Sometimes we have the best intentions around the holidays before real world time issues mess them up.
Let’s face it, Elf on the shelf is a cute idea and fun for the kids but when exactly am I going to set that scene up?
The gist seems to be that the elf hides (or is in plain sight) around the house and watches children to make sure they are on their best behavior for Santa.
Who wants to get on the naughty list?
The trend I see with other moms on social media are elaborate mini stages and cute handmade props that are pretty enviable but I do not see myself staying up for hours after the kids are in bed to recreate any of them.
That being said, I don’t want to miss out on all the fun, so bring on the quick and dirty version, I’m ready to make some memories!
If you don’t have an Elf on the Shelf yet, you can get one here: Elf on the Shelf
I didn’t know until I went to buy one this year that you can actually get different versions – blue eyes, dark skin, brown eyes, girl/boy, etc. Here are some of the different options I found:
10 Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Lazy People
If you’re already armed & ready with your Elf, here are my lazy people Elf on the Shelf antics! 🙂
1. Spilled coffee grounds: I’m probably going to spill them anyway at 5 AM so I might as well stick an elf by it. Oh no! Look at how messy he is. Be good kids and clean that up.
2. Beside a pile of unfolded laundry: Not only is that elf seeing the pile of clothes my kids need to put away, he is also silently willing them into completing their chores.
3. Holding the TV remote: Attempting to watch the tube before your homework is finished? That elf says “Unh uh” It’s watching you instead.
4. On the sink (anywhere): I don’t know how all kids are, but I sometimes feel like flossing and brushing are things mine actually hate doing. How can they skimp on the oral care when Santa’s scout is eyeballing them from 1 foot away? I may even get them to use mouth wash. That’s a win-win for all.
5. Buckled into a car seat: Not too much prep involved, just be sure you make it out to the car before the kids do. Easy peasy. How did he buckle himself in? Did he unlock the car with magic? That morning ride to school will be filled with jokes and so many unanswered questions….starting everyone’s work/school day off on the right path.
Did you forget to move your Elf?
Well, these super quick ideas can be implemented in a split second!
6. Facing the kitchen table: Do you have a picky eater? Slow eater? Open mouth chewer? Let the elf help with that. Not only do the kids get to see the elf on display during meal times (which tends to keep their moods happy), they also have better table manners and that makes my mood happy.
7. Near the front door: Clutter gathers here. Honestly most of it is my fault, but a good percentage are little shoes and coats dropped in the general area of the hall tree. I’m no mind reader but I’m pretty sure the elf wants those things hung or placed in their proper spots and I don’t mind telling that to them.
8. Wherever they do their homework: This one doesn’t really need an explanation. Home work will get finished anyway but it may make them models of efficiency.
9. Near cleaning supplies: Sweeping, mopping, dishes, etc… Really for any cleaning task that I don’t want to do, I will stick an elf nearby and politely ask for help. How can anybody bemoan such a kind request with the elf watching?
10. In your pocket: This way the elf can see everything I can see. Eyes in the back of my head? You bet, and on the side of my head. I can see all children at all times.
11. In the freezer! For added effect, take the lid off a container of ice cream. 2 seconds and done. 😀
The Elf Works for You 🙂
Do children really need an elf to make hold them accountable for their actions?
Of course not, but why not let that little guy or gal help make the world a nicer place?
If you really are looking for something to stress over let it be about the holiday big deals such as money or gifts.
For help with those check out 10 Weird Ways to Make Extra Money to Pay for Christmas Presents.
So go on and live it up lazy while still enjoying Christmas and encouraging the kids to toe the line while their imaginations run wild (because that doesn’t make a mess you have to clean up).
I Just Thought Of A Few More Ideas!
12. In A jar: Place your elf inside of an old pickle jar and put him in the fridge. The kids will get a kick out of it.
13. Hiding in the potted plants: Give him/ her a little spoon as if they were digging in there.
I’ll be sure to add more ideas as I think of them. Are there any lazy elf on the shelf ideas you have used?
More from WhatMommyDoes
- How to Make a Real Money Notepad (the best gift ever!)
- $1000 by Christmas Savings Plan
- Santa Claus’ Real Mailing Address
- Is It Okay to Have a Potluck Baby Shower? - 07/17/2023
- Free Printable Valentine’s Day Coupons - 02/14/2023
- Gifts For Older People - 11/23/2022
Brittany @ Equipping Godly Women says
Too funny! We don’t really use ours for “surveillance,” but I love the coffee grounds idea. Now you don’t have to clean it up! … Too bad all of our messes last night–and we had plenty of them–were sick children related 🙁
Lena Gott says
ewww oh no!! I never thought of using him for surveillance until my sister mentioned it…I think it’s brilliant! :0
Joe Bartell says
I love the Elf, but it is a pain, moving the little guy every night. He is a good motivator for the kids,”if you something wrong, the Elf (his name is Shovel) will tell Santa” It is something fun in our home. Merry Christmas Lena.
Joe @ http://www.mydaddoes.com
Lena Gott says
I broke down and brought him out last night after our kids said all their friends at school have one. 🙂 I already had him for this post, so I figured why not? LOL And I totally caught myself using the Elf to discipline my 3-year-old today. #winning