The elf on the shelf will be making a big return on the first of December. Let’s face it, some parents absolutely love it, while others just tolerate the tradition. But there is no denying that it can really add the magic to the Christmas period for your children. A tradition that is no doubt going to be a memorable one in years to come. However, there is a lot of pressure on parents to get it right. Not just setting up the elf in fun and naughty ways, but the pressure to actually remember to set them up and move the elf. So there is nothing quite as daunting as waking up in the morning and realising you haven’t done anything with the elf. This is where I have you covered. With that in mind, here are some of the best elf on the shelf ideas for when you have completely forgotten.
Things to remember…
- Even if you just move the elf then that is something. As long as they are in a different position then you can simply say they were too tired for naughty antics.
- Always try and leave a note. Even if it is to say the elf is tired or they are late. This adds to the setup even if you haven’t had a chance to do anything.
Put the elf outside
An easy thing to do when you have forgotten to do anything with the elf is to place it outside. Pop it sitting down on some garden furniture, or leave it outside on the window sill. This is where you can say that the elf must have come back when you had locked the door so they couldn’t get in. This one will work really well if you have younger children.
Place the elf in a pets bed
If you are really short on time then put your elf in the pet’s bed. You could then easily say that they were having a cuddle with them, or misplaced the pet’s bed for somewhere else. This is an easy one to do if you are really short on time, so keep this in the mind for those emergency situations. You can even gran and throw at a moment’s notice.
The elf wants to play
If you have forgotten but you do have a few minutes then set the elf up with your children’s toys. You could simply say that the elf wants to play with your child’s toys. They can be sat with cuddly toys, or playing a game with your children’s toys. You could even set them up with a book as if they are reading to the toys.
Draw on fruit
Another easy one to do if you have forgotten is to grab a sharpie pen and draw some funny faces on the fruit you have in the bowl. Do this on the fruit you don’t eat the skin such as bananas or oranges. Then leave your elf holding the pen sat next to the fruit. If your kids take packed lunches, then make sure you include one of the pieces of fruit the elf drew on for added effect.
Hide the elf
If you are really short on time, then grab your elf and hide it somewhere. You could say that the elf is playing hide and seek and that they need to find it. Just leave a note somewhere saying they need to find the elf. A great place to put it is somewhere like the fridge or a freezer. If you want, keep the elf hidden and say that they obviously haven’t made it back in time from the North Pole. They could reappear later after your children have been in school with some treats or in a more elaborate setup because you have had time.
Put your elf to sleep in a tissue box
Another great one is to place your elf in a tissue box as if they think it is a bed. If you do have a bit of time, you could scrunch up some tissues and say that the elf is sick. Or just say that they are tired and they clearly need some rest. If you don’t have a tissue box you could place them in a makeshift bed made out of whatever you can find. It doesn’t need to be anything too amazing, your children will be able to use their imaginations.
Hopefully, that has given you some ideas on what you can do with your elf on the shelf when you have completely forgotten to move them the night before.
Head over to Unicorns, Dinosaurs & Me for more Elf on the Shelf ideas.
I did Elf on the Shelf for many years for my girls and they loved it. They’re older now so it’s something we don’t do and I actually miss it.
What great ideas. There was many a morning when I realised I had forgotten to move our elf. These would have came in handy x
We’ve drawn on bananas in the past too. We also stuck googly eyes on all the apples one year. It was quick and easy to do and my boys thought it was hilarious!
I forget to do them quite often so these are helpful reminders and hints. It’s not always easy to know what to do.
I was hoping to get away with it this year, but the kids have already mentioned it
Haha I am loving all these ideas, the one about popping into the tissue box is a great one and I am sure will provide lots of giggles xx
This is super helpful as it happens do much, just as you get tucked up in bed!