Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable for Kids

Keeping the magic alive is easier when everyone knows the ground rules. This Elf on the Shelf rules printable helps set clear, kid-friendly expectations from day one.

In our house, posting these rules near the elf became part of the tradition. It’s a simple way to remind the kids how the magic works, without needing to explain it over and over.

Whether it’s their first Elf season or your tenth, this printable keeps things fun, easy, and just a little bit magical.

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What Are The Elf on the Shelf Rules?

This Elf rules printable helps keep the magic alive by giving kids a few simple, meaningful guidelines to follow throughout December.

In our house, it’s become part of the tradition, setting the tone from the very first visit and helping everyone understand how the elf fits into the holiday fun.

• Be Gentle: A reminder that touching the elf can take away its magic. It’s an easy way to teach respect for the tradition (and avoid any morning meltdowns).
• I Listen: Kids are encouraged to talk to the elf about their wishes and kind actions, ours has become a quiet little confidant during the holidays.
• Let’s Choose Together: Suggesting new hiding spots or writing notes to the elf gives kids a sense of ownership and adds a layer of excitement each morning.
• Be Super Kind: Knowing the elf is watching for acts of kindness gives kids a fun reason to be extra thoughtful during the season.

These gentle rules help kids stay involved in the magic while building a tradition that feels playful, positive, and easy to repeat each year.

What Happens if the Rules are Broken?

If your child accidentally breaks one of the Elf on the Shelf rules, it doesn’t have to ruin the magic. In fact, it can become a meaningful part of the tradition.

In our house, we treat it as a learning moment. If the elf is touched or moved, we explain that it might lose its magic for a day or two. No trip to the North Pole that night means no new hiding spot in the morning, something kids notice right away.

Some families have the elf leave a little note explaining the need to rest and recharge. Others turn it into a kindness challenge, helping kids earn back the elf’s magic by doing something thoughtful or helpful around the house.

These moments can spark conversations about responsibility and respect for traditions, all while keeping the tone gentle and fun.

The goal isn’t to be strict, it’s to keep the magic going in a way that feels joyful, not stressful. A small hiccup in the elf’s adventures can actually make the tradition even more special.

Elf Printable Rules

These Elf rules come in two festive versions, just pick your favorite and you’re ready to go! They’re free to use at home or in the classroom, and you’ll find the PDF link at the bottom of this post.

For extra durability, we like to print ours on white cardstock. Laminating is a bonus if your kids tend to carry them around, ours has survived several seasons this way.

It’s a simple way to add a bit of structure (and magic) to your Elf tradition, year after year.

Where to Display the Elf Rules

Choosing the right spot to display your Elf on the Shelf rules can help keep the magic front and center all season long. When the rules are easy to see, it’s a simple way to remind everyone how the tradition works, without needing constant reminders.

Here are a few fun and practical places to put them:

• Next to your elf: Place the rules beside your elf each morning so they feel like part of the setup.
• On the fridge: A quick magnet job turns it into a daily reminder everyone walks past.
• Near favorite hiding spots: If your elf has a go-to area, keep the rules posted close by.
• Framed on a shelf: Pop the printable into a festive frame to make it part of your holiday décor.
• By the Christmas tree: Perfect for little ones who like to check in during tree time.
• At your family command center: Pin it near calendars or to-do lists so it blends with your routine.

Wherever it goes, keeping the rules visible helps reinforce the magic, and gives your elf’s message a place to shine.

More Elf on the Shelf Letters and Notes

Looking to add even more magic to your Elf tradition? These free printables make it easy to build memorable moments all December long, no stress required.

Start with our Elf Name Generator Printable, a fun way for kids to discover their elf’s silly or sweet name before the season begins.

Then set the tone with a personalized Elf on the Shelf arrival letter. It’s a great way to welcome your elf and introduce the magic, especially for first-timers.

If your elf shows up late (it happens!), the Elf Late Arrival Letter offers a gentle, lighthearted explanation kids will love.

Throughout the season, you can keep the excitement going with printable elf notes, leave clues, encourage kindness, or just add a daily giggle.

When it’s time to say goodbye, the Elf Goodbye Letter helps wrap up the tradition on a warm and hopeful note.

You can also mark the start of the journey with an Elf adoption certificate, a sweet way to make your elf feel like part of the family.

These printables keep things fun, simple, and full of wonder, just the way December should be.

Get Your Free Elf Rules Printables 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 Elf rules.

Last Updated on 29 July 2025 by Clare Brown