26 Family Fun Ideas with Elf on the Shelf Printables

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Elf on the Shelf has become a beloved holiday tradition for many families. The mischievous little elf is known for getting into all sorts of antics while keeping an eye on children to report back to Santa each night. Consider incorporating Elf on the Shelf Printables into your daily activities to make the most of this festive tradition.

Here at 24 Hour Family, we have many ideas for your Elf on the Shelf adventures with printables to enhance the fun.

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Making Family Memories with Elf on the Shelf

The Elf on the Shelf tradition revolves around a tiny scout elf who acts as Santa Claus’ helper by observing children’s behavior throughout the holiday season. The tradition started with a children’s book about how the scout elf came to live with a family. According to the book, Santa sends the elf to watch over the house and report whether the children have been naughty or nice.

Each day, the elf hides in a different spot within the house, and it becomes a thrilling game for children to wake up and search for the elf’s new hiding place. This daily hiding and searching activity aims to remind children that the scout elf is always watching their behavior. The elf returns to the North Pole every night to give Santa Claus a detailed report.

Materials Needed for Elf on the Shelf Printables: 

Printer

Paper or card stock

Scissors

Tape or glue

Importance of printables for enhancing the experience

Printables play a crucial role in enhancing the experience for children by providing additional activities and creative ideas. From matching coloring pages to scavenger hunt cards, these printables can bring cheerful holiday moments for the whole family. They can also help parents and caregivers develop new and exciting ways to engage children in the Elf on the Shelf tradition.

We have a list of fun ideas and fun games for your Elf  that can help make this holiday season even more memorable:

Free Printable Elf Arrival Letters – One of the most exciting parts of the Elf on the Shelf tradition is the arrival of the scout elf in your home. To make this moment even more special, consider using a printable Elf on the Shelf arrival letter to welcome your elf back for another magical holiday season. These letters can be customized with your child’s name and personalized details, enchanting the experience.

The Elf on the Shelf A Christmas Tradition (Brown-Eyed boy Scout elf) (EOTBOYD)The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas TraditionThe Elf on the Shelf Claus Couture® Dress-Up Party Pack. Fun Accessories fits Both Scout Elves and Elf Pets!The Elf on the Shelf Elf Door-The Magical Portal for All of Santa's Helpers!

 

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas – Looking for creative Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas? Here are a few unique ways to welcome your Scout Elf back into your home.

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Gift Ideas – To make your Elf on the Shelf’s arrival even more memorable, consider pairing it with a special gift.

Elf on the Shelf Spiderman Mask – If your child is a fan of Spiderman and the Elf on the Shelf tradition, why not combine the two with a printable Spiderman mask for your elf? This fun and creative printable can add an extra element of excitement to your elf’s daily adventures. Print out the mask, cut it out, and attach it to your elf for a super-powered disguise.

Elf on the Shelf Color by Number Coloring Pages – Coloring pages are always a hit with children, and adding a color-by-number element can make the activity even more engaging. With Elf on the Shelf color-by-number coloring pages, children can enjoy coloring their favorite holiday characters while practicing their number recognition skills. These printables are fun and educational, making them a great addition to your child’s holiday activities.

Elf on the Shelf Secret Decoder Message Printable – Another fun Elf idea for your Elf on the Shelf adventures is a secret decoder message. This printable allows children to decode hidden messages left by their elves, adding mystery and excitement to the holiday fun. Children can use the decoder key to uncover particular messages from their elves, creating a special bond between them and their magical visitors.

Print out this Elf and make a creative snack shaped like an Elf! This free printable Elf will fit a raisin box, Cheese packet, or any other small pre-packed snack. It will make the perfect elf-sized snack.

Christmas Elf Toy Donation Letter – As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to remember the true spirit of giving and generosity. One way to teach children about compassion and kindness is through a printable Christmas Elf toy donation letter. This letter can be used to encourage children to donate toys to those in need, reminding them of the joy that comes from helping others during the holidays.

Elf on the Shelf Printable Notes – Enhance your Elf on the Shelf experience with these fun and creative printables! From arrival letters to coloring pages to secret decoder messages, these printable templates will make your child’s holiday season even more magical. Join my tribe today to access these exciting resources and bring extra cheer to your home this holiday season. 

Free Official Elf Report Card Printable – The official Elf report card is one of the most popular Elf on the Shelf printables. This printable allows parents to track their child’s behavior throughout the holiday season with the help of their elf. The report card includes categories such as kindness, helpfulness, and listening skills, giving children a fun incentive to stay on their best behavior.

Elf Bad Behavior Letters – Do you have a mischievous elf on your hands? Keep your child in check with printable Elf bad behavior letters. These letters from Santa’s elves can remind children to stay on their best behavior and avoid landing on the naughty list. Use these printables as a fun way to encourage good behavior and keep the holiday magic alive in your home.

Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter Printable – As the holiday season ends, it’s time for your scout elf to return to the North Pole. Make saying goodbye on Christmas Eve easier with a printable Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter. This heartfelt letter can express gratitude for the fun memories shared and anticipation for next year’s visit. It’s a sweet way to wrap up the season and leave your child excited for the magic to continue next year.

