Naughty Elf on the shelf ideas that only take are quick and easy. Never more than a few minutes or a few dollars worth of supplies. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
MOTHERHOOD

NAUGHTY ELF IDEAS THAT ARE QUICK & EASY

Our Elf on the Shelf, Trixie, loves to have fun at night and be a little naughty. Luckily she uses things we already have at home and doesn’t overly complicate it. Here are some of our favorite naughty elf ideas that are super easy to replicate. They never take more than a few minutes or a few dollars worth of supplies. Here’s over 40 of our favorite ones so far.

#1 Shoe-Shoe Train

Basically like a choo-choo train but with shoes instead. This time our elf decided to bring some princesses along for the ride. It can be anyones shoes… moms, dads, etc.

Naughty Elf on the shelf made a Shoe Shoe Train, much like a choo choo train, using her shoes and princess toys. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#2 Making Popcorn

Here’s a super easy and fun one. Make a bag of popcorn and make a mess in the microwave and we even had some popcorn on the floor. Such a messy elf. This was the first day back this year so she also borrowed our magnet letters to leave a message.

Naughty Elf on the shelf made popcorn and made a huge mess in our kitchen. We had popcorn on the floor and all over the microwave. She also used our magnet letters to leave a message. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#3 Mask Hammock

Get a disposable mask and hang it from a chandelier or even on the Christmas tree. I suggest a disposable mask because I have to cut it to make it work. I cut the elastics and tied them to attach in to the lamp.

Naughty Elf on the shelf uses a disposable face mask as a hammock and put it on our chandelier. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf uses a disposable face mask as a hammock and put it on our chandelier. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#4 Fishing for Goldfish

All you need is goldfish crackers (every house with a kid has those!), a sink and any fishing rod. This rod is from a fishing game but even a twig with a piece of string will work. Warning: add the water last minute or you’ll wake up to extra soggy and bloated fishies. You can also do it in the sink without water. It’s just as cute.

Naughty Elf on the shelf fishing in the sink for goldfish crackers. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#5 Chilling in the Fridge

Make some space in the fridge and use a kitchen hand towel as a blanket. It’s seriously that simple.

Naughty Elf on the shelf hiding in the fridge using a kitchen hand towel as a blanket. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#6 Undies in the Christmas Tree

Our elf got my daughters panties and hung them in the Christmas tree as ornaments. You can use anyone’s undies but kid’s sizes allow for more undies!

Naughty Elf on the shelf put undies or panties as decorations on the christmas tree. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#7 Dryer Ride

Our elf turned the dryer into an amusement park ride and brought some Barbie’s along for the fun. All you need is 1 piece of packing tape to strap them in!

Naughty Elf on the shelf turned our dryer into an amusement park ride and took some barbies along for the fun. You only need tape. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf turned our dryer into an amusement park ride and took some barbies along for the fun. You only need tape. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#8 Tied Up Toys

Get a strand of Christmas lights, plug them in and tie up some toys. Your elf will have some hostage stuffed animals!

Naughty Elf on the shelf used a strand of christmas lights to tie up some of the stuffed animals. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#9 Googly Eye Fruit

All you need is a pack of googly eyes and the options are endless. We’ve done the googly eyes a couple times around here. This time we gave all the fruit in the fruit basket eyes!

Naughty Elf on the shelf put googly eyes on all of our fruit in the fruit basket. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#10 S’mores

Our elf loves S’mores! She used a candle, a toothpick, mini marshmallows and a flipped over coffee mug to sit on.

Naughty Elf on the shelf making s'mores using mini marshmallows and a candle. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#11 Toilet Paper Down the Stairs

If you have a staircase this one is so easy! You just need a roll of toilet paper. Stick the elf inside, start at the top and let him roll down.

Naughty Elf on the shelf rolled down the staircase in a roll of toilet paper. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#12 Poop in a Cup

Our elf did POOP in a wine glass. All you need is 1 Hershey’s kiss and any cup or wine glass. It’s hilarious!

Naughty Elf on the shelf pooped a Hershey's kiss in a wine glass. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#13 Stuck in an Undie

All you need is a kids undie or panty, some magnet clips (or even tape will work) and your elf. I added a fun message using our magnet letters.

Naughty Elf on the shelf got stuck in an undie on our fridge. All you need is a panty, some magnet clips or tape and possibly a fun message. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf got stuck in an undie on our fridge. All you need is a panty, some magnet clips or tape and possibly a fun message. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#14 Orange Juice

Our elf loves Orange Juice, but this time she grabbed an orange and simply inserted a straw (I cut it so I only have to insert a tiny piece) and sat down for a drink.

