December 20, 2026

Day 20: Elf on the Shelf Ideas

You're in the homestretch, under a week until Christmas. Kids are excited and bedtime is harder. Quick, photogenic scenes over elaborate ones; save your energy for the goodbye.

Tonight's three picks

Match your energy to the day, there's no rule that says you have to do the elaborate one.

Easy (~2 min)

Bedroom ●●○○○

Tissue Box Nap Quarters

Elf is tucked inside tissue box as improvised sleeping quarters.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Medium (~10 min)

Living Room ●●●○○

Coloring Book Winter Scenes

The elf sits beside an open coloring book with partially colored winter scenes.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Elaborate (~20+ min)

Kitchen ●●●●○

Buddy Four Food Groups

Fill tiny bowl with the four food groups from the movie Elf for humor.

Ages 3–12 Pet-safe 0

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