elf on the shelf

32 Dollar Tree Elf on the Shelf Ideas

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez Leave a Comment

Coming up with new Elf on the Shelf Ideas each year can be exhausting. It does not have to be that hard! I promise.

I am a decade into doing this Christmas tradition and there are so many fun ways to make this easy. Let me share with you 32 of my favorite Dollar Tree Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

I made a trip recently to Dollar Tree and created a list of 32 different things you can do with Elf on the Shelf using Dollar Tree items.

Make one trip to the dollar store. Stash all the things. Pull them out one day at a time and you’ve done EOTS on a budget and stress free.

32 Dollar Tree Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Here is a video where I show you how I found these items in the Dollar Tree store and what they look like once we get them home. This should help you see how we use these ideas for Elf on the Shelf.

Click Here for Mischievous Elf Names

Dollar Store Elf Ideas:

Movie Night
Decorate Your Kids Bedroom Door
Cereal Reindeer
Color Your Own Decor Wooden Craft Kits
Pom Pom Paper Plate Craft Kits
Painting Ornament Kits
Hot Cocoa Bar
Sticky Note Scavenger Hunt
Stockings With Supplies to Decorate Them
Elf Busting Cereal Box
Elf Bursting Through Chip Container
Elf Poop Using Milk Duds (you could also use this Elf Poo printable)

Click Here for Funny Elf Names

Erasable Marker Dice Game
Elf on a Broom
Elf Bowling (Mini Red Cups and Ping Pong Ball)
Elf Brings Christmas Hats
Santa Containers Filled with Candy
Elf Foil Kiss
Elf Play Pool
Elf Plays Darts
Elf Plays Football
Elf Plays Store (Fake Money)
DIY Conditioner Playdough

Grab Our Elf Didn’t Move Printable Cards

DIY Snow Globe
Toiler Paper Snowman
Elf Suitecase
Elf Brings Socks and Magic Towels
Spy Ornament
Elf Message Board
Elf Christmas Village (Tiered Tray Decor)
Elf Hiding Box

These blank Elf printable note cards are great for leaving notes with any of these ideas.

Printable Elf Goodbye Letter

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter Printable

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 41 Comments

If you are looking for Elf on the Shelf ideas, you’ve come to the right place!

We have been doing this tradition at my house for years and it is something my kids look forward to every single year!

While we obviously know that Christmas is about Jesus’ birthday, we love to do daily things to celebrate and count down the days to Christmas. WE do that with our elves and we love to check on social media each day and see what our friends all over the internet are doing with their elf too! We have such a blast! This Elf Welcome Letter is perfect to kick off your Christmas season!

32 Dollar Tree Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Looking for ways to welcome your elf? This one is perfect for his arrival night every year.

—-> PRINT THE WELCOME LETTER HERE!!! <——-

printable-welcome-letter-for-elf-on-the-shelf

Elf on the Shelf FAQ’s

If you are new to this idea, you might want check out our video that answers all of your frequently asked questions. How to get started. What the “rules” are. Where to buy your elf. Who can touch and move the elf, etc. I am sure you have a lot of questions you need answers to! I get it, I did too the first year.

When you purchase your elf, it does come with a book that you can read to your children that outlines the idea of the tradition for you. That said, I always encourage parents to modify it according to their family needs.

Arrival Ideas

Each year our Elf arrives right after Thanksgiving. This gives us lots of time to create fun shenanigans that my kids look forward to each year.

For us, I always stick to the Elf on the Shelf welcome letter printables. It’s easy and the kids love it. When you download our letter we have two different versions. You get both versions. One is from a girl elf and one is from a boy elf. Personally, we have three elves, two boy elves and one girl. I like to use both letters.

There is a place for you to handwriting in your children’s names and also a place for you to sign your elf’s name at the end.

The letter is really a poem that I wrote that basically reminds the children that elf will be reporting back to Santa every night and telling him our your child’s behavior was each day.

Then he “flies” back home and your kiddos will find him in a new place each day.

The poem encourages them to be good so they can get gifts instead of a lump of goal.

The kids get a real kick out of this!

DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE

Grab your Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter here. You download it instant once it comes to your email address.

sample-image-elf-on-the-shelf-printable-welcome-note-boy

PRINT HERE ——> GET BOTH LETTERS HERE! <<—– PRINT HERE

Need a Welcome Back Letter for your Elf?

This is perfect for families who have done Elf on the Shelf before and they need a letter that welcomes elf back! Just print, sign and go!

Planning Elf Calendar

Each year I like to map out what we will be doing for the season with our Elf.

