Free Bad Behavior Elf on Strike Printable

The elf on strike printable adds a fun twist to our holiday season, encouraging kids to think about their behavior.

Imagine your little one discovering that their favorite scout elf is on break, holding up signs explaining why it’s taking a timeout.

It’s a lighthearted way to remind kids about being kind and working together.

In my experience, these signs can lead to some great conversations while adding a little holiday magic to the mix.

Have fun with our Elf on the Shelf ideas this December, and encourage good behavior.

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

How to Use the Elf Signs

In this set, you’ll find six different elf on strike for bad behavior notes designed to help kids earn their place on Santa’s Nice List. These charming signs not only capture the festive spirit but also act as a playful warning from Santa about bad behavior.

These free printable Elf on the Shelf bad behavior letters are for personal use only. Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post to download the PDF file!

Here’s how to make the most of these signs:

1. Start by printing the elf signs on sturdy cardstock paper to ensure they’re durable and look great throughout the holiday season. Once printed, carefully cut them out.
2. You have a couple of fun options for using these signs. Place one next to your mischievous elf, or get a little creative by attaching a toothpick to the back of the sign. This makes it look like the elf is holding it, adding an extra touch of magic to your holiday decor.

These elf on strike signs not only enhance your Elf on the Shelf tradition but also provide a fun way to reinforce positive behavior. With these signs, you can create a memorable holiday experience that helps children reflect on their actions while enjoying the festive spirit of the North Pole.

Elf on Strike Printable Signs

The first sign in our set, “Elf on Strike!”, delivers a fun and eye-catching message from Santa’s little helper. This concept revolves around the idea that the elf has decided to take a break from its usual antics due to some less-than-stellar behavior at home.

This sign sets the stage for the elf’s playful protest, clearly indicating that it won’t resume its magical mischief until everyone gets back on track with positive behavior. It’s a clever way to encourage kids to reflect on their actions and strive to improve during the holiday season.

Using the theme of an elf on strike makes discussions about kindness and cooperation more engaging for your children. This lighthearted approach not only adds a bit of magic to your holiday celebrations but also reinforces valuable lessons that will last beyond Christmas.

Be Nice to Your Sibling Sign!

The second printable sign reads, “I need a break from all the fighting and arguing. Be kind and share with your siblings.”

This playful message reflects the elf’s frustration with sibling squabbles and serves as a gentle reminder to promote harmony in the household.

Importance of sibling cooperation and sharing

Encouraging cooperation and sharing among siblings is essential for creating a peaceful and joyful atmosphere during the holidays. It helps strengthen family bonds, teaches valuable life skills, and fosters a more positive environment for everyone.

Tips on promoting harmony among siblings

• Make sure your kids understand the importance of sharing and treating each other kindly. Clear guidelines can help reduce conflicts.
• Recognize and reward moments of cooperation and sharing. This reinforces good behavior and encourages kids to keep it up.
• Equip your children with the tools to communicate effectively and resolve conflicts. This will help reduce misunderstandings and arguments.
• Plan family activities that encourage teamwork and connection. Shared experiences can strengthen sibling relationships.
• Demonstrate cooperation and kindness in your own interactions. Kids learn a lot from what they see at home.

Using this sign as a prompt, you can start important conversations about kindness and sharing, helping your kids navigate their relationships in a fun and engaging way.

Do Your Chores Sign

The third printable sign states, “I’m striking because nobody is doing their chores. Help out around the house!” This sign captures the elf’s frustration about the lack of responsibility when it comes to household tasks.

Chores play a vital role in keeping a home running smoothly. They teach kids essential life skills, foster accountability, and help everyone feel invested in the family unit.

When everyone pitches in, it lightens the load for parents and creates a more harmonious environment.

Tips for encouraging kids to help out

• Set up a colorful chart with age-appropriate tasks for each child. Make it visually appealing, and consider adding rewards for completed assignments. You can use our free printable chore cards to make it easier.
• Ensure your kids understand why these responsibilities matter and what’s expected of them.
• Turn these tasks into a fun bonding experience. Working together can make the responsibilities feel more enjoyable!
• Change the chores regularly to keep things fresh and ensure everyone learns a variety of skills.
• Acknowledge your children’s hard work when they finish their tasks. A little praise can go a long way in boosting their confidence.
• Consider offering small rewards or privileges for consistent involvement. This can motivate them to take their responsibilities seriously.

Using this sign as a playful reminder can help your children take ownership of their chores while adding a sprinkle of holiday magic to the mix.

