35 Free Elf on the Shelf Printables & Activity Sheets

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These free Elf on the Shelf printables make it easy to plan fun Elf activities throughout December without coming up with a new idea every night.

The collection includes printable Elf on the Shelf notes, letters, activity sheets, games, puzzles, scavenger hunts, coloring pages, arrival ideas, goodbye letters, and more. Most are free printable PDFs that you can print at home and use with your Elf.

After more than a decade of Elf antics, I’ve found that having a few printable activities ready to go makes December much easier, especially on those nights when you suddenly remember you haven’t moved the Elf.

Free printable Elf on the Shelf activities including name generators, scavenger hunt clues, coloring pages, and Elf notes.

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Free Elf on a Shelf Printables

If elaborate setups aren’t in the cards this year, these free Elf on the Shelf printables make it easy to keep the fun going without the pressure.

The collection includes printable notes, letters, activity sheets, games, puzzles, and props, so there are plenty of quick ideas to use throughout December. You can also find more activities in our free printables collection, including worksheets, games, and seasonal activities for kids.

After years of trying to come up with something new every night, I’ve found that having a few printable activities ready to go is a lifesaver. For even more seasonal ideas beyond the Elf, our December activities roundup has Christmas worksheets, puzzles, coloring pages, and other activities for the month.

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Elf on the Shelf Letters, Notes & Signs

Elf Door Under Construction

This Elf door under construction printable is a fun way to build excitement before your Elf officially arrives. We use it every year in late November, just tape it near your Elf door or a baseboard corner, and suddenly the kids are checking for “construction updates” daily.

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letters

These arrival letters make the Elf’s first appearance feel extra special, no last-minute scribbling needed. There are multiple styles to choose from (some sweet, some playful), so you can find one that fits your family’s vibe.

Elf Report Card

This printable Elf report card is perfect for those mid-December check-ins, letting your Elf deliver a progress report straight from the North Pole. Whether your kids need encouragement or a gentle nudge, it adds a fun accountability twist without any lectures.

Elf on the Shelf Rules

We keep this posted near the Elf’s spot as a friendly reminder of the “magic rules.” It helps cut down on touching temptations and explains the Elf’s purpose in a clear, cheerful way.

free printable elf on the shelf sorry im late letters

Elf on the Shelf Late Arrival Letter

If your Elf doesn’t make it on time (it happens!), this printable covers you with a sweet excuse. It keeps the magic intact and helps shift the focus to the excitement of their arrival, no guilt required.

Elf on Strike

This free Elf on Strike printable is a lighthearted way for the Elf to encourage better behavior on tougher days. We usually pair it with a small reset, like fewer toys or extra quiet time, without making the message feel too serious.

Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Notes

These are a game-changer for busy nights. With 30 to choose from, some funny, some sweet, you can easily match your Elf’s message to your day. I love using the blank ones to write quick personal notes when something special happens at home.

Elf Goodbye Letter

This letter helps wrap up the Elf’s visit with a little bit of sweetness and closure. It’s become part of our Christmas Eve tradition, especially helpful for kids who get emotional about saying goodbye.

If I Were an Elf Writing Prompt

This writing activity is a great mix of creativity and holiday fun. Whether your child writes a short story or just a few silly lines, it encourages imaginative thinking, and works nicely as a quiet morning task while the Elf watches.

Elf Story Coloring Pages

Simple, festive coloring sheets that keep kids busy while you catch your breath. We like to print a few at a time and leave them with the Elf for the kids to find, bonus points if your Elf “colors” part of one first!

Elf on the Shelf Word Search

This holiday word search is a fun challenge for elementary-aged kids. It’s a great option for screen-free quiet time or even as a filler in a holiday learning packet. Ours gets pulled out more than once each December.

Flat lay of an Elf on the Shelf plush, completed Elf Mad Libs printable, colorful markers, and a Christmas book.

Elf on the Shelf Mad Libs

These silly holiday Mad Libs always get laughs. Great for older kids who enjoy wordplay, and easy to leave out with a pencil for the Elf to “start” the story. It’s one of those printables that turns a simple morning into a full-on giggle fest.

Side-by-side Elf on the Shelf word scramble printables, one filled in with answers and the other with a festive word bank, surrounded by Christmas decorations.

Elf on the Shelf Word Scramble (Easy & Hard Version)

Two levels mean it works for different ages, great if you have multiple kids at home. We sometimes leave this one near breakfast as a quick brain warm-up, or include it in a holiday-themed homeschool day.

Elf I Spy

A fun and simple visual puzzle that keeps younger kids focused. Ours always try to beat their previous time! Great to use with dry-erase sleeves if you want to reuse it more than once during the season.

Elf on the Shelf crossword puzzle printable for kids

Free Elf on the Shelf Crossword Puzzle

Perfect for quiet time or classroom use, this crossword is just the right difficulty for mid-elementary kids. It blends holiday vocabulary with puzzle-solving skills, and the Elf can “deliver” it as a morning challenge.