I created this editable planning calendar that makes mapping everything out really easy.

I think you will like it.

Elf Behavior Reports

Need too report naughty behavior or awesome behavior? Love these!!

What are some of your favorite ideas that you’ve done with your elf? I would love to know what your tradition looks like and how you’ve modified it to accommodate your family each Christmas season.

Free Elf Worksheets

And I love these free preschool counting worksheets from my blogging friend Kelli over at 3 Boys and a Dog. They are a great way to incorporate math withy our elf. You should totally check them out

26 Elf on the Shelf Printables

By Sister In Law Lynn 24 Comments

What’s almost as good as a list of 70 Elf on the Shelf ideas?

A list of 26 Elf on the Shelf printables. That’s right!! I have found everything from games to play with those little ones to a fun elf size photo booth!

These printables are fun and bright and sure to make those kiddos of your love that little elf even more. I just love the fun our little elf brings out in me too. I wish I had one of these little guys when I was younger.

32 Dollar Tree Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Here is a video where I show you how I found these items in the Dollar Tree store and what they look like once we get them home. This should help you see how we use these ideas for Elf on the Shelf.

Check out the list below and let me know which one of these is your favorite free printable.

Elf on the Shelf Printables:

Elf Didn’t Move Printables Notes– you will forget to move him at some point. Print out this set of four cards and keep them handy. They are like freebie excuses!!
Elf on the Shelf Counting Worksheet– I love this idea too!! Anything to get my kids counting is a plus. Even your Elf can get them into school.
Elf on the Shelf Planning Calendar – this is editable and a great way to map things out!
Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter Printable – our favorite welcome letter!
Printable Behavior Reports – naughty behavior needs a warning? Good behavior needs a praise? Use these!
Lunch Box Notes– Again this a super cute idea for your kiddos lunch boxes!! Some have jokes or just funny sayings.
Welcome Back Letter– not your first year? Use the welcome back letter!
Elf Photo Booth Props– Print, glue them to a slim wooden rod (or screwer) and set up your Elf. Includes backgrounds, beard, mustache, kissing lips, top hat and more! So cute!
Elf Poo Printable– Elf poo is funny and even makes for a great treat bag for those younger kiddos.
Printable Adoption Certificate– it is editable too! A great arrival or welcome idea!
Notes From Elf– If your kiddos are anything like mine, they know my hand writing. So having these printables from your elf keeps those smart kiddos from figuring out who is really writing these notes.
North Pole Breakfast– Have Elf bring breakfast! This pack includes welcome sign, invitations, cupcake toppers and more!
Elf Do a Dot Printables– This printable is designed for the younger kids. Perfect for fine motor skill building and lots of fun!
Elf Printable Package– This has more than 60 pages of free printables. Anything from puzzles, coloring, matching and helping your little ones with sounds. So fun!
Elf Banner– This Elf banner is too cute. Love the way she hangs it. There are also cupcake printables and naughty or nice printables.
Magic Elf Key– This is such a great idea. You are giving your elf a magic key to your front door. Plus there is a free printable.
Elf Christmas Reading Flashcards– these are epic and a great way to make learning fun!
Elf on the Shelf Activity Printables– These cute tags are random fun notes. There are also joke printables, as well as question note cards to get your kiddos thinking about Christmas time.
Hersey Kiss Printables– Hersey Kisses are popular with Elf because its his way to give kisses to your kiddos. These are such cute printables to add some extra craftiness.
K-2nd Grade Printables– These activities are for kids in kinder through second. You have word scrambles, puzzles, addition and subtraction, coin matching, and word searches.
Santa Letter– Santa letters are always a fun way for the big guy to communicate to your little one.
Note Cards from Elf– These again are super cute and fun. Different design and you can add your own text.
Elf Kissing Booth Printable– This is by far my favorite I think. Such a cute little elf giving out kisses.
Magic Elf Dust– Anything that my kids can do during the holidays is fun. They will LOVE this Elf dust and the printable.
Elf on the Shelf Household Printables– This is the coolest pack! You get an elf menu,task list and planner! You will feel so festive with this!
Welcome Breakfast– These printables are Naughty and Nice printables and so very cute!! Snowflakes and all.
Elf Letter– This is an elf-sized printable. I just love the little elf shoes at the top of this printable.
Elf Size Photo Booth Props– Let your elf have a photo booth party and these free printables will be a hit for sure!
Elf Stationery Set– Give your kiddos a special message from the north pole.
Elf Writing Paper– You can use this idea to help get your kiddos to enjoy writing. Good for homeschooling as well. Your elf can use these with is messy handwriting to practice as well.
Recovery Kit– If you happen to touch your Elf on the Shelf (or your kiddos do) you can simple print out this recovery kit. This is too cute!

