Elf on the Shelf Memory Game Printable
Get ready for holiday fun with our Elf on the Shelf memory game printable, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers!
With December’s excitement around the corner, I like to get a head start by gathering Elf on the Shelf activities that keep everyone entertained.
This printable matching game brings a festive touch to family game time and adds a dash of holiday magic to our December plans.
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Elf matching game
Playing memory games has always been a hit in our home, especially since my son started beating me at them!
This Elf memory game brings a festive twist to our usual fun, perfect for family time or a North Pole breakfast during the holiday season.
Want more festive fun? Try our Christmas matching games printable too!
How to set up
Get the Elf memory game printable (link below). The printable includes 12 unique images on one page.
Print two copies of the page so you’ll have matching pairs.
After printing, cut out each image to create two sets of 12 cards.
For a reusable game, laminate the cards. We use a reliable laminator that works great for this purpose.
After cutting, you’ll have a total of 24 cards (two sets of 12 images).
For an extra touch, try our free printable elf name generator for even more holiday fun!
Playing the elf memory game
To play the Elf memory game, start by shuffling the cards well. Lay them out on a table face down; arranging them in four rows of six cards each is ideal, especially for younger players who find it easier to remember positions.
If you’re playing with older kids or want a challenge, you can scatter the cards more randomly across the table.
Each player takes a turn flipping over two cards, trying to find a matching pair.
If a player finds a match, they can set the pair aside in front of them. However, if the cards don’t match, they turn them back over, keeping the images hidden.
As the game progresses, everyone begins to remember where certain images are, adding a layer of strategy to the fun.
The game continues until all the pairs have been matched, and the player with the most matches at the end is the winner.
To make it extra special, consider giving the winner a small holiday treat or a fun Elf on the Shelf gift. This little reward adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, making it a memorable holiday tradition for everyone.
For an extra touch of fun, try adding drawings or designs on the back of the cards.
More fun with Elf on the Shelf
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 Elf on the Shelf free printable coloring pages.
WANT ALL OUR ELF ACTIVITIES IN ONE PLACE?
Elf on the Shelf books
Looking for more Elf-themed fun? You might also enjoy reading an Elf book together this December:
Elf on the Shelf: Meet the Scout Elves. Discover the world of the Scout Elves and how they make each December magical with their nightly adventures.
Elf on the Shelf Welcome to the North Pole. Take a peek into the North Pole and see where the elves work, play, and prepare for their trips to homes around the world.
A Night Before Christmas. A holiday twist on the classic tale, this version follows the Scout Elves’ adventures as they help Santa make Christmas extra special.
These books make a great companion to your Elf on the Shelf activities, adding a cozy storytelling moment to your holiday traditions!
Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!
Get your free Elf on the Shelf memory game printable here!
Ready to grab your free printable? Just pop your name and email into the form below, and it’s all yours!
Last Updated on 7 April 2025 by Clare Brown