25 Elf On The Shelf Dollar Tree Ideas – Pay UNDER $24 for ALL the Supplies Needed!
Make these 25 Elf on the Shelf ideas using Dollar Tree supplies only! You’ll save money and stress while the kids still enjoy the magic of the holidays!
Sleigh these Elf ideas, not your budget!
Have you seen these expensive pre-made Elf on the Shelf kits? 🤑 In addition to the steep cost, most of the stuff you get in those kits is paper, flimsy, and for one-time use only – don’t waste your money! This year, we checked our lists twice to give you an easy-to-follow 25-day plan of elf antics using only Dollar Tree supplies (or things you might already own)!
Best of all, these supplies are versatile and durable so they can be reused with your kids’ dolls or toys OR stashed away to create new ideas 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 and grab all your Elf on the Shelf Dollar Tree supplies at once so you’ll be ready once December rolls around!
Steal these 25 creative Elf on the Shelf Dollar Tree ideas:
1. Elf gone fishing
What you’ll need:
- Goldfish crackers – $1.25
- Any string, yarn, fishing line, etc. you may have at home
I also used a skewer I had at home for the stick (Optional: skewer, pencil, popsicle stick, etc.), but you could also tie the string directly to the Elf’s hand if you don’t have a ‘stick’.
2. Elf sponge cake
What you’ll need:
- Sponge – $1.25
- Sprinkles
3. Elf sleepover
What you’ll need:
- Socks – FREE
4. Kisses for everyone
What you’ll need:
- Hershey’s chocolate kisses – $1.25
- Reynold’s aluminum foil – $1.25
Need help making this ‘kiss’ shape?
Try using a small round Tupperware lid as the kiss base. Then wrap your elf in a seated position, place on the lid, and shape the aluminum foil as needed.
5. Want to see a rainbow?
What you’ll need:
- Skittles– $1.25
6. Walking the pups
What you’ll need:
- Pipe cleaners– $1.25
- Paw Patrol toys, dog stuffed animals, or any dog-shaped toys at home
7. Elf ball pit
What you’ll need:
- Pom poms– $1.25
8. Let’s play jingle bell-iards
What you’ll need:
- Miniature pool table– $1.25
9. Snow much fun it is to ride 🎶 ...
What you’ll need:
- Wrapping paper– FREE
- Paper towels, paper plates, or napkins – FREE
- Cotton balls (reused)
Have some leftover wrapping paper from last year? Make this easy ski ramp from the cabinets to the countertop! You can have the Elf slide down on just its knees (no sled) or use a paper towel, napkin, or paper plate for the sled– so easy & FREE!
10. Elf pool party
What you’ll need:
- Pool cup holder inflatable – $1.25
11. ‘Tis the sea-sun
What you’ll need:
- Pool cup holder inflatable (reused)
Tip: Consider reusing the inflatable pool cup holder from the Elf pool party above for the Elf at the beach too! (There were so many cute options at Dollar Tree, I just wanted to show a few, but you can just grab one!)
12. Mission Elf-possible
What you’ll need:
- Pipe cleaners (reused)
We love that with this kit you can reuse so many of the items because they either come in a multipack or are durable and long-lasting, unlike one-time-use paper goodies from other Elf kits!
13. Elf gone jet skiing
What you’ll need:
- Doll jet ski– $1.25 (Look out for the kayak option at your local DT too!)
How cool is it that you can keep these fun items once the Elf heads back to the North Pole? Plus, we can’t believe this doll jet ski that fits Barbie-sized dolls is JUST $1.25?!
14. Elf-taught chef
What you’ll need:
- Doll BBQ – $1.25
Does your kiddos’ Barbie need a new BBQ? Look for this adorable grill in-store at Dollar Tree– the lid really opens and closes! I also made the apron out of paper and used my kids’ Shopkins (or other pretend food) inside the grill. The Elf really doesn’t have to be expensive, just use what you have!
15. Elf movie night
What you’ll need:
- Doll couch – $1.25
- TV remote, blanket, or popcorn from home
16. A faBOWlous time for a sELFie
What you’ll need:
- Party bows – $1.25 (I also found a mini 6-pack of bows in-store at my local DT!)