More Elf on the Shelf and Christmas Printables

Looking for easy Elf on the Shelf ideas? You will love these done-for-you, print and go ideas!

And here is our Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter. Just plug in your elf’s name and your child’s name. They will be so surprised!

The Perfect Christmas Planner

If you are a busy mom who wants to make memories this Christmas season, this planner is perfect for you!

More Christmas FUN

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Who Else Needs Elf on the Shelf Accessories

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 30 Comments

We are so excited that Christmas is getting closer. There is always anticipation about the entire Christmas season and all of the memories we share!

My boys have been talking about elf and pondering the extravagance of arrival. Each year is so exciting and brings all new joy to our house. Elf on the Shelf has really been a special part of our holiday season for the past few years.

So this year things have really adapted for elf. They have all kinds of cute outfits and accessories that pair well with all kinds of plans you may have for this Christmas season. Check out these accessories that will help you take your Elf on the Shelf ideas to a whole new level.

Elf on the Shelf Accessories

1. Change up your elf’s look with this super cute Elf on the Shelf Graphic Tee Multi Pack that features some fun holiday gear just for elf.

2. This Elf on the Shelf Reindeer is elf’s best friend and it also includes a story to explain the magic and purpose of reindeer during Christmas.

3. Tuck your elf into these sweet Elf Pajamas perfect for the holiday season.

4. You can dress your girl elf in this Elf on the Shelf Sparkly Dress that screams Christmas cheer.

5. Elf will be nice and warm in an Elf on the Shelf Polar Pattern Outfit that includes a scarf, hat, and gloves.

6. Dress up elf’s reindeer in a cute Polar Pattern Set to match!

7. Christmas can also include a birthday celebration with elf using this Elf on the Shelf Birthday Tradition that includes a story and a birthday outfit for elf.

8. Get this Elf on the Shelf Puffer Vest with elf patch and a great accessory for boy or girl elves.

9. Dress up elf for the Christmas festivities in this Elf on the Shelf Dapper Tuxedo.

10. An elf’s job can be tiring so set him up in this Elf on the Shelf Relaxing Robe and Slippers.

11. Include elf in your baking this Christmas and use this Little Chef Cookie Kit complete with elf cookie cutter.

12. Don’t send elf out in the cold with this handy Elf on the Shelf North Pole Parka.

13. This Skirt and Boot Set is the perfect party attire for your girl elf.

14. This Elf on the Shelf Team Letterman Jacket is perfect for elf and shows his elite membership to the North Pole.

15. Why not dress up your girl elf in this precious Ombre Skirt and Shoes Set that is dazzling.

16. Play along with elf in this Make a Match Game that maximizes memory and recognition skills.

17. This Elf on the Shelf Skirt is a collector’s edition and perfect Christmas attire for your elf.

18. Elf can make a wonderful in flight arrival with this cute Aviator Jacket and Goggles.

19. The wardrobe is just not complete without a Classic Christmas Sweater for elf.

20. This Trendsetter Ensemble with fur vest and skirt is a must for your girl elf.

21. No elf can travel without a trusty Sleigh perfect for his or her big arrival!

22. Check out this adorable Elf on the Shelf Denim Jacket and Sneaker Socks.

Do you have something special planned for your Elf on the Shelf? Share your ideas!

More Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Ultimate Elf on the Shelf Bundle

Elf Printable Welcome Letter

Looking for free printables to use with your Elf on the Shelf? Here are 26 Elf on the Shelf free printables.

If this wasn’t enough, here are 70 more Elf on the Shelf ideas!

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Elf on the Shelf The Workout

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 1 Comment

Does your Elf on the Shelf workout? That is exactly what we caught ours doing today!

Our girl Elf, Diane, was stretching. Our boy Elf, Jack, was lifting weights.

Yes, lifting weights! With a dumbbell made of a paper straw and cookies.

I simply used a hot glue gun to secure the pre-packaged shortbread cookies to a festive paper straw that I cut down.

I bent his legs and just manipulated his positioning until he stayed and did not move. Luck, really. lol

I used a thumbtack to pin girl Elf on the Shelf’s hands to her legs to post her as stretching.

So much fun!

They need the workout with all of the cookies and goodies we’ve left them!

Check out more of our ideas while you’re here! We’ve been having Elf on the Shelf fun for years!

