35 Best Elf on the Shelf Printables For Free

Elf on the Shelf printables have saved me more times than I can count during the busy lead-up to Christmas.

After more than a decade of Elf antics, I’ve learned that having a stash of quick, low-prep ideas on hand makes the season way more fun, and a lot less stressful.

Whether you forgot to move the elf (again) or just need something simple to make the morning magical, these printables help keep things easy without losing the charm.

From sweet notes and report cards to elf-sized games and goodbye letters, there’s something here for every kind of day in December.

Collage of 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 printables make it easy to keep things fun without the pressure.

After years of trying to come up with new ideas every night, I’ve found that having a few printable notes, props, and games ready to go is a lifesaver.

These simple printables help you create sweet, memorable moments, without staying up past midnight gluing marshmallows to cardboard.

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Elf Door Under Construction

We use this one every year in late November to build excitement before the Elf officially arrives. Just tape it near your Elf door or a baseboard corner, and suddenly the kids are checking for “construction updates” daily. Great for buying yourself a little extra time before December chaos begins.

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

Perfect for those mid-December check-ins, this printable lets your Elf deliver a progress report straight from the North Pole. Whether your kids need encouragement or a gentle nudge, this 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 letter

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 one has come in handy on those tougher days. It’s a lighthearted way for the Elf to step in and encourage better behavior, without sounding too serious. We usually pair it with a small reset, like fewer toys or extra quiet time.

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.

Printable Elf on the Shelf notes shown with an Elf doll in a red outfit, featuring simple holiday messages and activity prompts.

30 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.

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 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.

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.

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.”

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 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.

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 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 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.

Black and white Elf on the Shelf crossword puzzle printable for kids shown next to a plush Elf doll wearing a red 9 ¾ sweater, set on a white background.

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.

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.

Two Elf on the Shelf dolls in holiday-themed outfits—one in a Miami Heat sweater and the other in a Gryffindor shirt—each holding a “Goodbye!” letter. Both letters thank the family for a fun time, explain the elf must leave, and promise to return next year, with a note saying a red X was placed on the roof for easy return. Festive silver snowflakes and red and green beads add a Christmas touch to the scene.

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.

easydrawingguides.com

How to Draw the Elf on the Shelf

If your child loves drawing, this printable is a fun step-by-step activity. We’ve used it during homeschool art or just as a creative break. Plus, it’s a neat way to let kids connect with their Elf in a new way.

www.frugalcouponliving.com

Christmas Tradition You’ve Been Elfed & We’ve Been Elfed Printable Set

Great for spreading holiday cheer around the neighborhood. Print the signs and secretly drop off a treat bag, it’s like “boo-ing” at Halloween, but with festive flair. We’ve used this to help our kids practice kindness during December.

www.frugalcouponliving.com

Elf on the Shelf Rules

A different version of Elf rules, useful if you’re looking for a visual reminder that fits a certain style. It helps reinforce the “no touching” rule in a playful way and sets expectations for younger kids.

www.frugalcouponliving.com

Elf on the Shelf Activity Printables and Coloring Pages

A nice little bundle if you want a few extra activities ready to go. We’ve printed these out to use during downtime on snowy days or when we need a break from screens.

simply-well-balanced.com

Secret Message from Santa

This secret code activity is perfect for a surprise message from Santa, delivered by your Elf. It adds a bit of mystery and problem-solving to the day—my son always gets excited when he sees this one appear.

the-gingerbread-house.co.uk

Elf on the Shelf Twister game

This printable is pure fun, set it up under or beside your Elf to make it look like they’ve been playing a mini game of Twister overnight. It’s one of those lighthearted touches that really makes kids giggle.

www.frugalcouponliving.com

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Pun

If you’re running low on energy but want something clever, this pun-based setup (“Oh Chip-mas Tree”) adds instant humor. All you need are some chips and the printable for a scene that’s funny and fast.

diydanielle.com

DIY Mask for the Elf on the Shelf

This one's ideal if you want a bit of hands-on crafting. We used it one year when our Elf “caught a cold” and wore the mask for a couple days, turned into a whole storyline without needing props.

www.amotherthing.com

Elf Printable Magical Christmas Bundle

This bundle includes a mix of letters, activities, and signs to simplify your Elf planning. If you're starting fresh or want to mix things up mid-season, it's a handy all-in-one set to explore.

www.simplifycreateinspire.com

Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Planner + Elf Kit Ideas

A practical resource if you like to plan Elf ideas in advance. The planner gives space for notes, prop ideas, and daily setups, great for reducing stress and avoiding last-minute scrambling.

Free Elf on the Shelf Mailbox and Letters Printable

This tiny mailbox adds a fun way for your Elf to “send” messages to the kids, or receive some back! Easy to assemble and perfect for creating sweet, interactive moments throughout December.

Official Elf Adoption Letter Mailed From Santa

Adds a sweet, personalized touch if you’re introducing the Elf for the first time, or reintroducing after a break. You can order a physical copy, but the printable makes it easy to present the adoption as part of the magic at home.

With these 35 Elf printables, you’re set for a stress-free, magical December, whether you’re just starting or continuing a long-running tradition.

Last Updated on 28 July 2025 by Clare Brown

Free Elf on a Shelf Printables

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