Free Elf Memory Game Printable | Best Christmas Matching Game

The Elf on the Shelf will be here before we know it, and as December has so much going on I like to get prepared early with as many Elf on the Shelf activities as possible! Download our free elf memory game printable today and let’s have some fun!

This is a fun game for the whole family.

There are 12 different images to print out and is perfect for older toddlers and preschoolers.

With images of elves, Elf on the Shelf, letters to Santa, a Christmas tree, and more.

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Table of Contents

Elf matching game

We love playing printable memory games in our home, and as a really young child, my son has managed to beat me! We still love to play memory games now, mainly because he loves to win!

This free printable Elf matching game is super easy to play. It also makes a great addition to a North Pole Breakfast or Christmas party.

Supplies needed:

cardstock (normal paper will work, but you might be able to see the images through it)
paper cutter or scissors
laminator (optional)

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You can also enjoy our free Christmas memory game printable.

How to set up the Elf game?

Download the elf memory game printable below. There is one page included with 12 different images and it will print out in portrait. Make sure to check the printer settings.

This free printable Elf on the Shelf game is free to print but is for personal or classroom use only. Scroll to the bottom of the page to get the pdf file.

You will need to print the page twice, so you can match the images.

When you have printed the 2 pages, you will need to cut out all of the different images.

If you want to use these every year, I highly recommend laminating them. This is the laminator we use and love.

I prefer to use a paper cutter as it’s easier, quicker, and more accurate, but scissors will work too.

Now you will have two sets of 12 images (so 24 total images.)

Have fun with the Christmas elf name generator printable!

How to play the Elf on the Shelf memory game

Shuffle the Elf cards and lay them on the table face down in rows to make it easier. Or just randomly on the table for older kids.

If you are placing them in rows I find 4 rows with 6 images each works best for the memory game.

Playing the game is simple.

Take it in turn to turn over only 2 images.

If it is a match you can either remove them from the game and place them in front of you or leave them turned over face up.

If it is not a matching pair then turn them back and carry on playing.

The winner is the person who creates the most matches. Celebrate the winner with one of the best Elf on the Shelf gifts.

Download our elf kisses bag topper printable for the winner!

How can I expand on this fun memory matching game?

A great way to have even more fun with this elf on the shelf memory game is to color it it. I recommend coloring it in before you cut it or you will make a mess on the table. Don’t ask me how I know that!

Get the kids to choose different colors and draw snowflakes, squiggles, or anything they like. If you are using regular copy paper this is a great way to stop any cheating! But if you can printing on cardstock will be much better.

But as you can see below it just looks even more festive!

How to store printable memory games?

Storing printable memory games is a simple process to keep them organized and in good condition. Here’s how to do it:

Place the game cards in snack ziplock bags to prevent them from getting lost or damaged.
Tie a ribbon around them to keep them all together, or use an elastic band.
Store the piles or bags in a cool dry place to prevent moisture from damaging the cards. We add them to a sheet protectors.
To extend the life of your memory game, you can laminate the cards. This makes them more resistant to wear and tear and easier to clean if they get dirty.

Additional Elf ideas

If you are looking for more free Elf on the Shelf printables check out our favorites.

Don’t leave your elves out and download our free Elf on the Shelf printable games. These are all elf sized and includes a smaller version of this exact matching game.

Treat the kids to an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt where they have to follow clues to find the scout elf in his new hiding place.

Have fun reading our elf story and then coloring in our free printable Elf on the Shelf coloring pages.