Printable Elf Gift Tags – Add a special touch to your holiday gifts with printable Elf gift tags. These festive tags feature cute elf designs and can be personalized with names or messages. Use them to add a whimsical touch to your presents and spread holiday cheer to your loved ones.

Here are more Elf on the Shelf Printable Ideas:

1. Use Elf on the Shelf Printable Props to create fun and interactive scenes with your scout elf. Whether you want to set up a cozy Christmas scene or a mischievous elf prank, these printables can help bring your ideas to life. The possibilities are endless, from mini signs and banners to tiny props like hats and glasses. 

2. Hot Chocolate with Elf Printable Elf on the Shelf Hot Chocolate Bar Sign Set up a festive hot chocolate bar for your family with this printable Elf on the Shelf hot chocolate bar sign. This cute sign can add a touch of holiday magic to your beverage station, encouraging everyone to enjoy a warm and cozy treat with their elves.

3. Elf Nice List Certificate Reward your child for their good behavior with an Elf Nice List certificate. This printable certificate can be personalized with your child’s name and signed by their elf, making it a special keepsake to cherish. Use this printable as a fun way to celebrate your child’s accomplishments and spread holiday cheer in your home.

Elf Pets: A Reindeer Tradition - Includes Beautifully Illustrated Hardbound Storybook, Huggable Elf Pet Reindeer Stuffed Animal with Golden Heart Charm and Official Adoption CertificateThe Elf on the Shelf Glide and Go Accessory PackThe Elf on the Shelf - Elf Pets Figures Multipack Includes St. Bernard, Reindeer, and Arctic Fox!The Elf on the Shelf - Down The Chimney Game

 

4. Elf on the Shelf Photo Booth Props Get creative with Elf on the Shelf photo booth props and create fun memories with your scout elf. These printable props include festive hats, glasses, and signs that can be used to create hilarious photos with your elf. Set up a photo booth area in your home and let the fun begin as you capture silly moments with your elf.

5. Thank you note from Elf before departing on Christmas Eve – This thank you note is to leave a lasting impression and create fond memories for the recipient. It is an opportunity for the elf to show their genuine appreciation and express how much they have cherished their time together. The writer should encourage using heartfelt language and personal anecdotes to make the note more meaningful.

6. Baking Printable to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies with Your Elf – Get into the holiday spirit by baking cookies with your elf. This fun activity can bring the whole family together as you bake delicious treats and create lasting memories with your scout elf. Use this printable to plan your baking session and enjoy quality time with your loved ones during the festive season.

7. Blank Elf Notes—With printable blank elf notes, you can create personalized notes from your elf. Use these templates to write messages, reminders, or clues for your child to find around the house. Make each note unique to add surprise and fun to your Elf on the Shelf adventures.

8. Fun Scavenger Hunt Game with Elf – Engage your child in a fun scavenger hunt game with Elf on the Shelf printables. Create clues and hide them around the house for your child to follow, leading them to their scout elf. This interactive activity can add an element of excitement and mystery to your Elf on the Shelf tradition, keeping the magic alive throughout the holiday season.

9. Nativity Scene with Elf – Bring the true meaning of Christmas to life with a printable Nativity scene featuring your scout elf. Use this printable to set up a special display in your home, combining the magic of Elf on the Shelf with the story of Jesus’ birth. This activity can help teach children about the importance of Christmas and create a meaningful holiday tradition for your family.

10. Daily activity cards with suggestions for fun things the elf can do each day, such as building a snowman from marshmallows or having a snowball fight with other toys. These printable daily activity cards can help you develop creative ideas to keep the magic of Elf on the Shelf alive each day leading up to Christmas. Use these cards to plan out fun and engaging activities for your scout elf that will delight your child and create lasting memories for the whole family.

11. Melted Snowman idea – Create a fun and festive scene with your elf by setting up a melted snowman display. Use this printable to create the illusion of a melting snowman, complete with a carrot nose, coal eyes, and a scarf. This fun elf idea will bring your child laughter and joy as they discover their scout elf’s silly antics. 

12. Barn Elf Scene—Use this printable to Create a cozy and festive barn scene with your elf. Set up a miniature barn with hay bales, animals, and even a tiny elf-sized pitchfork. This activity can add a fun twist to your Elf on the Shelf adventures and create a magical farm-themed display in your home.

13. Mini Donuts Printable – Treat your child to a special surprise with a mini donuts printable for your elf. Use this template to create tiny donuts for your scout elf to enjoy, adding a sweet touch to their daily adventures. This fun and creative idea will make your child smile as they discover the delicious treats left behind by their mischievous elf.

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These materials are all you need to bring these Elf on the Shelf printables to life and create memorable moments with your family during the holiday season. Enjoy the magic of Elf on the Shelf with these fun and creative ideas!

With these Elf on the Shelf printables, you can easily enhance the magic and excitement of the holiday season and make Elf on the Shelf a fun family tradition.  Encourage your children to go to bed on time and behave well in anticipation of the next morning’s surprise from their elf. Get creative with these printables and make lasting memories with your family this holiday. Happy ELF-ing!

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