Share your best thrifty Elf on the Shelf ideas!

MSE_Molly
MSE_Molly Posts: 85 MSE Staff
First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post Xmas Saver!
As the nights continue to draw in, the unmistakable sound of sleigh bells jingle in the distance as that pesky Elf on the Shelf prepares to arrive down our chimneys, into our homes once again!

Whether you love the buzz or hate the fuss, we want to know the best thrifty ways these creatures get up to mischief in your home!

Whether it was a one-hit wonder or remains an annual classic, what were your favourite antics in your home from Santa's cheekiest helper - that didn't involve too much damage to the wallet AND the walls!?!

- MSE Molly
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Comments

  • My favourite is that my elf made a snowman out of 3 toilet rolls on top of each other with a face and buttons on and a sticking out nose made of card.We’ve had our elf for about 4 years now!
    There are lots though,
    Sugar cubes as a fun wall for snowball fights with marshmallows.
    Decorations taken off the tree.
    Hiding in a Lego house.
    She took all the cards down and built a weird tower with them.
    Drawn a a cat face on my face. (That’s the kids favourite)
    Got stuck in a glass.
    Having a party with other teddies and taking selfies with the kids iPod.
    Playing on the games console.
    Playing board games with teddies.
    Making a shoe train.Hiding in freezer/draws/cupboards/wardrobes/fridge.
    Swing made of toilet roll tube, string and blue tack.
    String as a zip wire.
    Googly eyes on photo frames/on fruit.


    The list could go on. My advice is think of the coming years too. Doing great things one year only sets them up for hardship the rest 😜
  • comeandgo
    comeandgo Posts: 5,742 Forumite
    First Anniversary Name Dropper First Post
    I must have had a deprived childhood, I have no idea what you are talking about. Is it a regional thing?
  • comeandgo wrote: »
    I must have had a deprived childhood, I have no idea what you are talking about. Is it a regional thing?

    Hiya comeandgo!

    Not a regional thing - it's been a popular family activity around Christmas for the last few years.

    You can find some more info here :j
    https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/team-blog/2018/11/16-ways-to-sprinkle-christmas-magic-for-free--or-very-cheap-/
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  • Naughty elf got into the freezer to steal food and the door slammed shut on him.

    That'll cool his whatnots.
    A kind word lasts a minute, a skelped erse is sair for a day.
  • Tigsteroonie
    Tigsteroonie Posts: 24,954 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary First Post Photogenic
    Thrifty? I don't think we've ever spent money on Elf (other than buying him). All his antics involve items we already have in the house - hanging from things, holding things, meetings with toys, riding toys, stealing Jack Daniels ...
    :heartpuls Mrs Marleyboy :heartpuls

    MSE: many of the benefits of a helpful family, without disadvantages like having to compete for the tv remote

    :) Proud Parents to an Aut-some son :)
  • DigForVictory
    DigForVictory Posts: 11,905 Forumite
    Name Dropper First Anniversary Photogenic First Post
    We arrived late & had no wish to join in. Now, we get up to family shenanigans, just without an Elf.
  • Toonie
    Toonie Posts: 1,147 Forumite
    First Post Name Dropper First Anniversary I've been Money Tipped!
    My friend has enlisted my help with her Elf on the Shelf. She is a childminder and has an Elf come to visit in December. But the Elf also writes the children letters once a week to make sure they know he's watching what they are up to! Luckily the kids she looks after don't recognise my handwriting and they absolutely love seeing a letter on each Friday of December.
    Grocery budget in 2023 £2279.18/£2700

    Grocery budget in 2022 £2304.76/£2400
    Grocery budget in 2021 £2107.86/£2200
    Grocery budget in 2020 £2193.02/£2160

    Saving for Christmas 2023 #15 £ 90/ £365
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