20 Last-Minute Elf Ideas for Exhausted Parents

It's late, you're shattered, and you've just remembered the elf. Don't worry: every one of these takes less than two minutes and uses things already in your house.

Under 1 minute

1. Hide & seekPut the elf somewhere silly with a note: "Bet you can't find me in one minute!"
2. Stuck in a jarPop the elf in an empty jar or glass. Add a "Help! I'm stuck!" note.
3. Mirror message"Good morning!" on the bathroom mirror in washable marker.
4. Tangled in lightsWrap a spare string of fairy lights loosely around the elf.
5. Sleeping inTuck the elf into a slipper or tissue box: "Long flight, too tired!"
6. Fridge chillElf in the fridge door: "Missing the North Pole!"
7. Sock swapPair up odd socks badly and leave the elf in the middle.

Under 2 minutes

1. Toilet-roll snowmanStack three loo rolls, add a scarf and draw on a face.
2. Marshmallow bathA bowl of mini marshmallows and a cotton-bud "back scrubber".
3. Reading timeElf "reading" a book to a row of teddies.
4. Toy car raceLine up toy cars with the elf in the lead.
5. Yoga classElf and toys in stretchy poses on a tea towel mat.
6. Chocolate thiefAn empty advent door and an apology note from the elf.
7. Elf DJLeave a phone speaker next to the elf, with a Christmas playlist ready to play.
8. Fishing tripA pencil, string and a bowl of sweets or crackers.
9. Photo bombSticky-note moustaches on the family photos.
10. Tree painterElf holding a paintbrush up against the Christmas tree.
11. Road tripElf in a toy car with a note: "Driving to Grandma's!"
12. Wrapped upElf poking out of a half-wrapped gift or roll of paper.
13. Kindness missionA note asking the kids to do something kind today.

The real secret: plan in the morning

Decide tomorrow's idea over breakfast while the kids are hunting for today's spot. It takes 10 seconds and saves you at 11pm. Our planner has a blank page for exactly this.