Naughty Elf on the shelf drinking orange juice right out of an orange by inserting a straw. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#15 Painting in the Tub

Our elf borrowed the bath paints and left a fun message in the tub. If you don’t have these bath paints its a great opportunity to leave a little gift from your elf. You can find them in the Dollar Spot at Target…. they’re $1 each.

Naughty Elf on the shelf borrowed the bath paints and left a message in the bathtub. Use paints for a fun message. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf borrowed the bath paints and left a message in the bathtub. Use paints for a fun message. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.


#16 Toilet Paper the Tree

Another easy one using toilet paper. Our elf got a roll of toilet paper and decorated our tree for us since we hadn’t decorated it yet.

Naughty Elf on the shelf put tiny bottle bruch Christmas trees on all of the toy cars. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#17 Candy Cane Zip Line

Our elf got a string and attached it from the chandelier to the Christmas tree then used a candy cane to zip line from one to the other.

Naughty Elf on the shelf made a zipline from our chandelier to our christmas tree and rode on it using a candy cane. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf made a zipline from our chandelier to our christmas tree and rode on it using a candy cane. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#18 Toilet Paper the house

Speaking of toilet paper, here’s another one. This time she toilet papered the house. Pick any space and make a mess!

Naughty Elf on the shelf toilet papers our house. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.


#19 Reading to the toys

Our elf got a dinosaur book and was reading it to the dinosaurs.

Naughty Elf on the shelf reading a dinosaur book to the dinosaurs. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#20 Googly Eye Photos

Using the same googly eyes as before, we added some funny eyes to our family photos.

Naughty Elf on the shelf put googly eyes on our family photo. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#21 Sprinkle Angel

Much like a snow angel, but using sprinkles and we put her on a cutting board for easy clean up after.

Naughty Elf on the shelf used sprinkles to make a snow angel. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#22 Candy Cane Sledding

Our elf had a friend and they decided to go sledding together down the staircase railing on some candy canes.

Naughty Elf on the shelf sledding down the staircase railing on some candy canes. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#23 Elf Footprints

Our elf came in through a magic door and left some snowy (flour) footprints. This is a little kit I found on Amazon. Linked Here

Naughty Elf on the shelf entered our home through a magic elf door and left us snowy footprints on the floor. This is how we knew we had to look for her the first day. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#24 Dinosaur Ride

This one was so fun because this dinosaur dances. Our elf decided to go for a ride and hung on for dear life. I used tiny clear hair elastics to tie her hands together so she’d hold on tight.

Naughty Elf on the shelf went for a ride on our dinosaur toy. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#25 Pool Party

Our elf used a float for a cup and decided to go lounge in the pool. This one is a unicorn but any cup float will work. We’ve done it in the pool and in the bathtub.

Naughty Elf on the shelf used a unicorn cup float to lounge in the pool. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf used a unicorn cup float to lounge in the pool. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#26 Trapped a Toy

Our elf trapped by daughters favorite stuffed animal. Use a glass jar with a lid and have your elf trap the toy. Again I used tiny clear elastic hair bands to tie her hands together and hung her from the top.

Naughty Elf on the shelf trapped a toy in a glass jar and wouldn't let him out.  Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#27 Hiding Among the Toys

I did it on the staircase of my daughters loft bed (that she doesn’t sleep in) but it can be anywhere. Just put a bunch of toys, dolls, stuffed animals together and hide the elf among them. This has been one of my daughters favorites!

Naughty Elf on the shelf put a lot of toys on the staircase and hung out with them. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#28 Climbing a Decorative Tree

Our elf loves to climb. She climbed on of our decorative trees on the dining table. Again just elastic hair bands to tie her hands together. That’s it.

Naughty Elf on the shelf climbing the tree decorations for christmas. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf climbing the tree decorations for christmas. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#29 Trees on the Cars

The day before we got our Christmas tree our elf put tiny bottle brush trees from the dollar store on the toy cars. I think it was her way of telling us we needed to go buy our tree.

Naughty Elf on the shelf put tiny bottle bruch Christmas trees on all of the toy cars. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf put tiny bottle bruch Christmas trees on all of the toy cars. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#30 Princess Tea Party

She prepared a tea party and invited some of the princess to join her.

Naughty Elf on the shelf hosting a princess tea party. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#31 Chandelier Acrobatics

Our elf loves to hang from things. She hung upside down from our chandelier showing off her acrobatic skills.