17. Eye didn’t do it!
What you’ll need:
- Googly eyes – $1.25
Have the Elf put googly eyes on favorite family pictures around the house for a silly morning surprise!
18. Elf snow globe
What you’ll need:
- Craft snow globe – $1.25
19. Elf goes to the park
What you’ll need:
- Doll swings– $1.25 (Look for the doll merry-go-round and seesaw too!)
We spotted these miniature Waggles Playground accessories in-store at Dollar Tree and could not resist the cuteness! Consider grabbing all three options to make the ultimate playground for just $3.75 or use one piece for each ‘Elf day’!
20. Elf snowball fight
What you’ll need:
- Cotton balls– $1.25 (You can also use marshmallows if you have some at home making this idea FREE!)
- Barbie, Elsa, or other toy doll, action figure, etc. at home
- Optional: Sprinkle flour for additional ‘snow’
21. Elf shoe ‘shining’
What you’ll need:
- Aluminum foil (reused)
22. Elf feeds the ducks
What you’ll need:
- Rubber ducks– $1.25
That’s a bench from my kids’ Bluey toys, but feel free to sit the Elf right on the edge of the sink and place whatever bread, crackers, seeds, etc. around it to ‘feed’ the ducks!
23. Mount Elf
What you’ll need:
- Couch cushions– FREE
How many couch cushions can your Elf stack?
24. Shaving cream snowmen
What you’ll need:
- Shaving cream – $1.25
25. Make an Elf igloo
What you’ll need:
- Cotton balls or marshmallows (reused)
The BEST part about this Hip “Elf Kit” is that these items really are quality and CUTE!
If you create these 25 Elf on the Shelf Dollar Tree ideas you’ll get to keep:
- Doll couch
- Doll BBQ
- Doll jet ski (or kayak)
- Pool cup holder
- Miniature pool table
- Miniature doll swings
- DIY snowglobe
- 3 toy rubber ducks
- One pack of cotton balls, googly eyes, pom poms, pipe cleaners, aluminum foil, shaving cream, goldfish crackers, wrapping bows, Skittles, Hershey’s kisses, and 2 sponges
Total cost for everything JUST $23.75!
If you’ve been following us on Facebook, then you’ve probably seen our Hip Sidekick, Paige, suggest to start collecting these items now for the Elf if you see them in-store!
Plus, when you use our free printable you can grab everything you need in one fell swoop so you’re not rushing at the last minute when it’s time for the Elf to arrive! AND, at just under $24 you can rest easy knowing this complete 25-day list won’t break the bank or your holiday budget.
Do you still need an Elf on the Shelf? ––> Grab one HERE!
We’re sharing 33 MORE Elf-tastic ideas to last you all winter long!
Thanks for all these awesome ideas!
You’re very welcome, Julie! Have fun! ❤️💚
These are cute, but man, how I hate this thing!!!!
Glad you enjoyed the list of ideas, sara! 🤗
amazing
🤩 Very happy to hear you’re loving these elf ideas, Annie!
these are good! All year I look for new ideas. I can’t do the bathroom ones because we only have one bathroom so using the sink or tub makes things hard for us ha ha ha but will definitely try all the others!
Yay! Glad this list is helpful! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season! 🥰🤗🎄
Love all the ideas.
I would like to add that if the cost of an actual Elf on the Shelf is out of your budget Dollar Tree sells a stuffed elf version.
When our kids were young they always like to help with the cooking. A few cookie or brownie mixes would be fun as well.
Yes! Great suggestions, Diane! Thanks for taking the time to mention this. 💞
Kitchen sink!
This genius and sooo helpful! Our elves are typically very boring ( because Mom gets tired). I LOVE that its all planned out for me here!
Woohoo! You’re welcome, Brooke! 🙌❤️ Glad these ideas will be so helpful this year!
My favorite tip (trick) a friend did- Their elf broke it’s leg- so she wrapped it like a cast and he couldn’t move every night! LOL!
does Dollar Tree sell the Elf on the Shelf Style plush?
Great question! I haven’t personally spotted one at my location, but you could always call your store ahead of making a special trip to be sure. Sometimes inventory varies from store to store. ❤️