More Elf on the Shelf Ideas:

Super Fun Elf on the Shelf Do a Dot Printable Pages

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 1 Comment

We are all about Elf on the Shelf ideas this time of year! It is almost time for our elves, Jack and Diane MellenELF, to make their appearance. My boys have been asking every day when the shenanigans will start…. I mean after all, this will be our 5th year to join in on this daily excitement!!

Here is an Elf on the Shelf printable that is perfect for your little ones. This pack is perfect for preschoolers and young elementary school kiddos. These are perfect for homeschool families (especially anyone doing preschool homeschool), anyone supplementing a public school education or a preschool teacher looking for fine motor activities to do with their littles these are perfect!

Do a dot printables are the perfect way to build fine motor skills. We love using these dabber dot markers. Little ones build hand muscles, growth in color discrimination, hand and eye coordination, etc. So many benefits.

This six page packet is an instant download that will bring hours of fun. This an also be used as a morning time activity, daily ice breaker in your homeschool day, or maybe this is something your Elf delivers one day to your kiddos.

Each page has one cute little Elf on it, some are boy elves some are girls, enjoying a special activity like wrapping presents or hiding in a stocking.

Each page also uses different colors for filling in the dots which is an awesome opportunity to talk about identifying colors.

You can download this six page pack right now and start having Elf on the Shelf fun right away!!

More Elf on the Shelf Ideas:

200 Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Elf on the Shelf Editable Calendar

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter

Ultimate Guide to Elf on the Shelf Ideas

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez Leave a Comment

Do you have an Elf on the Shelf? They are seriously so inexpensive and are a great addition to family fun during the Christmas season.

Our house has two elves! My kids love the excitement that Christmas brings and can’t wait to see what our elves have up their sleeves.

These elves have really become the talk of the season starting right about now. I have shared stories with friends and family and they also love the hear the excitement of what my kids are experiencing with our elves.

If you don’t have an elf consider one. Here are some different selections to choose from. They are a lot of fun during the Christmas season and they do add to the wonder and magic of it all. Check out these 25 super cute Elf on the Shelf ideas to get your season started!

25 More Elf on the Shelf Ideas

1. Elf can be set up to be A Mechanic with this cute idea with a little truck and some tools from the garage. Frugal Coupon Living

2. Elves Can Take Showers too with this easy set up using wash clothes and a hand towel. Ten Cow Chick

3. Set up this Circus Elf Act with ribbon and a candy cane! Busy Kids Happy Mom

4. If you are planning the arrival of your elf this Hot Cocoa Party with FREE Printables is perfect! Sweet C’s Designs

5. Have your Elf Fishing for Goldfish and the kids will have a surprise when they go to brush their teeth. Rocking My 365 Project

6. Have your Elf Arrive by Parachute to really entertain the kids and kick off the season. Peanut Blossom

7. You can easily craft a crime fighting elf with this Super Elf Idea that allows you to create a cape. Busy Kids Happy Mom

8. Your elf can Make a Countdown To Christmas with a sweet little mini paper chain. The Little Things

9. Write a Special Message on the Mirror to your kids to start the day from your elf. Come Together Kids

10. Incorporate some Frozen fun with this Toilet Paper Snowman Idea for your Elf. Frugal Coupon Living

11. If you have an elf that loves games then this Poker Night Setup is adorable using several other toys. A Few Shortcuts

12. As the days inch closer have your elf go all out with this Streamer Christmas Tree. The Organised Housewife

13. Have your Elf Creating Artwork with some crayons and a cute coloring book. Little Bit Funky

14. Your Elf Could Be Taken Hostage by Lego minifigures. My boys will love this one! Picklehead Soup

15. Create a Zip Line for Your Elves and your kids will find this hysterical. Gina Rae Miller Photography

16. Set up a Connect Four with Elf and another playtime character to ensure your elf is having a great time! Ashley Hackshaw

17. Elf can make some sweet Q-Tip Snowflakes and your kids will find him most creative! Frugal Coupon Living

18. Elf Can Play Tic Tac Toe with this adorable idea and include a sweet letter from your favorite elf. Lovely Life of Leah

19. This adorable Elf Kissing Booth with FREE Printables is an excellent idea for elf activity. Living Locurto

20. Have your Elf Make Breakfast with this mini pancake idea. Home Stories A to Z

21. Throw in some stuffed animals and you have a Zookeeper Elf Idea that is so cute! Frugal Coupon Living

22. This North Pole Breakfast is absolutely adorable and a great welcome for the first arrival of your elf. Crazy Lou

23. Your elf can Wrap the Christmas Tree in Toilet Paper for a hilarious trick! I Heart Naptime

24. Use some extra can from cooking and set up this Rock Band Elf and pretend your elf is at a concert. Frugal Coupon Living

25. Try these Printable Elf Good Deed Cards for your kids this Christmas. Over The Big Moon

What is your elf up to this Christmas? We would love to hear about them.