Naughty Elf on the shelf hanging upside down from the chandelier. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf put tiny bottle bruch Christmas trees on all of the toy cars. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#32 Rock Climbing

Using gift bows on the fridge our elf created a rock climbing wall to practice on.

Naughty Elf on the shelf used gift bows to create a rock wall she could climb on our fridge. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#33 Toilet Paper Swing

Get an empty roll of toilet paper and put a string through it to create a swing for your elf. You can hang it anywhere. We went for a banner because it was so easy, but it can go on a doorframe or anywhere you please.

Naughty Elf on the shelf made a swing out of an empty toilet paper roll and some string. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf made a swing out of an empty toilet paper roll and some string. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#34 Slumber Party

My daughter had built a fort that day that she refused to take down so our elf decided to have a slumber party with some of the dolls there.

Naughty Elf on the shelf made a swing out of an empty toilet paper roll and some string. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#35 Climbing for Snacks

Our elf got hungry during the night so she used household items so she could climb into the pantry into our snack bin.

Naughty Elf on the shelf used household items to climb into the pantry to steal snacks. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf used household items to climb into the pantry to steal snacks. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#36 Hungry Hungry Hippo

Our elf recruited some friends for a game of Hungry Hungry Hippo. You can use any board game and add some friends in for some fun.

Naughty Elf on the shelf was playing Hungry Hungry Hippo with some of the toys. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#37 Eating Candy in a Lantern

My daughter loves to hide to eat candy and our elf did just that! She found the gummy bears and hid in one of my decorative lanterns to eat them.

Naughty Elf on the shelf found some gummy bear candies and hid in a decorative lantern to eat them. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#38 Bubble Bath

Our elf decided to play in the Barbie house and helped herself to a bubble bath. Mini marshmallows in the Barbie bathtub. That’s it!

Naughty Elf on the shelf had a bubble bath in the barbie house tub using mini marshmallows. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#39 Lipstick Notes

Our elf left my daughter a little love message on her bathroom mirror using Mommy’s red lipstick. Don’t worry, it comes right off with a little vinegar on a napkin.

Naughty Elf on the shelf wrote a note on the bathroom mirror using mommy's red lipstick. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#40 Decorating Cookies

Our elf brought my daughter an apron and a cookie decorating kit so they could decorate cookies together.

Naughty Elf on the shelf brought an apron so they could decorate cookies together. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#41 Reading Under a Tree

Our elf found a cozy spot under a tree to read a book to some of her friends.

Naughty Elf on the shelf hid under a tree to read a book to some of the toys. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf hid under a tree to read a book to some of the toys. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#42 Fancy Breakfast

Our elf helped herself to a fancy breakfast using the pretend foods from my daughters American Girl doll set. She even put on a scarf for the occasion.

Naughty Elf on the shelf made herself a fancy breakfast using the pretend food from the American Girl Dolls set. She even put on a scarf for the occasion. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#43 Hot Tub

Our elf turned a pot into a hot tub using mini marshmallows and even brought a robe to use after.

Naughty Elf on the shelf turned a pot into a hot tub. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#44 Hot Dog Stand

Our elf borrowed the dolls hot dog stand and turned it into Trixie’s (her name) hot dog stand so she could feed some of her friends.

Naughty Elf on the shelf borrowed the hot dog stand to host a fun lunch for her friends. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#45 Elfies

Our elf was extra silly and took Elfies (the Elf version of selfies) with my daughter while she was sleeping then used the photos for the background of my phone. It was such a fun surprise to wake up to and a great way to remember her elf when she returned to the North Pole.

Naughty Elf on the shelf took elfies ( the elf version of selfies) with my daughter while she was sleeping then used the photos as a background on the iPhone. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#46 Playing Hide and Seek

Our Elf decided to play hide and seek and used extra toilet paper rolls to create a great hiding spot. She also left a note on the roll.

Naughty Elf on the shelf playing hide and seek in the toilet paper rolls. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#47 Drawing on Bananas

Our Elf Trixie borrowed a Sharpie and drew some funny faces on our bananas. I opted for different funny faces… one mad, one sad and an extra cool one.

Naughty Elf on the shelf borrowed a sharpie to draw faces on our bananas. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#48 Light Brite Message

Trixie borrowed my daughters Light Brite and left her a fun little message. This wasn’t very naughty, because the message was nice, but it was definitely a fun surprise.

