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    Home » Blog » Christmas » Elf on the Shelf

    5-Minute Prep Elf on the Shelf Poses

    Published: Nov 13, 2013 · Modified: Oct 12, 2021 by Carey Pace · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    These easy to set up Elf on the Shelf poses only take 5 minutes and are so good your kids will hope to see them again next year!

    An Elf on the Shelf rides a toy car racetrack.

    Last week my kids were having a great time theorizing what Jolly, our elf, would do this year.

    Several of their hopes were things he's done in the past. For an OCD creative mom, this hadn't really occurred to me.

    "Repeat!?  That's ludicrous!", my internal response said. "It must be fresh and new, each time!"

    But dude. Seriously. Who cares?  

    In fact, according to my kids, repeating would rock. 

    So really, don't be afraid to bring back a flashback of last year's coolest Elf feats. You can view some of my favorites from last year here if this is your first year.

    Super Fast Elf Poses to Set Up

    Elf rides on Route 66

    1. Race Track Driving Elf

    So if last year your Elf set up all the cars and took a drive down Route 66 . . . Apparently it would be super awesome if he did that again.  

    I just used black construction paper that I taped together to form a road, and painted the dashed line with a white paint pen.

    I printed the Route 66 sign and taped it to a chop stick that I stuck in some leftover styrofoam I had in my craft cabinet.  

    But check out this magnet that would be way better. Super simple with big impact.

    Elf on the Shelf ideas

    2. Elf Snuggle Time

    Jolly borrowed my daughter's favorite special blanket, when he was looking for a soft place to snuggle.

    Grab a small stuffed animal to add to the scene. It works even better if you've hacked your elf like this.

    elf on the shelf ideas

    3. Midnight Snacking Elf

    Imitation Elf Ice cream. Set him in the fridge. No explanation necessary!

    More 5-Minute Prep Ideas

    Many of the clever Elf on the Shelf poses found in these posts could also be set up in 5 minutes or less as long as you've planned ahead!

    • An Elf on the Shelf sits by the tv remote on a shelf.
      4 Simple Elf Memories to Capture
    • Elf on the Shelf sits on the kitchen counter with a note and some treats.
      Elf on the Shelf Around the House
    • An Elf on the Shelf is hiding in a glass bowl pretending to be a snow globe. There's a small toy tree next to the bowl.
      Easy To Find Elf Hiding Spots
    • Elf on the Shelf sits on top of a Melissa & Doug chalkboard with a message that reads: "I will not hide too hard again."
      Naughty Elf on the Shelf Pranks
    Carey Pace

    Carey Pace believes that beauty waits to be uncovered in the ordinary moments of everyday life. She chases creative motherhood, honesty in her writing, and images that tell stories. Her faith in Jesus inspires her to explore and share the trials and triumphs of raising children while designing magical moments along the way. She is a seeker of Light, a starter of projects, a reader of books, a lover of food and flavor, and an encourager to others. She and her husband Shawn reside in Massachusetts with her son and daughter.  

    You can find Carey's writing and photography on Facebook, her blog, Instagram, and Pinterest.

    More Elf on the Shelf Ideas

    • The Elf on the Shelf has gift wrapped the family's granola bars.
      3 Elf on the Shelf Snack & Treat Ideas
    • Elf on the Shelf riding a Lightning McQueen car toy with a Christmas tree in the background.
      Playful Elf on the Shelf Toy Scenes
    • The Elf on the Shelf is soaking in a sink full of mini marshmallows.
      Elf on the Shelf Creative Tips
    • The Elf on the Shelf is swinging on a homemade swing in the living room.
      5 Flying Elf on the Shelf Poses

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Carey Pace

      December 02, 2013 at 7:53 am

      Cassie, thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed the series.

      Reply
    2. Cassie L.

      November 29, 2013 at 8:32 pm

      This completely makes sense to me. Kids love traditions so they want to see the same thing happen. They also love to repeat things themselves....how many times did we watch Cars, back-to-back, every day?
      I work in a preschool and if I do something one day, the kids come in asking if it is going to happen today again.
      Great series of posts!!

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. The Ultimate Elf on the Shelf Inspiration Guide says:
      November 2, 2015 at 1:01 pm

      […] Don’t be afraid to repeat! What to do when you have 5 minute or less. […]

      Reply
    2. Elf & Friends: Using your toy stash to create a playful wonderland! » Peanut Blossom says:
      December 11, 2014 at 9:42 am

      […] first did a Disney Cars scene back in 2012.  Last year I wrote about not being afraid to REPEAT past successful and well loved antics.  Here was that Cars scene, take […]

      Reply

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