December 22, 2026

Day 22: 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)

Bathroom ●●○○○

Bathtub Doll Tray Party

The elf and fashion dolls sit together in a bathtub tray filled with water.

Ages 3–10 Pet-safe 0

Medium (~10 min)

Living Room ●●●○○

Paper Chain Countdown

Elf creates miniature paper chain counting down days to Christmas.

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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