Awesomely Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Busy Moms (AKA Every Mom)

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Are you a busy mom in need of Elf on the Shelf ideas? You and every other mom on the planet, right?

The Christmas season is undoubtedly the busiest time of the year, and now with the unavoidable popularity of the Elf on the Shelf, the entire month of December is busier than ever.

Ask any busy mom about their wretched beloved elf, and you’re likely to get an eye roll, a look of commiseration or a look of pure disgust.

Why do we keep torturing ourselves year after year with that friendly scout elf? Because our kids adore him. We adore our kids. Therefore we are stuck with the Elf.

It’s magical. It’s exciting. It’s fun (for them!).

This year, I want you to actually enjoy your elf. I want you to feel ready to tackle 25 days of elf shenanigans. I want you to KILL IT, Elf on the Shelf style.

STEP 1

So here it is! My complete guide to Elf on the Shelf Ideas for busy moms!

I need you to take a little time to do some prep work. Then each night you’ll spend a few minutes moving your elf and that’s it! No contemplating where you’re going to put him. No running out of ideas on day 3.

Here’s what I suggest you print:

–this welcome letter

-myElf on the Shelf Month of Easy and Awesome Ideas Checklist

– my Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar that

1. Acts as an advent calendar

2. Promotes kindness and

3. Encourages a positive self image

Or you can get my Blank Advent Cards to write your own messages.

STEP 2- Spend 2 minutes tops each night posing your Elf.

Here is my list of quick and simple Elf on the Shelf ideas (that are still high impact).

Making a snow angel out of sprinkles

Laying in the silverware tray

Taking a bath in marshmallows

Head first in cereal box or candy box

Hugging a plush toy or doll

Surrounded by Hershey Kisses, chocolate chips, etc.

Rolling in a roll of toilet paper

Writing kids or Santa a message

Putting stickers on himself

Sitting with cookie ingredients or card-making supplies

Bringing an early gift (like christmas pajamas or a book)

Bringing coloring sheets (these printable elf coloring sheets from Living Locurto are so fun!)

Hiding among stuffed animals

In a mug with marshmallows under the Keurig

Covered in bows or band-aids

In the fridge wrapped in a blanket

Playing with toys (climbing a Lego tower)

Wearing your child’s boots

Decorating

Dressed in Barbie/doll clothes

Playing a game, like the best kid’s game ever invented Sleeping Queens

Playing doctor

Reading a book (Mother Bruce is one of our favorites!)

Peeking out from under the tree skirt

Peeking out of a drawer

STEP 3- Be prepared for the morning with dear Elfie forgets to move.

Keep these excuses in mind. Or set an alarm on your phone so that you NEVER forget. Yay to no panicked wake-ups at 3am!

Excuse #1- Blame it on the younger sibling.

You can always tell your child that you think you saw the toddler touch the elf the day before.

Excuse #2- You forgot to tell him goodnight and he was waiting up all night for you to let him know that you were going to bed so that he could sneak out.

Excuse #3- He looks tired.

Don’t you think he looks tired? I bet he wanted a break. It’s a long fly to the North Pole!

Or better yet, read and pin this post about what to say when your Elf forgets to move. (Her ideas are way better than mine).

STEP 4- Have fun and remember, you’re the mom, you are the one in control. Don’t let the Elf on the Shelf steal your Christmas spirit!

So tell me busy mom, do you love or loathe the Elf on the Shelf? What are your best Elf on the Shelf ideas?

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