea. Recreate this look by sticking your elf right on top of the toilet with three little chocolate chips near it.
19. Bathroom Lazy Elf on the Shelf Idea

We are sticking to the bathroom for Day 19 by making this funny toilet paper tower spelling the funny saying “icup”.
20. Elf Yourself Idea

Turn your little one into an elf by drawing a picture of an elf’s hat and body on your bathroom mirror. When they stand in front of it they will “elf themself”.
21. Cheerios Elf On the Shelf

This is one of the more complicated lazy mom Elf on the Shelf ideas but I will assure you that it is not difficult to recreate. Sit your elf on the counter or window sill and create a trail of cereal coming right out of the box using tinfoil. Wrap the foil in clear packing tape and then add cereal on the tape. Be sure to put a bowl at the end of the trail for your elf and fill that with cereal too.
22. Quick Toddler Elf on the Shelf Idea

Grab a few pipe cleaners and some of your toddlers favorite toys and have your elf take them on a walk by putting them on a leash for an easy Elf on the Shelf idea.
23. Goldfish Elf on the Shelf Idea

As a mom, you almost always have a bag of goldfish laying around! Have your elf go fishing by tying a goldfish to s string and then attaching the string to a straw to act as a fishing pole.
24. Lazy Elf on the Shelf Night

By night 24 you are really getting tired of the elf festivities with Christmas approaching too so take a little break and just tape your elf to the string of your fan.
25. Final Night Lazy Elf on the Shelf Idea

For your final night with the elf on the shelf, just keeps things very simple by using refrigerator magnets to spell by to the kids and maybe a leaving a not from the elf looking forward to seeing them again next year!
This blog post was all about lazy elf on the shelf ideas.
CHECK OUT OUR SIMILAR BLOG POSTS:
- The Secret To Elf On The Shelf Arrival Ideas
- 25 Easy and Funny Elf on The Shelf Ideas To Try This Christmas
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