Cheap Elf on the Shelf Ideas
You can create Cheap Elf on the Shelf Ideas without breaking the bank.
We have a friend who loves taking her Elf on the Shelf to a whole other level.
She absolutely loves putting together the scenarios for their elf just as much if not more than the kids love seeing them.
And she’s been kind enough to let me share them with you.
The creativity is impressive!
Get more Christmas inspiration — including Christmas recipes, holiday crafts and children’s activities.
This post contains affiliate links.
Recommended Christmas Books
When you’re done playing, snuggle up and enjoy these recommended Christmas Books with your child.
Pete the Cat Saves Christmas: Includes Sticker Sheet!The Night Before Christmas HardcoverHow Winston Delivered ChristmasLittle Blue Truck’s Christmas: A Christmas Holiday Book for Kids
Bear Stays Up for ChristmasA Very Fiona Christmas (A Fiona the Hippo Book)Construction Site on Christmas NightThe Berenstain Bears’ Night Before Christmas
Printable Christmas Fun!
Unwrap a delightful assortment of printable Christmas treasures and fun!
- Christmas Coloring Pages
- Minute To Win It Games
- Christmas Word Searches
- Christmas Candy Dice Game
- Christmas I Spy Games
- Christmas Word Scrambles
- Santa Says Interactive Game
- Elf Coloring Pages for Kids
- Christmas Mazes
- Christmas Dot to Dot Pages
- December Mystery Puzzles
3ft DIY Lighted Felt Christmas Tree Advent Calendar
Fisher-Price Little People Toddler Toys Advent CalendarPlay-Doh Advent CalendarMelissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar
Cheap Elf on the Shelf Ideas
I finally asked her if I could share some of her amazing creations…. these were meant to be shared!
And she said yes… so enjoy these wonderful fun elf on the shelf ideas that will help you spread the fun and joy of the Christmas season?
But before you get started, you absolutely have to have the Elf Flex Kit!
It will make molding your Elf to stay in position SO much easier.
Welcome Elf! Welcome to Cheap Elf on the Shelf Ideas
The Elf is arriving and excited to see anyone!
This Elf on the Shelf took a fancy plane – but really any balloon will do.
Elves Preparing for Santa – Cheap Elf on the Shelf Idea
When Santa comes, you want the house to look spick and span, right?
Get the Elves into gear and help clean the house for Santa’s arrival.
Just use a little bit of saving cream or thick lotion to create the look of cleaning products.
Who let the dogs out
Seriously, who let the dog out?
At least they finally admitted it…
If you don’t have a letter board yet, they’re just wonderful to have around the house for all celebrations!
Kids Musical Train Set with Christmas-Themed MusicMelissa & Doug Slice and Bake Wooden Christmas Cookie Play Food SetLittle People Elf Movie Figure SetFisher-Price Little People Toddler Toy Musical Christmas Train
Oops! Sorry about the TV
If I’ve told the boys once, I’ve told them a thousand times not to throw balls in the house.
Apparently, the elves aren’t much better listeners. 
Just choose a video on YouTube and play – the kids will really think the TV is broken!
Making Breakfast and a Mess!
Apparently, these cheeky Elves tried to be gracious hosts and make the kids breakfast this morning – serving up some Lucky Charms.
Looks like their plans went awry!
Just take some aluminum foil and roll into a long tube (doesn’t have to be tightly rolled but thick for strength, about two sheets on top of each other, 2ish ft long).
Use your hot glue gun and be prepared to spend a little bit of time.
Sleigh Ride
Why should Santa have all the fun?
The Elves created their own sleigh ride using rootbeer!
A terrific cheap elf on the shelf idea that the kids get to drink later.
2 Pack Christmas Porch Light CoversJumbo Christmas Pathway Lights8FT Tall Christmas Inflatable SnowmanMetal Christmas Yard Signs, Set of 3 – Santa, Snowman, Reindeer
Princess and the Pea
If the Elf hides a pea under all of these pillows, will the other elf get any sleep?
Do you think she was able to sleep or did she feel the pea?
Add in some even more fun with the wonderful retelling of The Princess and the Pea.
The Prank is on the Elf
The prank is on the Elf on the Shelf today!
If you have a food vacuum sealer, have a little fun with it.
*No Elves were harmed in the taking of this photo.
Phone It In
The Elves were just too tired tonight.
Santa still let the Elf “phone it in” for his nightly check-in.
Just set up a contact on your phone for Santa and text a friend to set it up.
Cheap Elf on the Shelf Idea: Pun Fun
Nothing like a good dad joke to make the kids groan in laughter.
This year, the Elf knows what the kids are getting for Christmas, but they’re not Nutella!!!!
Be sure to grab an extra jar of Nutella for yourself, too.
If you don’t have a letter board yet, you can grab one here.
3-Piece Lighted Christmas Reindeer Family SetChristmas Front Porch Sign Set320 LEDs Dipper Star String LightsLighted Winter Garden Flag
Christmas Tree Monster
Oh no! The tree ate the Elf!
Before decorating the tree, have fun with this cheap Elf on the Shelf Idea.
Just cut out the monster mouth and use two paper plates for the eyes.
And don’t forget the Santa Hat!
A House Divided
If you live in the Midwest, one of the biggest rivalries is between the Chicago Bears and the Greenbay Packers.
In our neighborhood, both flags fly when the games are on!
Go Packers!
Gone Fishin’ – A Cheap Elf on the Shelf Idea
This cheap Elf on the Shelf idea is so simple.
We used salt for the ice, Goldfish crackers for the fish and red/white pipe cleaners to make the fishing poles.
We even left out extra fish for the kids to munch on.
You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch
Oh no! The Grinch shrank the Elf!
Get these adorable Baby Elves – which are beyond adorable.
National Tree Company Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas WreathPre-Lit 20 Inch Lighted Christmas WreathChristmas Artificial Wreath for Front Door13 Inch Christmas Wreath-
Do you have a license to drive?
This prank really got the kids all ruffled up!
Instead of setting this up at night, we created the scene during the day and showed them a photo when they got home.
Thank goodness the car is okay.
Pivot Pivot Pivot!
Who doesn’t love this scene from Friends?
Who can forget Ross yelling “Pivot” as they tried to get the couch of the stairs.
Just grab a couch from one of your kids’ play sets!
Who opened the present early?
No one is admitting it, but one of these Elves opened up a present early.
Guess that means the kids get to play with the present now 😀
Frozen Pipes
Oh no! With the weather so cold outside, it looks like the pipes froze!
We just used some packing materials that came from all of our shopping deliveries.
Use broken up Styrofoam and clear packaging materials for the water.
Again, we swiped doll clothes for some of the props to keep the Elves warm.
3ft DIY Lighted Felt Christmas Tree Advent CalendarFisher-Price Little People Toddler Toys Advent CalendarPlay-Doh Advent CalendarMelissa & Doug Countdown to Christmas Wooden Advent Calendar
Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
It’s time for the Elves to head back to the North Pole.
They’re excited to get back with their friends but will miss their kids!
Cheap Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Need more Elf inspiration?
Christmas Blocks, Gingerbread House Building Blocks6 Pack Christmas Squishy ToysChristmas Train Set- Around The Christmas Tree with Real Smoke, Music & LightsDIY Felt Christmas Tree Set
