Create 25 Elf on the Shelf ideas using only materials from Dollar Tree. You can save money and stress while your kids enjoy the magic of the holidays.
Sled with these elf ideas, not your budget!
Have you seen those expensive pre-made Elf on the Shelf kits? 🤑 In addition to the high price tag, most of the stuff in these kits is paper, flimsy, and one-off. It is used. Don’t waste your money. This year, we went through the list twice to give you an easy-to-follow 25-day plan for Elf Antics using only Dollar Tree supplies (or things you may already own) .
Best of all, these supplies are versatile and durable, so you can reuse them with your child’s dolls and toys, or even stash them away to generate new ideas for next Christmas.
If you complete all 25 ideas below, you’ll spend just $23.75 or less at Dollar Tree.
*Plus, download this free printable to get all your Elf on the Shelf Dollar Tree supplies at once so you’re ready as soon as December starts !
Steal these 25 Creative Elf on the Shelf Dollar Tree Ideas:
1. The elf went fishing
What you need:
Goldfish crackers – $1.25 String, yarn, fishing line, etc. you have at home
I also used skewers I had around the house for sticks (optional: skewers, pencils, popsicle sticks, etc.). However, if you don’t have a “stick”, you can also tie the string directly to the elf’s hand.
2. Elf sponge cake
3. Elf sleepover
4. Kiss everyone
Need help making this “kiss” shape?
Try using a small round Tupperware lid as a base for your kisses. Next, wrap the elf in a sitting position, place it on the lid and adjust the shape with aluminum foil if necessary.
5. Would you like to see a rainbow?
6. Walking the puppy
What you need:
Pipe Cleaners – $1.25 Paw Patrol toy, stuffed dog, or any dog-shaped toy you have around the house.
7. Elf Ball Pit
8. Let’s play Jingle Bell Yard
9. Riding in the snow is so much fun 🎶 …
What you need:
Wrapping paper – free Paper towels, paper plates, or napkins – free Cotton balls (reused)
Do you have any leftover wrapping paper from last year? Create this easy ski slope from cabinet to countertop. You can have your elf slide on just his knees (no sled), or you can use paper towels, napkins, or paper plates for the sled. It’s very easy and free.
10. Elf Pool Party
What you need:
Inflatable pool cup holder – $1.25
11. This is the sun of the sea
What you need:
Inflatable pool cup holder (reuse)
Tip: Consider reusing the inflatable pool cup holders from the elf pool party above for your beach elf as well. (Dollar Tree had a lot of cute options. I just wanted to show you a few, but you can also just buy one.)
12. Mission Elf Possible
I love that I can reuse many of the items in this kit because they come in multipacks or are durable and long-lasting, unlike the disposable paper goods in other elf kits.
13. The elf went jet skiing
What you need:
Dole Jet Ski – $1.25 (also look for kayak options at your local DT!)
How great is it that you can keep these fun items even after your elf returns to the North Pole? And can’t believe this doll jet ski that fits a Barbie-sized doll is only $1.25! yeah?!
14. Chef learned from elves
Does your child’s Barbie doll need a new barbecue? Look for this adorable grill in stores at Dollar Tree. The lid actually opens and closes. I also made an apron out of paper and put my kid’s Shopkins (or other pretend game) inside the grill. Elf doesn’t have to be expensive. Use what you have.
15. Elf Movie Night
What you need:
Doll Sofa – $1.25 TV remote, blanket, or home popcorn.
16. Great selfie time
What you need:
Party Ribbon – $1.25 (I also found a mini 6 pack of ribbons at my local DT store!)
17. I didn’t do it!
Have your elf add googly eyes to your favorite family photos around the house for a silly surprise in the morning!
18. Elf Snow Globe
What you need:
Snow Globe Craft – $1.25
19. The elf goes to the park
What you need:
Doll Swing – $1.25 (also look for the doll merry-go-round and seesaw!)
We found Waggle’s Playground miniature accessories in the Dollar Tree store and couldn’t resist how cute they were. Take advantage of all three options to create the ultimate play area for just $3.75, or consider using one for each “elf day.”
20. Elf Snowball Fight
What you need:
Cotton Balls – $1.25 (If you have marshmallows at home, this idea is free!) Barbie, Elsa, or any other toy doll, action figure, etc. you have at home Optional: Sprinkle with flour for additional “snow”
21. Elf’s shoes “glow”
22. The elf feeds the ducks
This is my kid’s Bluey toy bench, but I let the elf sit freely on the edge of the sink and place bread, crackers, seeds, etc. around it to “feed” the ducks.
23. Elf Mountain
How many sofa cushions can your elf stack?
24. Shaving Cream Snowman
25. Make an elf igloo
What you need:
Cotton balls or marshmallows (reused)
The best thing about this hip “elf kit” is that these items are really high quality and cute.
Create these 25 Elf on the Shelf Dollar Tree Ideas and you’ll get:
Doll Sofa Doll BBQ Doll Jet Ski (or Kayak) Billiard Cup Holder Miniature Pool Table Miniature Doll Swing DIY Snow Globe 3 Toy Rubber Ducks 1 Pack Cotton Balls, Googly Eyes, Pom Poms, Pipe Cleaners, Aluminum Foil, Shaving Cream, Goldfish crackers, wrapping ribbon, Skittles, Hershey’s Kisses, 2 sponges
All total cost is only $23.75!
Do you like the idea of a Dollar Tree Elf on the Shelf? With our free printables, you can get everything you need at once so you don’t have to rush at the last minute when the elf arrives. It will disappear. And at just under $24, you can rest assured that this complete 25-day list won’t hurt your bank or vacation budget.
Still need an elf? ––> Get it here!
Here are 33 more elf-inspired ideas to keep you going all winter long.
