Naughty and easy elf on the shelf ideas for Christmas 2021

Elf on the Shelf has been a Christmas tradition in many households since the concept was first invented in 2005.

Every day in December, parents place their Elf in different spots around the house – er, sorry, we mean the elves move themselves around the house. Obviously.

Many parents add some extra fun to the tradition by posing Elf to make him look like he was up to all kinds of mischief before the kids spotted him.

By early December, you’ll probably be bursting with ideas, but as the days roll on and Christmas gets closer it becomes increasingly challenging to think of funny and creative poses.

Here, we have compiled a list of easy ideas that you can try at home. Enjoy.

Give Elf on the Shelf a bath

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5hjXrQIuwj/

We all need some downtime, especially at this time of year as the nights draw in and we’re feeling burnt out, and the elf is no exception.

Fill your sink with either white balloons, cotton wool, or even marshmallows so your Elf on the Shelf can treat himself to a relaxing bubble bath. 

Get Elf doing Bushtucker trials

https://www.instagram.com/p/BrLlohxHddo/

I’m A Celebrity: Elf Edition. Stock up on some jelly worms and send Elf in for a Bushtucker trial.

Bonus, you’re not relying on his stars to get you any dinner.

Make an Elf in the Drum

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc6GI4BBt74/

This hiding place won’t be among the first places your kids will look, so hunting around the house for a while should keep them busy and make the whole thing extra fun.

As @danamanrose says: ‘Who doesn’t love a good rollercoaster?’

Help Elf pull off a prank

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq6nXkdFQsB/

It’s safe to say we’re all a little tired of the same four walls after lockdown 2.0, so the more activities the better we say – elf included! 

Jess Martin, a party-planning expert at Ginger Ray, says: ‘We absolutely love some of the cheeky, mischievous setups people have created on Instagram.

‘Inject some fun into those mundane tasks, like flossing teeth by tangling up the elf. Or, blow up a balloon around him and challenge the kids to get him out – with a bang!’

Elf does a workout

Your Elf needs to train to help Father Christmas deliver all his presents.

You can make some weights for your little guy by using marshmallows and toothpicks.

Elf on the Shelf in quarantine

A topical Elf on the Shelf idea is to stick him in quarantine.

Put your elf in a jar with some hand sanitiser. Easy.

Last year, one mum even put her elf in a condom to look like a self-isolation bubble.

Whether or not you want to keep him in there for the entire of December is up to you!

Elf on the Shelf in a Zoom meeting

Another topical one.

Elf will be well used to video calls by now, so why not get him to set up a Zoom meeting with his friends and family?

The Elf on the Shelf website have provided a free downloadable image to use on your computer or smartphone to make it look like your Elf is on a call.

Elf takes to the hot tub

OK, so it’s not a real hot tub… you don’t want any elves to get drenched.

Instead, have your Elf sit back in a Heroes, Celebrations, or Roses tub with their arms stretched over the sides, and their bodies hidden beneath the sweets.

Elf on the photocopier

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIT0BQhFcF6/

Combining two Christmas traditions: Elf on the Shelf and office parties.

Make it look like your elf had a bit too much fun last night by photocopying him (don’t forget to include the iconic bum scan!)

Elf snowman

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIaslnMBsXy/

No snow? No problem.

Make your very own snowman for your Elf to hide in with three loo rolls.

Elf takes a nap in pyjamas

Lay out your little one’s PJs on their bed, but make sure Elf’s head is sticking out.

This one’s recommend by the Elf on the Shelf website.

Elf goes flying

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWvcxxUry_z/

One US dad has a fan in his house – so sent Elf on the Shelf for a ride.

If you’ve got a light you can safely hang elf off, without the risk of it being pulled down, it might be worth a go.

Elf in a burrito

One inventive Instagram mum came up with a hilarious pose for her elf last year. She wrapped Elf in a burrito.

All you need to complete this pose is your Elf and a flour tortilla. Be sure to cut out a little hole for his face.

Elf on the Shelf making snow angels

Even if it isn’t going to be a white Christmas, your Elf can still have fun making snow angels.

To recreate the snow, use some mini marshmallows or flour (if you can’t find any).

Elves making eggs

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIayZivjize/

Sunny side up, please. Use Haribo gummy eggs for an easy (and yummy) heat-free pose.

Elf swipes some doughnuts

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWvd5USLvfC/

This mum’s trick will work with all kinds of boxed treats – simply plop Elf next to the box and stick his arm in.

Elf in the fridge

https://www.instagram.com/p/CIatK8-lIhq/

Brrr, a bit cold in there! Make your Elf like he’s back home in the North Pole by popping him in the fridge.

Give him a small blanket (a flannel will do) to keep him warm.

Elf on the Shelf plays Twister

We’ve seen a few Twister-themed Elf on the Shelf ideas on Instagram. Simply pop Elf next to a real Twister mat – or make your own using paper and coloured pens.

Pop Elf in a bendy position to show him playing the game. Even better if you’ve got two or more elves in the house.

Elf on a popcorn binge

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWvohH-Lrl_/

If it’s time to settle down with a Christmas movie, there’s no reason why Elf can’t join in the fun.

P.S. If you really get stuck, or are short on time, the Elf on the Shelf website has free printable signs that you can place next to your Elf.

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

Source: Read Full Article