The Manners Matters Sign

The fourth sign reads, “I’m taking a break until I hear ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ more often.” This playful message reflects the elf’s desire for kids to embrace polite language and demonstrate good manners in their daily interactions.

Using respectful language is crucial for fostering positive communication and building strong relationships. Encouraging children to express gratitude helps them understand the significance of consideration and appreciation for others.

Strategies for reinforcing good manners

• Regularly demonstrate courteous behavior in your own interactions. Children are keen observers and often imitate what they see!
• Have conversations with your kids about why phrases like “please” and “thank you” matter. Help them recognize how these words can make others feel valued.
• Prompt your children to acknowledge gifts, assistance, and kind acts. This practice reinforces the importance of appreciation.
• Recognize and praise your children when they use polite language. A little acknowledgment can greatly enhance their confidence.
• If they forget to be polite, kindly remind them to use phrases like “please” and “thank you” rather than scolding them.
• Use role-playing activities to practice courteous communication in various scenarios. It’s an enjoyable way for them to learn!
• Encourage your children to write notes of appreciation for gifts or acts of kindness. This reinforces gratitude while developing their writing skills.

The manners matter sign serves as a fun reminder that good etiquette is not only appreciated by the elf but also vital to practice throughout the year. This engaging approach makes learning about courtesy and respect enjoyable, especially during the holiday season.

Best Elf Props

When the kids have been doing a great job, it’s fun to let the elf bring a little reward. These are a few of our favorite gifts from the Elf on the Shelf that make the season even more magical:

• Elf on the Shelf mates – These little companions have been such a fun addition to our elf setup. They each have their own personalities and missions, kindness, cheer, and giving, so they’re a great way to weave in some gentle lessons while keeping the fun going.
• Elf on the Shelf Sweet Spinners Advent Calendar – This one was a big hit with my son. Each day brings a small surprise, and the candy-themed spinner adds a playful twist to the usual countdown. It pairs perfectly with the elf’s daily visits.
• Elf Cheer Check Up – If your elf likes to report back to Santa, this is a cute way to make it feel more official. It’s a fun way to keep kids motivated without being too serious, our elf usually includes a silly comment or two in the report.
• Elf Pets Arctic Fox – This plush pet is so sweet and comforting. It comes with a lovely storybook and gives kids a chance to care for their own North Pole friend. My son loved having something soft to cuddle while waiting for his elf’s next move.
• Elf pet figures – These little figurines are perfect for imaginative play. We’ve used them in scenes with our elf, and they always add that extra bit of magic. They’re small, affordable, and easy to mix into your existing holiday setup.

More Free Elf on the Shelf Printables

These Elf on the Shelf printables have added so much fun to our holiday traditions, I love how easy they make it to keep the magic going day after day.

Start the season with an Elf on the Shelf arrival letter, it’s a sweet way to welcome your elf back and set the tone for all the fun ahead.

Add a little mystery with an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt. This one’s always a hit in our house. The kids love hunting down clues and racing to find where the elf has landed.

The Elf report card is great when you need a gentle nudge toward better behavior. Ours shows up every so often with “areas to improve” and a cheeky comment or two.

We also use printable Elf on the Shelf notes, they’re a quick way to add a bit of personality to your elf’s visit, especially on busy mornings when you just need something simple but fun.

And if you want to take it up a notch, try using elf props. A tiny hot cocoa stand or mini laptop? Instant giggles. These little details make the whole experience even more fun for the kids, and honestly, for me too.

Best Elf on the Shelf Books for Kids

The Elf on the Shelf has been part of our Christmas routine for years, and these elf books have made it even more fun. If your kids enjoy the magic of the elf showing up each December, these stories add an extra layer of excitement and connection.

• The Elf on the Shelf: Search and Find – This one’s a favorite in our house. My son loves the challenge of spotting the elf in every scene, and it’s become a go-to quiet time activity during the holiday rush. It’s festive, interactive, and just plain fun.
• The Elf on the Shelf: Welcome to the North Pole – We usually pull this one out early in the season. It’s sweet and simple, perfect for younger kids who are just getting to know the Elf on the Shelf tradition. The illustrations feel cheerful and set the tone for the season.
• The Elf on the Shelf: Meet the Scout Elves – This book helps explain who the Scout Elves are and what they do. My son loved learning all the little details, especially the idea that different elves have different jobs. It’s a fun way to add a bit more personality to your own elf.

Get Your Free Elf on the Shelf Strike Notes Here!

Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!

If you don’t see the form below, click here to get the free printable.

Last Updated on 28 July 2025 by Clare Brown