Naughty Elf on the shelf borrowed her light brite to leave a fun message. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#49 Drinking Syrup

Our Elf borrowed a straw and decided to drink syrup right out of the bottle. She sat in a while glass to reach up to the top of the bottle.

Naughty Elf on the shelf drank maple syrup out of the bottle from a straw. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#50 Sack Race

Our elf recruited some friends for a fun game. They used brown paper bags to have a potato sack race. The bags are the perfect size once you roll over the tops.

Naughty Elf on the shelf playing with some friends. They used brown paper bags for a potato sack race. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#51 Painted Dad’s Toenails

This was definitely a favorite in our home. Our naughty elf painted my husband’s toenails bright pink while he was sleeping. We found the elf in the morning in the bathroom with the bottle of hot pink nail polish and a note that read “I left your dad a funny treat. Go find him now and look at his feet!”

Naughty Elf on the shelf painted my husband's toenails bright pink and left a funny note next to the hot pink nail polish telling our daughter to check her dads feet. They used brown paper bags for a potato sack race. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf painted my husband's toenails bright pink and left a funny note next to the hot pink nail polish telling our daughter to check her dads feet. They used brown paper bags for a potato sack race. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#52 Toilet Paper Hammock

Trixie made herself a hammock just out of toilet paper and hung from the towel bar in the bathroom.

Naughty Elf on the shelf made a hammock out of toilet paper and hung from the towel bar in the bathroom. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#53 Hiding from a Fart

This one was a favorite in our home! Our elf found a mason jar to hide in and left a note that read “Your dad farted! I’m hiding from the smell. It’s safe in here.”

Naughty Elf on the shelf was hiding in a mason jar because dad farted and the jar kept her safe from the smell. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#54 Mini Vacation

My daughter spent the night at her grandparents so her elf found an oversized gingerbread house to borrow for a mini vacation.

Naughty Elf on the shelf went on a mini vacation to grandmas when my daughter had a sleepover. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#55 Underpant Stockings

Our elf was extra silly and removed all of our stockings. She replaced each of our stockings with one of our underpants.

Naughty Elf on the shelf changed our stocking to each of our underpants. Undies, panties, underwear are always the funniest. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf changed our stocking to each of our underpants. Undies, panties, underwear are always the funniest. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#56 Sick Day

My daughter was feeling under the weather, apparently she gave her cold to her elf. Her elf had a sick day. She borrowed the tissues, thermometer and Tylenol, as well as a bed in the Barbie house.

Naughty Elf on the shelf had a sick day. She borrowed a bed in the Barbie house and took the thermometer, some tissues and even the Tylenol. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#57 Elf-Portrait

Our Elf decided to draw the elf version of a self portrait, it’s called an elf-portrait. She borrowed the sketch book and crayons to make it.

Naughty Elf on the shelf drew an Elf Portrait. Kinda like a self portrait but of an elf. She borrowed the sketch pad and crayons. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#58 Taco Tuesday

Our elf needed to remind us that it’s Taco Tuesday, so she borrowed a tortilla and wrapped herself in it. Don’t forget the cut out for the face.

Naughty Elf on the shelf used a tortilla to wrap herself up to remind us that its Taco Tuesday. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

#59 Fruit Car Race

Bananas and oranges are all you need to make fruit cars. You can make several and then there’s a race between your elves or any other toys. Our elf borrowed the Barbies for a fruit car race.

Naughty Elf on the shelf turned bananas and oranges into cars so she could have a race with her Barbie friends. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.
Naughty Elf on the shelf turned bananas and oranges into cars so she could have a race with her Barbie friends. Fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy using things you have at home.

I will be adding more ideas throughout December as I do them so keep checking back for some more fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas…. Happy Holidays!

50+ fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy to do using things you have at home. by The Traveling Red
50+ fun and easy elf on the shelf ideas for a naughty elf that are quick and easy to do using things you have at home. by The Traveling Red
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6 Comments

  • Reply Corinne December 4, 2023 at 1:29 am

    This is incredible. Thank you!!!

    • Reply The Traveling Red January 10, 2024 at 8:27 pm

      Glad they were helpful!

  • Reply Millie December 5, 2023 at 2:25 pm

    Very funny! haha, im loving it.

    • Reply The Traveling Red January 10, 2024 at 8:28 pm

      Thanks! So glad you enjoyed them. I’ll have plenty more to add in for next year.

  • Reply Abbie Daniel December 21, 2023 at 3:52 pm

    Love the ideas they really helped me!😍

    • Reply The Traveling Red January 10, 2024 at 8:28 pm

      So happy they were helpful!

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