Elf Name Generator

A fun little icebreaker at the start of the season. Just match your initials and birth month to find your “Elf name,” and let the kids call your Elf something silly all month long. Adds a playful new layer to your tradition.

Elf Memory Game

We love using this as a quiet afternoon activity when things get hectic. Just print two copies, cut out the cards, and you’ve got a festive matching game that works well for siblings or small groups. Bonus: it fits perfectly with the Elf’s playful personality.

Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt Clues

One of our favorite ways to mix things up mid-season. Hide little surprises or just let the hunt be the prize, either way, this printable turns an ordinary morning into an adventure. Great for weekends or the last day before winter break.

Elf Candy Cane Hunt

This turns an ordinary day into a mini scavenger hunt, and all you need are a few candy canes. We’ve used it as a countdown-to-Christmas activity, hiding a new clue each day. The printable gives you an easy structure to follow.

Elf Kisses Bag Topper

Easy to pair with a handful of Hershey’s Kisses, this topper makes a cute treat to leave out during the month. We’ve used it for class parties, playdates, and just little surprises from the Elf to brighten someone’s day.

Two Elf on the Shelf dolls holding mini Christmas Bingo cards, posed with small North Pole sign props on a white background.

Free Elf on the Shelf Printable Games (Elf Sized)

These mini printable games, like bingo and tic-tac-toe, are designed to look like your Elf has been playing while you were asleep. They add a whole new level of personality to your Elf scenes, especially when left “mid-game.”

Free Phases of the Moon Elf on the Shelf Printable

This one’s great if you want to sneak in a little science! Pair it with your Elf holding a flashlight or globe, and it becomes a fun STEM tie-in. We like using it when there’s a full moon, it feels a bit magical.

Elf on the Shelf sits above a family photo decorated with printable elf hats in red and green.

Free Elf on the Shelf Hat Printable

An easy craft that adds some fresh flair to your Elf’s look. Just print, cut, and tape, it’s a quick way to make your Elf “change outfits” without buying accessories. We’ve even let our Elf wear different hats on theme days.

easydrawingguides.com

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf

This step-by-step Elf drawing tutorial is a fun creative activity for kids. It works well as a quiet Christmas art activity or something for the Elf to leave out with pencils and paper.

www.frugalcouponliving.com

You’ve Been Elfed Printable

This printable “You’ve Been Elfed” set is a fun way to spread some Christmas cheer around the neighborhood. Leave the sign with a small treat or surprise, then encourage the recipient to secretly Elf another family.

www.frugalcouponliving.com

Elf on the Shelf Rules

These printable Elf rules give kids a simple reminder of how the tradition works, including the all-important no-touching rule. It’s a useful alternative if you want a different style or design from our own Elf rules printable.

www.frugalcouponliving.com

Elf on the Shelf Activity Printables and Coloring Pages

This collection includes Elf-themed activity pages and coloring printables for kids. They’re handy for quiet time, Christmas break, or an easy activity for the Elf to leave out in the morning.

simply-well-balanced.com

Secret Message from Santa

This printable secret message from Santa turns an Elf setup into a simple code-breaking activity. Leave it with the Elf for kids to decipher, adding a little puzzle-solving to the Christmas fun.

the-gingerbread-house.co.uk

Elf on the Shelf Twister Game

This miniature printable Twister game is designed especially for the Elf. Set it up beside your Elf overnight to create an easy scene that looks like the Elf has been playing while everyone was asleep.

www.frugalcouponliving.com

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Pun

This printable Christmas tree pun creates a quick Elf setup using chips and the “Oh Chip-mas Tree” joke. It’s an easy option for a night when you want something funny without putting together an elaborate scene.

diydanielle.com

DIY Mask for the Elf on the Shelf

This DIY Elf mask is a simple printable prop you can use to create a different Elf scene. Add it to your Elf overnight for an easy setup that needs very little preparation.

www.amotherthing.com

Elf Printable Magical Christmas Bundle

This printable Elf bundle includes a mixture of letters, signs, and activities for use throughout December. It’s a useful option if you want several different Elf ideas together rather than planning each day separately.

www.simplifycreateinspire.com

Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Planner + Elf Kit Ideas

This free printable Elf planner helps you organize your Elf ideas before December gets busy. There’s space to plan daily setups and props, making it easier to see what you need in advance.

Free Elf on the Shelf Mailbox and Letters Printable

This printable Elf mailbox and letter set creates an easy way for kids and their Elf to exchange messages throughout December. Kids can leave letters for the Elf and wake up to find a reply waiting for them.

Official Elf Adoption Letter Mailed From Santa

This personalized Elf adoption letter from Santa is a fun option when introducing a new Elf for the first time. Unlike the printable activities above, this one can be ordered as a physical letter for an extra-special arrival.

Last Updated on 5 October 2026 by Clare Brown

35 Free Elf on the Shelf Printables

Free Elf on a Shelf Printables

Elf on the Shelf Letters, Notes & Signs

Elf on the Shelf Activity Sheets & Puzzles

Printable Elf on the Shelf Games

Elf on the Shelf Props & Printable Ideas

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Hi! I’m Clare!