30+ Quick Elf On The Shelf Ideas That Require No Effort

Okay, it happens: sometimes you just need a place to hide your elf on the shelf very very quickly, without any preparation. Even though I’ve been doing elf ideas for many Christmases, every now and then there’s been the odd time where it simply slipped my mind.

So here’s where you can find over 30 quick and easy elf on the shelf ideas that require absolutely no effort. These are little hiding spots that you already have around your house, so you can simply stick the elf there and be done.

Kitchen

Your kitchen is a great place for your elf to hide. For the main reason that just about everybody goes into the kitchen every day, so the kids will be sure to notice this one probably right away.

In the cabinet
In the pantry
In the refrigerator:

An elf on the shelf doll wrapped in a towel sitting in the fridge door shelf. — Brrr it’s chilly in the fridge! Be sure to wrap up your elf in a towel or washcloth so he or she can stay warm in there.

In the silverware drawer

An elf on the shelf doll laying in a kitchen utensil organizer in the drawer.

On the counter
On the table

Living Room

The living room is another great place for yourself to get spotted. Usually the living room is one of the first places that kids try to look for their elves.

Hanging upside down over a curtain rod:

An elf on the shelf doll hanging over a curtain rod by its legs.

*+:｡.｡ Learn How To Make Your Elf On The Shelf Bendable ｡.｡:+*

By the door
In the blanket
In the Christmas tree

an elf on the shelf doll perched in a silver christmas tree — *Yahoo! Wouldn’t it be fun if we could all be small enough to climb up to the top of a Christmas tree? 😛*

In the plant

a red boy elf on the shelf doll standing inside the pot of a snake plant.

In the stocking

a boy elf on the shelf doll with a red outfit peeking out of a white furry christmas stocking.

On the mantel

an elf on the shelf girl doll sitting on a mantel — Sitting pretty!

On the presents

On the shelf

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On the staircase
On the television

a boy elf on the shelf doll peeking over the top of a TV.

On the windowsill

Watching TV

An elf on the shelf doll watching a christmas movie on tv while holding a remote.

Bedroom

An elf hiding in the bedroom? It’s not the first place kids think to look, so it’ll be sure to surprise them!

Elf in the bed

An elf on the shelf doll tucked into the covers on a bed.

On the shoe rack
On the nightstand
In the dresser drawer

An elf on the shelf doll popping out from a dresser drawer.

In the toys:

an elf on the shelf doll in a hammock of stuffed animals

Bathroom

We love Elf On The Shelf Bathroom Ideas! The bathroom hiding places always seem to be the most chuckled-at in our house. Even just sitting around in the bathroom doing nothing, your elf is definitely being a bit mischievous!

On top of the toilet

An elf on the shelf doll sitting on top of a toilet.

In the linen closet
On the counter

You may love these Elf On The Shelf Toilet Paper ideas !

Other

There are all kinds of places in a house where your elf can hide out. Try to look outside of the usual places to come up with some unique hiding spots!

In the laundry room
In the wreath