Introducing The Elf on the Shelf

Introducing The Elf on the Shelf to your family is a whimsical and cherished holiday tradition that infuses your home with magic and wonder. These creative and delightful ideas for welcoming your Scout Elf are sure to captivate young and old alike. From props and staging adorable scenes to encourage good behavior, the possibilities are endless. Embracing The Elf on the Shelf tradition not only adds an extra layer of joy to the season but also fosters lasting memories that will warm your hearts for years to come… Take a look! 

Want new ideas for elves  in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here! New creative, funny, and original Ideas daily.

Disclosure: Frugal Coupon Living (the website, blog, and all social media channels) is not associated with CCA and B, LLC d/b/a The Lumistella Company, home of the official The Elf on the Shelf and Scout Elf.

So you’ve gotten an elf doll! Now what?

Introducing The Elf on the Shelf is a fun and interactive way to get kids excited about the Christmas season. This beloved Christmas tradition involves a magical Scout Elf who keeps an eye on children and reports back to Santa each night. The Elf moves around the house each day, getting into mischief and creating a sense of wonder and excitement for kids of all ages.

Understanding the Tradition of The Elf on the Shelf is important before introducing it to your family. The story of Scout Elf and its purpose in watching over children can be explained to kids in a way that is both fun and informative. Once kids understand the magic behind the North Pole visitor, they will look forward to its arrival each year and enjoy coming up with creative ideas for its daily antics.

Understanding the Tradition

The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The tradition involves a Scout Elf who flies to the North Pole each night to report back to Santa about the children’s behavior. Santa’s helper then returns to the family’s home and perches in a new spot, waiting for someone to spot them. Children love to wake up and race around the house looking for their family elf.

The tradition started back in 2005 when Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell self-published the book “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” along with a small Scout Elf. The book explains that elves love to report to Santa to tell him about each day’s activities. The Scout Elves help Santa manage his nice list by taking note of a family’s Christmas adventures and reporting back to Santa at the North Pole nightly.

Parents often move the Scout Elf each night to create a sense of excitement and anticipation for the children. The tradition is easy to uphold and follows three simple rules: First, children cannot touch the little guy or he will lose his magic. Second, the helper can’t speak or move while anyone is watching. And third, the little friend is only allowed to move at night.

The Elf on the Shelf tradition has become a beloved Christmas tradition for many families. It’s a fun way to create lasting memories and build excitement for the holiday season.

See Frequently Asked The Elf on the Shelf Questions.

The Magic Behind The Elf on the Shelf

The Elf on the Shelf is a beloved Christmas tradition that has been enchanting children and adults alike for years. But what is the magic behind this little guy?

First and foremost, the magic of the North Pole visitor is in the excitement it brings to children during the holiday season. The idea of a magical friend who reports back to Santa every night is a thrilling concept for kids, and it keeps them on their best behavior. The anticipation of waking up each morning to see where the North Pole friend has moved to next is a source of endless joy and wonder for children all over the world.

Another aspect of the magic of The Elf on the Shelf is the creativity it inspires in parents. Coming up with new and fun ways to position the little red guy each night is a fun challenge that allows parents to get creative and have some fun of their own. From silly poses to elaborate scenes, the possibilities are endless, and the joy it brings to children is immeasurable. While that might sound like a dreadful task to some parents, there are many helpful resources to come up with creative ideas. You can look at our huge list of ideas for Elf on the Shelf or this easy list of The Elf on the Shelf ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

But the magic of a family elf doesn’t just come from the joy it brings to kids and the creativity it inspires in parents. It also has a deeper meaning rooted in the spirit of Christmas. The idea of a magical friend who watches over children and reports back to Santa is a reminder of the importance of being good and kind, not just during the holiday season, but all year round.

The magic of The Elf on the Shelf is multifaceted. It brings joy and excitement to children during the holiday season, inspires creativity in parents, and serves as a reminder of the importance of being good and kind. It’s no wonder this beloved Christmas tradition has captured the hearts of so many people around the world.

