30 fun, some funny, 'Elf on the Shelf' ideas to get you through the holiday season

Taylor Seely and Amy Haneline | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption 5 easy 'Elf on the Shelf' ideas that will wow your kids Have you already run out of 'Elf on the Shelf' ideas? Keri Lumm (@thekerilumm) has five simple suggestions and one that requires a little more time.

It should be called "Elf off the Shelf," because those elves are hardly ever just sitting on a shelf.

In addition to hot cocoa, holiday movies, dazzling lights and mad dashes to the store, you also have to figure out a bazillion-and-one places to hide your kids' beloved "Elf on the Shelf."

It was so cute and such a good idea at first. Now it's just another task on the to-do list.

Fear not, thanks to creative parents on the internet, we gathered up some of the coolest, and most hilarious, ways to "hide" your elves.

Captured by Queen Elsa

Everyone has "Frozen" fever with the release of "Frozen 2." Let Queen Elsa use her magical powers on your elf. Let's just hope the kids find it before it melts.

Poking through a movie poster

That tricky little elf. He looks just like Will Ferrell and could be hard to find with his head poking through an "Elf" movie poster.

Returning from the North Pole with proof

Those smart elves. If your kids doubted they were going to the North Pole and reporting to Santa, they bring proof with a melted snowman.

With a little humor

What is it about poop and farts that make kids giggle? Either way, we're sure they will love this.

Or even a little more humor

We hope you have a sense of humor because this setup is a little gross. Alas, it's an idea!

Above the stockings

OK, duh. I know. This is an easy one. But kids get grumpy when they can't find stuff right away!

Inside the holiday wreath

Depending on how or where your wreath is located, kids may have a hard time finding it.

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Inside the family photo area

Unless you have a tradition of decorating the photo area with photos, I'm betting your kid rarely frequents the area. Heck, throw a frame around the little guy. #Camouflage

Tucked in the toys

Sure, the kids play with their toys all the time. But tucking the little elf neatly into a toy box, or buried at the bottom of it? I just don't have faith that kids will be patient enough to dig through.

Peeking out of a Rice Krispies cereal box

All the cutting and positioning will require a considerable amount of time and skill, so you better display that cereal-eating elf proudly! This should get a good laugh and low stress because the kids should find it quickly. Maybe snap a pic of the perfection before the kids get to it.

Scaling the wall with bows

The obviousness of this display is what will make it so difficult. What kid would think the family elf would "hide" in such an open space?

Climbing the tree

Most trees have 5 million and three ornaments, to be exact. Adding an elf to the mix will likely blend in and be nearly invisible.

On the coffee table display

Especially if you have a little tray or decorations that draw attention to the area, kids should find this relatively quickly.

In the crafts area

If you simply put him in the crafts area, this might be hard. But if you create a little display, like the one below where the elf is shown painting, it will be easier.

In the bathroom

I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume your kids brush their teeth and maybe even shower in the morning. Please say yes. If that's correct, they'll have no problem finding the elf.

Hanging from the curtains

You may have to hint and tell your kids to look upward.

Exercising on the kitchen counter or table

What a funny little surprise it will be to see the elf get his arm day on. And let's be honest, elf needs arm day.

Ziplining to the tree

This is as obvious as a display can get if you have the elf ziplining across the room to the tree. But this is a lot of work, too. Maybe save this for the grand finale. Or at least wait until you have a bunch of people over so you can show off.

Stealing from the piggy bank

This might be hard if you don't readily display the piggy bank, so move it to a spot that's easily accessible. And uh, maybe consider putting a "just kidding" note on the elf so the kids don't actually think he's a thief.

Floating in the bathtub

Unless you do bath time in the morning, you'll probably want to give your kids a hint on this one.

Playing with the dog

Make it look like the elf is playing tug-o-war with a stuffed dog.

In the popcorn bowl

Forgot to place the elf one morning? No worries. Tell the kids the elf went out for a day trip and will return home in the evening. Then at night, pop some popcorn and invite the kids into the kitchen to surprise them with the elf's return.

Hanging from the chimney

Again, sometimes the more "simple" the spot, the more difficult it is to find the elf.

Making snow angels

All you need and some flour or sugar and that elf can make snow angels on your countertop.

Hiding in the presents

If you've got lots of presents with intricate patterns of wrapping paper, this might be quite difficult for the little ones to handle. Hints are always helpful.

Alongside an encouraging poem

This is a lot of work. Better make it worth it. A poem may inspire them to be nicer to their siblings, especially if the elves dare to tell Santa.

Putting on a movie

Sometimes DVD players are stored in entertainment centers, which can make this hiding spot difficult. Try to find some way to draw attention to the area.

Hiding in the holiday decor

How often do your kids check out the decor in the house? That'll help you determine how many, if any, hints you should give them.

Coloring

Grab the kids' favorite coloring book and pop it open.

Playing Twister

Like the cereal box, this requires some work. So display it somewhere the kids will definitely see.

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