Last-Minute Elf on the Shelf Setups that are Fun, Easy, and Perfect for Your Busy December
If you've been following along with my Elf on the Shelf series, you know I'm all about making this holiday tradition meaningful and manageable.
We've made it to the final stretch of December, and if you're anything like me, you're running on fumes while trying to maintain the Elf on the Shelf magic! This is the last post in my complete Elf on the Shelf series, and I saved the best for last – last-minute Elf on the Shelf setups!
These last-minute fun but easy elf setups are perfect for the final week before Christmas when you're juggling holiday parties, last-minute shopping, baking, wrapping, and everything else on your December to-do list. Each setup should take less than five minutes but will deliver big laughs. Your kids will love the humor, and you'll love how simple they are to pull off!
From "Taco Tuesday" to "Is It Cake?" challenges, these ideas bring current humor and family fun to your elf tradition during the busiest week of the year!
6 Last-Minute Elf on the Shelf Setups that are Fun and Easy
Here are ten of my favorite unique and simple Elf on the Shelf setup ideas that take less than ten minutes each. I've included both my own ideas and some favorites from other bloggers and websites that have inspired me!
1. "Is It Cake" Elf on the Shelf Setup
Tap into the viral "Is It Cake?" trend with this last-minute fun setup! Create a guessing game where your elf presents 3 different items (could be toys, fruit, etc.) with a sign asking "Is it cake?" Kids have to guess which item is actually cake (spoiler: none of them are, unless you want to get fancy!).
What you need:
- 3 various household items (toys, fruit, small objects)
- Paper sign where you write "Is it cake?"
- Optional: Actual cupcake or small cake hidden as one option
2. Hershey Kiss Dress-Up Elf on the Shelf Setup
This easy last-minute setup turns aluminum foil and Hershey Kisses into the funniest fashion show! Wrap your elves in aluminum foil, then surround them with Hershey Kisses!!
What you need:
- Aluminum foil
- Hershey kisses
3. Sundaes Are for Sundays Elf on the Shelf Setup
This sweet last-minute fun setup plays with the days of the week! Set up an ice cream sundae bar with a sign that says "Sundaes are for Sundays!!" with all the fixings ready for your family to make sundaes together (ideally on a Sunday, but the joke works any day - just switch the day on your sign!).
What you need:
- Sign
- Ice cream
- Sundae bar toppings (whipped cream, sprinkles, cherries, etc)
- Ice cream bowls and spoons
4. Taco Tuesday Elf on the Shelf Setup
Create a fun but easy elf scene with your elves wrapped in tortillas like they're burritos or hiding in taco shells, complete with a "Taco Tuesday" sign!
What you need:
- Flour tortillas or taco shells
- "Taco Tuesday" sign
5. Elf on the Shelf Marshmallow Tic-Tac-Toe
This interactive last-minute Elf on the Shelf setup invites your kids to play! Draw a tic-tac-toe board, position marshmallows or candies as game pieces (you could either draw x's and o's on marshmallows or put two different colors of M&Ms or cereal), and leave it set up for kids to finish the game!
What you need:
- Paper where you draw the tic-tac-toe board
- Game pieces: could be marshmallows, two different colors of cereal or candy, etc.
6. Hot Dogs Elf on the Shelf Setup
This fun but easy last-minute Elf on the Shelf setup creates the most unexpected food stand ever! Position your elves next to hot dog buns with small dog toy figures like Paw Patrol pups "sitting" in the buns, with a "Hot dogs 4 sale!" sign!
What you need:
- Hot dog buns
- Dog toy figurines
- "hot dogs 4 sale" sign
Make This Holiday Season The Best Ever With My Elf on the Shelf Series
Don't forget to check out the rest of my Elf on the Shelf series for even more ideas, activities, and inspiration to make this tradition special for your family. Together, they give you everything you need for a meaningful, manageable, and truly magical holiday tradition that builds the values you care about most!
Because you deserve support, encouragement, and practical tools that actually make your life easier during the holiday season. That's what we're all about here at Stay at Home Activity Mom!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. All recommendations are based on items I personally use and love with my own children.
Written by Brittany, Stay at Home Activity Mom
Brittany is a former elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home mom of three. Passionate about children learning through play, she began sharing her simple, hands-on, and education activities on her Instagram @stayathomeactivitymom so that other parents could see how fun this type of at-home learning can be.
