25 Effortless Elf on the Shelf Ideas

If you are looking for easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that are quick, then you have to the right place! I’ve got 25 Effortless Elf on the Shelf Ideas that will literally take less than a minute.

Nothing fancy. No Elf on the Shelf accessories to set up or put on. Simply place your Elf on the Shelf in one of the locations below each night and you are done.

These effortless Elf on the Shelf ideas are great for the mornings you forgot to move the elf – it happens to all of us!

Check out the list below and you can even print it out and hide it your dresser drawer for later. With 25 ideas, you are covered until Christmas or sprinkle them in amongst more flashy ideas!

#25 Effortless Elf on the Shelf Ideas

#1 Put Elf on the Shelf in the Freezer

#2 Stick Elf on the Shelf in the utensil drawer

#3 Tuck Elf on the Shelf inside someone’s shoe – one no one needs to wear that day.

#4 Hide Elf on the Shelf in the cupboard with the snacks

#5 Sit Elf on the Shelf on the couch

#6 Put Elf on the Shelf in a Christmas stocking

#7 Place Elf on the Shelf in the dishwasher (or sink if you are like us and don’t have a dishwasher) – just don’t forget he’s in their if you do dishes!

#8 Sit Elf on the Shelf on a shelf

#9 Put Elf on the Shelf on your child’s dresser

#10 Hide Elf on the Shelf under the tree

#11 Lay Elf on the Shelf in the bathtub or shower

#12 Sit Elf on the Shelf in a chair at the dining room table

#13 Put Elf on the Shelf with other stuffed animals

#14 Hide Elf on the Shelf in a produce drawer in the fridge

#15 Lay Elf on the Shelf in the closet on some towels

#16 Put Elf in the Shelf in a pot or pan

#17 Place Elf on the Shelf on top of the refrigerator

#18 Tuck Elf on the Shelf in a coat pocket

#19 Slide Elf on the Shelf under the couch

#20 Put Elf on the Shelf facing a corner

#21 Hide Elf on the Shelf in the microwave

#22 Put Elf on the Shelf on top of the dryer

#23 Set Elf on the Shelf on top of a laundry basket or pile of clothes

#24 Place Elf on the Shelf in the junk drawer

#25 Place Elf on the Shelf in, or on top of, the Christmas Tree

For more Elf on the Shelf Ideas, check out these posts:

• Memorable Elf on the Shelf Departure Ideas
• Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Teen
• Why Elf on the Shelf Didn’t Move – Quick and Clever Excuses
• Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt for Teens – uses fun teen slang from 2021!
• Elf on the Shelf Printables – TONS of props, games, and more!
• Quick Elf on the Shelf Ideas – for every room in the house!