The Elf on the Shelf tradition has become a beloved Christmas activity for many families around the world. The idea is simple: a small elf doll is placed in various locations around the house each day during the holiday season, creating a fun scavenger hunt for children to find their mischievous elf friend. To make this tradition even more enjoyable, we've compiled a list of 20 Elf on the Shelf printables that you can use to create a magical and memorable Christmas experience for your little ones.
The Origins of Elf on the Shelf
Before we dive into the printables, let's take a brief look at the origins of Elf on the Shelf. The concept was created by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell in 2004. The idea was inspired by a similar tradition that Aebersold's family had when she was a child, where they would move a small elf doll around the house during the holiday season. The Elf on the Shelf doll comes with a children's book that explains the elf's purpose: to watch over the children in the household and report back to Santa Claus each night.
20 Elf on the Shelf Printables for Christmas Fun
Here are 20 Elf on the Shelf printables that you can use to create a fun and magical Christmas experience for your children:
1. Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter
Create a welcome letter for your elf's arrival, complete with a fun design and a personalized message for your child.
2. Elf on the Shelf Calendar
Create a calendar to keep track of your elf's daily adventures and antics.
December 1: Arrival Day
- Move your elf to a different location each day to create a fun scavenger hunt for your child.
3. Elf on the Shelf Pose Cards
Print out these pose cards to help inspire your elf's daily poses and antics.
4. Elf on the Shelf Bingo
Create a bingo game to help your child track their elf's daily adventures.
Mark off each location as your elf visits it
5. Elf on the Shelf Scene Cards
Print out these scene cards to create fun and festive scenes for your elf to star in.
6. Elf on the Shelf Photo Booth Props
Create a photo booth with these fun props to capture your elf's antics.
Use fun props like hats, glasses, and signs to create silly photos
7. Elf on the Shelf Mischief Cards
Print out these mischief cards to inspire your elf's daily antics.
8. Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter
Create a goodbye letter for your elf's departure, complete with a fun design and a personalized message for your child.
Thank your elf for their holiday visit and say goodbye until next year
9. Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar
Create an advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas.
10. Elf on the Shelf Certificate of Good Behavior
Print out this certificate to reward your child for good behavior during the holiday season.
Congratulate your child on a job well done and reward them with a special treat
11. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Carol Lyrics
Print out the lyrics to your favorite Christmas carols and have your elf sing along.
12. Elf on the Shelf Hot Cocoa Bar
Create a hot cocoa bar with these fun printables and enjoy a delicious holiday treat.
Use fun toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate chips to create a delicious hot cocoa
13. Elf on the Shelf Reindeer Food
Print out this reindeer food label and leave it out for Santa's reindeer on Christmas Eve.
14. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Decorating
Print out these fun Christmas tree decorating ideas and have your elf help decorate the tree.
Use fun ornaments like garlands, stockings, and bells to create a beautiful Christmas tree
15. Elf on the Shelf Snowflake Decorations
Print out these fun snowflake decorations and hang them up around the house.
16. Elf on the Shelf Gingerbread House
Print out this gingerbread house template and have your elf help decorate it.
Use fun candies like gumdrops, icing, and sprinkles to decorate your gingerbread house
17. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Cookie Packaging
Print out these fun Christmas cookie packaging labels and package up some delicious holiday treats.
18. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Movie Night
Print out these fun Christmas movie night printables and have a cozy movie night with your elf.
Use fun popcorn flavors like caramel, cheese, and chocolate to make your movie night extra special
19. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Carol Charades
Print out these fun Christmas carol charades cards and act out your favorite holiday tunes.
20. Elf on the Shelf Christmas Eve Box
Print out this fun Christmas Eve box label and fill it with some special holiday treats.
Use fun treats like cookies, hot cocoa, and popcorn to make your Christmas Eve box extra special
We hope these 20 Elf on the Shelf printables help make your holiday season merry and bright! Don't forget to have fun and be creative with your elf's antics and adventures.
What is the purpose of Elf on the Shelf?
+The purpose of Elf on the Shelf is to watch over the children in the household and report back to Santa Claus each night.
How do I get started with Elf on the Shelf?
+To get started with Elf on the Shelf, simply purchase an Elf on the Shelf doll and the accompanying children's book. Then, use the printables provided in this article to create a fun and magical holiday experience for your child.
What are some ideas for Elf on the Shelf poses and antics?
+Some ideas for Elf on the Shelf poses and antics include having your elf sit on a shelf, hang from a curtain, or pose in a fun and silly way. You can also use the printables provided in this article to create a fun and magical holiday experience for your child.