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20 Last Minute Ideas for Your Elf Using Things Around the House

Easy but AWESOME ideas that anyone can pull off

By Christen Reiner, Macaroni KID Lakewood-Littleton, Macaroni KID Denver, and Macaroni KID Highlands Ranch-Parker-Castle Rock-Lone Tree Editor and Publisher November 29, 2024

Let's face it... welcoming an Elf into your home at Christmas time comes with its challenges. I consider myself a pretty good Elf scene creator ( I even sold Elf Kits this year!), but there are times when I struggle to come up with something to do with Elvin Marshmallow. Some nights, I just don't have it in me to execute an elaborate set up for him, and I need a go to list of quick ideas that don't require anything that I wouldn't have around my house.

If I have these moments, I am sure that you do, too. I figure that, if I am creating list of go to quick ideas for myself, why not share it with my favorite Mac Fam members?

So, here you go. My go to list of quick and easy Elf ideas using items you have around the house. Hope it helps you in your time of need.


Hide and seek

Hide your Elf and leave a note for your kids, asking them to find him/her. As your kids get older, the hiding spots can become more difficult. Can be used on more than one night.

TP your tree

TP your tree and stick your Elf at the top, "holding" the end of the TP.

In quarantine

Stick your Elf into a clear jar or container. Any container will do. Make a quick "QUARANTINED" sign or use our free printable. Throw in some wadded up tiny tissue pieces for good measure.

Sleepy Elf

Place your Elf in the corner, snuggled up in a blanket.

Best friends

Set your Elf up with a stuffed animal or toy... you know, just hanging out together. 

Game night

Place your Elf with a board game or video game controllers. Bonus if you include a friend as mentioned under "Best friends".

Hanging around

Literally hang your Elf from anywhere... a curtain rod, chandelier, stair case, door knob... you get the idea. Use string and hang him/her upside down for even more silliness.

Snow much fun

Cut out a snowflake from a piece of paper or a coffee filter. Leave additional supplies and scissors out for your kids to create their own.

Snow angels

Use flour, cornstarch, baking powder, or baking soda to create a snow angel for your Elf.

Read me a story

Leave your Elf with a story that your can read to him/her and your children. If your kids are older, have them read to their Elf.

All tangled up

Wrap your Elf in dental floss and place him/her on the bathroom counter. I like to use a cup to avoid any water getting on our Elf.

Gone bananas

Did you know that you can "write or draw" on a banana skin with any pointed object? You can! Your masterpiece will get darker as time goes on, and it doesn't ruin the banana. 

Sack races

3 - 4 paper bags, rolled down, stuffed with your Elf and his/her friends, in a row. Done.

Reindeer poop

Chocolate chips or Cocoa Puffs cereal make excellent reindeer poop.

Mirror message

Use lipstick or a dry erase marker to write a fun message on the mirror from your Elf. Have your Elf hold the writing utensil that your choose.

Snowball fight

Set your Elf up with a pile of cotton balls or marshmallows... instant snowball fight.

Paper airplanes

Make one paper airplane for your Elf, and leave enough pieces paper for your kids to make their own

Treat thief

Place your Elf head first into any bag or box of sweet treats, with his/her legs up in the air. Even better if you scatter some empty wrappers around.

Egg-cellent idea

Draw a few funny faces on your eggs, and leave your Elf with the marker in the fridge with the open carton.

Let's go for a ride

Put your Elf in an empty seatbelt in the car and take him/her along with you on the next drive. Your kids will be thrilled.


Remember, you don't need be over the top with your Elf to impress your kids. Easy can be awesome!