17 Quick Elf on the Shelf Ideas, Because Who Has Time For This?

Elf on the Shelf [1] can be kind of addicting for parents [2]. Coming up with elaborate scenes to surprise your kids with [3] in the morning is a lot of fun . . . when you have the time. But we all know that most weeknights are filled with after-school activities, homework, dinner, and bedtime routines. Once your kids are snoozing, you probably barely have 20 minutes before you want to fall into bed.

So what can you do when you're either crunched for time or just genuinely tired and over it? Well, thanks to your kids' healthy imaginations, you can do these insanely quick Elf on the Shelf ideas [4] that will still spark magic in their hearts and a twinkle in their eyes. Keep reading for a few great ideas, and then . . . relax.

Have Him Get Into the Hot Chocolate

Bury Her Head in a Bowl of Sugar

Smear Something on Her Face

Give Her a Fork to Eat With

Pour Him a Bowl of Cereal

Hide Him in a Tissue Box

Hide Him in a Plant

Place Her on a Door

Put Him in Your Christmas Tree

Have Him Count Down the Hours Until Christmas

Have Her Do Some Morning Stretches

Place Him in the Bathroom For a Morning Surprise

Bury His Head in Dog Snacks

Lay Him Next to the Dog

Put Him Next to a Sugary Treat

Have Him Help With Breakfast

Have Him Snoop Around the Stockings

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