How to Introduce The Elf on the Shelf

Introducing The Elf on the Shelf to children can be a fun and exciting way to get them into the holiday spirit. Here are a few tips on how to introduce a new family elf:

• Pick a date: Decide on a date when you would like the friend to start appearing. Some families choose to have the North Pole visitor arrive on December 1st, while others have the little red friend appear earlier in the season like on Thanksgiving. Whatever date you choose, make sure it is consistent each year so that your children know when to expect the Scout Elf.
• Explain the concept: Before he/she arrives, explain the concept and rules of elves to your children. Let them know that the North Pole visitor is a special helper from Santa who watches over them to make sure they are being good. The elf reports back to Santa each night, and in the morning, he or she can be found in a new location.
• Give the friend a name: Once Santa’s helper arrives, give him or her a name. This can be a fun activity for the whole family. Encourage your children to come up with creative names for family elves.
• Create a welcome letter: Consider creating a welcome letter from Santa’s helper to your children. The letter can introduce the concept and explain his or her role in watching over the children.
• Set up the first appearance: When the Scout Elf makes his or her first appearance, make it special. You can have the little friend bring a small gift or leave a note for the children. This will help build excitement and anticipation for the rest of the holiday season. See the full list of The Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas for Thanksgiving, December 1st, or whenever you want!

By following these tips, you can introduce The Elf on the Shelf to your children in a fun and memorable way.

The Elf on the Shelf Arrival

The arrival of The on the Shelf is an exciting moment for children during the holiday season. Parents can make the arrival even more special by incorporating fun and creative ideas to introduce the little friend. Here are some arrival ideas for elves to make a memorable experience for your children.

When Does The Elf on the Shelf Arrive?

The arrival of The Elf on the Shelf typically happens during the holiday season, sometime between early November and December 1st. Parents can choose the date they want the Scout Elf to start appearing. Some families prefer to start early with Thanksgiving, while others wait until December 1st to get their kids in the mood for Christmas.

Arrival Ideas

There are many creative ways to introduce The Elf on the Shelf to your kids. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Introduce him/her as a reading buddy. Gather up your holiday reads, and maybe grab a couple of new ones. Santa’s helper likes reading too! You can bring a new book every day (just visit the library to check out 25 books from Scout Elf’s arrival until Christmas.)
• Use mini marshmallows or gumdrops to make the big announcement. Have the little friend spell out “I’m back!” or “Hello!” with marshmallows on the kitchen counter.
• Have the Christmas elf arrive with a welcome note. Write a personalized note from your new friend, welcoming your child back to the holiday season and reminding them to be on their best behavior.
• Have the little red friend arrive with a small gift. Santa’s helper can bring a small gift, like a holiday ornament or a candy cane, to kick off the holiday season.

These are just a few ideas to help you create a special The Elf on the Shelf arrival for your kids. See a full list of Cute The Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas. Get creative and have fun with it!

The Elf on the Shelf Ideas

One of the most exciting things about The Elf on the Shelf is coming up with creative and fun ideas for your antics. Here are some popular ideas for The Elf on the Shelf to get you started:

• Scout Elf Arrival: Welcome your friend with a grand entrance. Have him arrive with a  grand Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. You can also have him bring a small gift or treat to kick off the holiday season.
• Holdiay Mischief: Elves are known for their mischievous behavior. Have your little friend get into some silly antics like TP-ing the Christmas tree or making a snow angel in flour on the kitchen counter.
• Reading Corner: Create a cozy reading corner for your little guy with a miniature bookshelf and a few holiday-themed books. Your Scout Elf can be found snuggled up with a book and a few stuffed animal friends.
• Movie Night: Set up a mini movie theater for your North Pole visitor with a tiny screen and popcorn. Have your little friend watch a holiday movie with some of his friends.
• Snowball Fight: Have your visitor create a mini snowball fight with some of his stuffed animal friends. Use cotton balls as snowballs and create a fun winter scene.
• Baking: Have your visitor get into the holiday spirit by baking some holiday treats. Set up a mini kitchen with a small baking sheet and ingredients. Your holiday friend can be found mixing up a batch of miniature cookies, cupcakes, or rice krispies.
• Sports: Have your North Pole visitor show off his athletic side with some mini sports equipment. Set up a mini basketball hoop or soccer goal and have your Christlas elf shoot some hoops or score some goals.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Let your creativity run wild and come up with your own unique ideas to make the holiday season even more magical.

