This post is no longer being updated and will probably be gone soon. For all these printables, please visit the Elf on the Shelf link above.
How do you introduce your kids to an elf on the shelf?
The answers are below along with every printout you will need. Ever! Bookmark this page and come back to it if you're in need of anything.
Please note that due to graphical limitations and margin defaults, some full-size printouts may have white trim on the side; just snip it off.
Want me to personalize your notes from the elf on the shelf instead of you having to write in names? Click here to fill out a personalization request.
Personalization is available for some notes only, including the Naughty List warning. I will check requests every day from November 1 to December 23 each year. I will try to have them to you within 72 hours.
Why return to me year after year?
-My printables are consistent and use similar styles/fonts (save a few early letters).
-You don't have to spend precious holiday time writing thoughtful letters or try and make things look good.
-Every printable you'll need is here. I have multiple calendars and letters available, making it possible (More notes from the elf will come eventually.) to return to me and not run out of material for several years to come.
-You can get some letters personalized (no more handwriting in elf's names yourself and having suspicious kids wonder why the elf's handwriting looks so much like their mom's). It's free with a turnaround time of up to 72 hours.
Pre-Step One: Make sure you know the tradition.
I've made an elf on the shelf guide for you, but you'll still need to buy the elf with the book.
Step One: Decide on your elf's hiding places/activities ahead of time with a calendar.
The years are irrelevant; that is just when the calendar came out. These ideas can be used at any time, and I'm sure a few ideas are duplicates. I may not be making too many more of these since I have six years' worth.
2021 Elf Activities
2020 Elf Activities2021 Elf Activities
2019 Elf Activities (good for use with my Jesus challenge cards)
2018 Elf Activities (good for use with my Bible notes)
2017 Elf Activities
Also, here is my terrible-looking 2015 calendar for posterity, and because people on Pinterest are actually saving it for some reason:
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Step Two: Around the beginning of December, introduce the elf to your kids with a letter.
If you are new to elf on the shelf, pick one of these.
I present two different options for talking about Santa's methods. The last option explains that there is no naughty/nice list because God's grace allows us to receive gifts anyway. Pick the letter you like and print.
Old version of arrival letter with tree border
(mentions a North Pole breakfast to celebrate arrival)
(mentions a North Pole breakfast to celebrate arrival)
If the elf has been to your house before, pick one of these.
(this one introduces your kids to the idea of no naughty/nice list if you want to start doing that)
(it's the second one in the download)
The letter is on the second page of the download. In print settings, request that the printer prints only page 2. It has a polka dot border.
Step Three: Make sure the elf can communicate with the kids with notes.
Notes from Your Elf
The elf can interact with you by displaying these notes. Various scenarios here. Check them out and let them dictate some activities for your elf.
You elf can easily let your kids know how they're doing.Surprise! It's not Christmas, but your elf is thinking of you anyway
It'll make the kids' day to see that the elf is thinking of them with these notes to be sent throughout the year. These have been updated since I last created them and look much better now. There are 5 notes the elf can bring for vacation, Easter, birthdays, losing teeth in lieu of the Tooth Fairy, and the first day of school.
Bible Notes
These Bible-based notes come with Scripture to bring a greater meaning to what the elf is doing that day. You can use these how you like, but my 2018 event calendar has some good ideas for context. These have been freshly updated.
Step Four: Be prepared for fun stuff (and some not so fun stuff).
Santa's Official Warning LetterUh oh. Has the kid been naughty? This might whip them into shape. The personalized version will look slightly different, but the text is the same.
Santa's Official Naughty List Notice
Maybe your child really has earned their spot on the Naughty List. In that case, this is the letter for them...but there is always room for improvement. The personalized version will look slightly different, but the text is the same.
Jesus-Inspired Good Deed Challenges
Your elf can bring a challenge card with them to get your kids invested in the meaning of the season.
Elf Fun Fact Sheet
Fill this out when your elf is a new arrival.
The "I've Had it Up To Here With That @#$!! Elf" Retirement Poem
Ready to retire the elf? Click here for your solution.
For if Your Kids are Really Bad on Christmas Morning
Give them this letter from Santa. It explains that they will have to donate some of their toys to teach them a lesson about giving and because they were not grateful. It sounds better in the letter. There may be a tiny sliver of white trim on the left; just snip it off. The personalized version will look slightly different, but the text is the same.
Madlibs
The elf can bring these as a treat one day!
Scavenger Hunt
Hide clues around the house that will lead the kids to a super-secret hiding place. (Yep...one of these cards doesn't really rhyme well, but you'll live. I may upload a replacement later.)
Hide clues around the house that will lead the kids to a super-secret hiding place. (Yep...one of these cards doesn't really rhyme well, but you'll live. I may upload a replacement later.)
Also....here is a replacement clue for clue #8. I find it poorly written (it begins "That was sure chilly..."). Please use this one instead; it's better.
Letter to Santa
Have the kids get thinking about what they want, and have them think about kindness as well.
Letter to Jesus
Get the kids thinking about what they'll do for Jesus this year. The elf can bring these, too.
Print out this board game and see who can collect and deliver gifts the fastest. Comes with a note the elf can bring introducing your kids to the game.
Make a longer, better board game with this expansion. To incorporate it, draw four to six blue dots on squares of your choice on both boards. If you land one one, you may transport yourself to any square with a blue dot on the other board.
Step Five: Say goodbye on Christmas Eve/Day with a letter or two.
This one comes with a bonus letter for one more return visit on Christmas Day. It is ideal for first-year elves but can be used with returning elves as well.
Snowflake background
(it's the first one in this download) This one suggests that the elf will be spending Christmas Day with you.
(it's the first one in this download) This one suggests that the elf will be spending Christmas Day with you.
This one suggests that the elf has been to your house before, so it is best used for at least SECOND YEAR elves.
This one pairs well with the arrival poem letter, but they don't have to be used in the same year.
Step Six: Come back next year to get a new welcome note and see all the new goodies I have for you.
The next year's calendar will now be available shortly after Christmas. Any other new goodies will be uploaded prior to and during the holiday season.
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