23 genius Elf on the Shelf ideas for desperate parents who are over it.

It’s that time of the year.

16 days ago, Elf on the Shelf seemed like a great idea. You were filled with clever hiding places! Hope! Festive cheer!

Now it’s taking every ounce of self control not to shove that bloody christmas elf in the (not so christmas-y) bin. Permanently.

Listen: Holly Wainwright is done. Finished. Broken. (Post continues after audio…)

There’s just one more week to go, people. ONE MORE WEEK. And to make this last phase that little bit smoother, we’ve rounded up 23 genius Elf on the Shelf ideas that your kids will love and help you keep your sanity. At least for a bit longer.

1. Elf goes ziplining.

@robbiewilliams Mission Possible, Dotty #elfontheshelf #girlpower #dailydotty #dottygram AWxx

A post shared by Ayda Field Williams (@aydafieldwilliams) on Dec 11, 2017 at 10:29pm PST

2. Elf makes snow angels.

Dotty is taking inspiration from @robbiewilliams #numberonefan #saturdayselfie #dailydotty #dottygram

A post shared by Ayda Field Williams (@aydafieldwilliams) on Dec 9, 2017 at 1:51am PST

3. Elf gets artistic.

@robbiewilliams Dotty’s been making some eggnog…how she ‘cracks me up’ ???? ….#eggcited #eggstraordinary #elfontheshelf #dailydotty #dottygram AWxx

A post shared by Ayda Field Williams (@aydafieldwilliams) on Dec 5, 2017 at 11:48pm PST

4. Elf turns robber.

He’s desperate now. #elfontheshelf

A post shared by Tracey Hartman (@traceythatchick) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:37pm PST

5. Elf builds an army.

The feeling you get… when the elf and her friends won’t leave you alone???????????? and that fact that your slightly outgrowing your cat bed..! #elfontheshelf #elf #sleepingcat #tabbycat #cat #leavemealone #catsofinstagram #beanieboos #christmascat #catbed #ilocemycat #familypet #beingwatched #bigeyes

A post shared by Snowman, Piper & Dibs (@snowmankitty) on Dec 15, 2017 at 4:11pm PST

6. Elf turns acrobat.

Francisco the Acrobatic Elf? #FranciscotheElf #ElfontheShelf #Christmas

A post shared by Sarah-R (@sarahrscraps) on Dec 15, 2017 at 4:08pm PST

7. Elf goes fishing.

Gone Fishin’ ???????????? WIN WIN WIN To WIN Frosty the Elf and a prize pack, send us a idea for Frosty before Christmas and you’ll go in the draw! Our favourite ideas will be posted on our Facebook and Instagram page #Elfontheshelf #Frostytheelf

A post shared by Goondiwindi Family Dental (@goondiwindifamilydental) on Dec 15, 2017 at 4:05pm PST

8. Elf gets drunk.

Cheers and Happy Holidays from these guys. #elf #elfontheshelf #merrychristmas

A post shared by Erron Veal (@powerplay33) on Dec 15, 2017 at 4:04pm PST

9. Elf and chill.

Dec.16 ・ 昨日寝る時はっくんが 「朝はテレビ見てていいからねぇ〜」 って話しかけてたからコレ。 ・ #elfontheshelf

A post shared by haru M (@hrk89) on Dec 15, 2017 at 4:01pm PST

10. Elf goes portable.

Haven’t been too adventurous with these elves the last couple of nights ???? Thought I better up my game lol #elfontheshelf #thekidscancarrythemaround #themagicwontstop ✨

A post shared by Kerri Louise Worsfold (@kerri_louise_) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:59pm PST

11. Elf shifts the blame.

Chocolate spread not shit???? #elfontheshelf #EddieYouBastard

A post shared by Rebecca Nuth (@rebeccanuth) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:57pm PST

12. Elf in disguise.

#elfontheshelf Day 16

A post shared by Kimberley Ryan (@libradragon2) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:57pm PST

13. Elf gets stuck.

He he! #elfontheshelfideas #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelf2017

A post shared by Tracey Gannon (@traceygannon01) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:50pm PST

14. Elf turns YouTuber.

Midnight makeover by Trixie ???????????? done I look lovely?? #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elfontheshelf2017

A post shared by Cynthia Brown (@cyncyn_1728) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:44pm PST

15. Elf wants to go online shopping.

He’s desperate now. #elfontheshelf

A post shared by Tracey Hartman (@traceythatchick) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:37pm PST

16. Elf is lit.

Look who’s hanging around @zest today! Why not drop in see if you can spot the elf and grab a coffee and a bite before a big day of Christmas shopping! We all need a big cup of coffee to start the day right! #elfontheshelf #christmas #zest #coffeeshop #fun #christmastime #happiness #giving #memoriesforever #zestfamily #emerald #puffingbilly

A post shared by Zest Emerald (@zestemerald) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:36pm PST

17. Elf goes rogue.

I give up with these guys, I thought last nights illness would have calmed them down but no! Now they’re messing with my tree!! #frankwatch #elfontheshelf

A post shared by James Tonks (@jamestonks84) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:28pm PST

18. Elf goes for a ride.

#elfontheshelf

A post shared by Johnny Itcanbe Dunne (@johnny_itcanbe_dunne) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:27pm PST

19. Elf selfie.

Oh Jemima, you need longer arms to take #selfies on the #iPad ???? • • • • • • • #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfnz #elfselfie #christmas #christmas2017 #kidschristmas #christmasforkids #sutcliffesquad #AvaandAubrey

A post shared by Caroline Young (@sutcliffe_squad) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:27pm PST

20. Elf vs dino.

Ella was in quite a predicament this morning…. #classroomelf #elfontheshelf #crazyelf #dinosaurs #thirdgradefun #happyfriday #tgif

A post shared by Morgan (@mrsdryesthirdgradespace) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:26pm PST

21. Elf the wrapper.

Those cheeky elves have been very busy wrapping tonight ???????? This could be my entry for #myhousethismonth Day 12 right? It’s a chair lol i will catch up with the others tomorrow x #elfontheshelf #elfantics #elfontheshelfideas

A post shared by Michelle Louise Brooke (@the_brookes_home) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:22pm PST

22. Elf the masterchef.

Spikey threw down in the kitchen…… and the boys actually ate it…… ???????????? . . . . . . #goindownatthewafflehouse #chefspikey #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #familylife #holidays #christmasiscoming #tistheseason #mischief #adventureswithspikey #manicmomlife #myholidaynightlife #christmas #christmasspirit #day15 #dayfifteen

A post shared by Sara Conway (@manic_oily_momlife) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:10pm PST

23. Ice cool Elf.

The elf has nipped back to the North Pole and is now back… Ready to cause some new mischief! (In other words, I’m now in charge of the elf) Day 15. ????‍♂️????????‍♂️????????‍♂️????????‍♂️????????‍♂️ #ElfOnTheShelf #ElfOnTheShelfForGrownUps #ElfOnTheShelfForAdults #Advent #Christmas

A post shared by ????????Anne-Marie Oldfield???????? (@a.m.oldfield) on Dec 15, 2017 at 3:09pm PST