Want something more? Have you ever done Truth in the Tinsel? Amazing Christmas program for kids. It is an excellent way to make Christmas meaningful! Get it here.

More Elf on the Shelf Ideas

139 Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Elf on the Shelf Clothes

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter

Looking for free printables to use with your Elf on the Shelf? Here are 26 Elf on the Shelf free printables.

If this wasn’t enough, here are 70 more Elf on the Shelf ideas!

Elf on the Shelf Printable Planning Calendar

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 25 Comments

Have you started planning your Elf on the Shelf Ideas for this year? My kids are so excited for Jack and Diane to arrive this year. Yes, we have two elves- a boy elf and a girl elf. Yes, their father is John Cougar MellenELF.

We have created an Elf on the Shelf calendar you can use to plan out your shenanigans and happenings! The best part? It is an editable document that you fill in and print!

Now, before you tell me it is too early to be talking about Elf on the Shelf…. understand you are wrong. It is never to early to start thinking about and mapping out your ideas. This stuff is so much fun! And yes, I know, Jesus is the reason for the season. We just like to have a little fictional Elf on the Shelf fun. My kids know this is all fake. Well, maybe…..

All kidding aside, they know that Christmas really is about the birth of Jesus.

SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR!

If you need help coming up with Elf ideas, make sure you check out my Elf on the Shelf Printables that I have here for you guys. We literally have HUNDREDS of ideas right here on this site. We’ve been doing this Elf happenings for about 5 years.

Now, it might help you to have a printable calendar, so you can map your ideas out. Or, you can be like me and wake up each morning and freak out about where the elves should move to. Either method is effective. One just might cause you to age quicker.

Elf on the Shelf FAQs

Have fun with it. Your kids will love it!!

And start filling your calendar up with some of my 139 Elf on the Shelf ideas!

Don’t have an elf? Order one and have it delivered to your door step! Here is a place you can to buy Elf on the Shelf.

Elf on the Shelf Pizza Date Night

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 3 Comments

Our elves had a date night. Fun, right?

Jack and Diane are so madly in love. Look at how coy and sweet she is when she’s around him?

An Elf on the Shelf date night is super easy to do.

We have this fraction pizza learning kit that we use in our homeschool curriculum. It is from Learning Resources. Turn the pizza slices over and there is a fraction on the back. Makes learning super fun.

We had cousins over this weekend to play and I had not put them pizzas back up on our homeschool shelf. Why not incorporate them into our Elf on the Shelf antics?

Just incorporate whatever you have around the house. Go through your kids toys and such and find items that would make for a fun date night.

They are eating black olive and cheese pizza.

The slices are the perfect size for an Elf on the Shelf date night.

(Diane is still wearing her adorable plaid skirt with green tulle underneath. She is styling!)

$elf on the shelf date night using learning resources fraction pizza play kit$

Can you tell she is just smitten over Jack?

And he feels the same way about her.

What has your Elf on the Shelf been up to?

We’re having so much fun with ours! I am so glad we have a boy and and girl elf this year. It’s made for some fun ideas.

More Elf on the Shelf Ideas:

Elf on the Shelf Ideas: Christmas Sweaters

By Crystal VanTassel-Lopez 5 Comments

Has Elf on the Shelf arrived at your house yet this year? Jack is back and he brought along his wife this year. Her name is, of course, Diane.

Is the song going through your head? John Cougar Mellencamp? I can’t get this song out of my head.

Our girl elf has red, red lips and cute little earrings.

I thought it would be so fun to dress them alike for their arrival day.

If humans can wear ugly Christmas sweaters, so can elves! Right?

I grabbed these matching Elf on the Shelf sweaters at Target. You can also order them on Amazon. (These are $6 at Target, for the record.)

They velcro into place- the arms wrap around and velcro, there is velcro on the sides and in the back. Makes it super easy to get these sweaters off and on.

These two love bird are so sweet together.

Look at the way she gazes at him.

They are a match made in heaven.

If you are doing Elf on the Shelf make sure you check out all 139+ of my fun ideas.

This is our 4th year to seek and find Mr. Elf. My boys love every minute of it!

(Wait until they see all of the fun clothes we have for them this year.)

Looking for a fun welcome letter from Elf? I have a free printable you can use. Just plug in the to and from names and you’re all set!

I have one for a boy elf and one for a girl elf.