The Elf on the Shelf Rules

Introducing The Elf on the Shelf to your family can be a fun and exciting tradition during the holiday season. However, it’s important to establish some rules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Here are some common  rules to consider:

• No Touching: One of the most important rules of The Elf on the Shelf is that children are not allowed to touch the Scout Elf. This is because it could cause the friend to lose its magic and ability to report back to Santa. It’s important to explain this rule clearly to children and remind them of it often.
• Scout Elf Cannot Talk: You can talk to The Elf and Elf will listen but he/she cannot talk back.
• Movement of Elves: The North Pole visitor will move to a new location each night, but you cannot move him/her. If he falls, get Magic Grippers to move him.
• Holiday Reporting: The holiday visitor is meant to report back to Santa each night about the children’s behavior. It’s important to remind children that Santa’s helper is always watching and to encourage good behavior and kindness throughout the day.
• Scout Elf Goodbye: On Christmas Eve, the Christmas visitor will leave for the year and return to the North Pole with Santa. It’s important to explain this to children so they don’t become upset when The Elf on the Shelf is no longer around.
• Names for Elves: While not necessarily a rule, giving the elf a name can make the experience more personal and enjoyable for children. Encourage children to come up with creative and fun names for their family elf.

Remember, the rules you establish for The Elf on the Shelf can be customized to fit your family’s needs and preferences. You can print out free printable Christmas elf rules to guide you. The most important thing is to have fun and create lasting memories during the holiday season.

Involving the Family

What makes The Elf on the Shelf truly magical is its ability to involve the family in a delightful game of hide-and-seek and imagination. This mischievous visitor not only reports back to Santa but also engages in playful antics that ignite the imagination of children and parents alike. It’s a tradition that encourages creativity, storytelling, and togetherness.

Take a look at the various ways The Elf on the Shelf involves the entire family, from its arrival and naming to the daily discoveries and cherished memories created along the way. Whether you’re already a seasoned Scout Elf enthusiast or new to this enchanting tradition, there are endless opportunities to make it a cherished part of your family’s holiday celebration. Discover how The Elf on the Shelf can bring your family closer during the most wonderful time of the year.

1. Naming the Christmas Elf

The first step to involving the family is to let everyone help name the Christmas Elf. You can make it a family affair by having everyone suggest a name and then vote on the best one. This will make the North Pole visitor feel like a part of the family and give everyone a sense of ownership over the tradition.

2. Setting up Ideas

Another way to involve the family is with the way you stage the Scout Elf. Use things that are special to your child and family. Ideas can include the little guy in your child’s backpack, decorating the family photo, declaring his love for family, and writing the family letters.

3. Creating Stories

The Scout Elf can be a mischievous little guy and having a narrative for his antics can add fun and excitement for the entire family. Have a back pocket of explanations of Santa’s helper’s location, what to do if he/she is touched, or even a list of reasons why he/she did not move (for the time you forget to move him!)

4. Encouraging Good Behavior

The Elf on the Shelf is not just about fun and games, it’s also a way to encourage good behavior during the holiday season. You can involve the family by having the little friend leave notes for good behavior or by having the helper reward good behavior with small treats or surprises.

5. Making Memories

Finally, The Elf on the Shelf is a great way to make memories with the whole family. You can take pictures of the Scout Elf’s antics each day and create a scrapbook or photo album of the tradition. This will be a fun way to look back on the memories for years to come.

Involving the family in The Elf on the Shelf can be a fun and exciting way to create holiday traditions and memories. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, everyone can get involved and have fun with this holiday tradition.

Fun with The Elf on the Shelf

The Elf on the Shelf is not just about keeping an eye on the kids for Santa Claus. It can also be a fun and creative way to add excitement and surprise to the holiday season. Here are some funny ideas to get you started:

• Have your little friendcreate a “snow” angel on the kitchen counter using flour or powdered sugar.
• Tape your visitor to the door with a help sign.
• Roll the family elf into a burrito for a fun Taco Tuesday surprise.
• Have your elf friend climb a bow wall using gift wrapping ribbon.
• Set up a photo booth with a festive backdrop and props for your elf to pose with.

These are just a few examples of the many ways you can have fun with The Elf on the Shelf. Get creative with your ideas and come up with your own ideas to surprise and delight your family during the holiday season.

Remember to keep it friendly and appropriate for all ages, and never use The Elf on the Shelf to scare or threaten your children. With a little imagination, The Elf on the Shelf can be a fun and memorable addition to your holiday traditions.

Saying Goodbye to The Elf on the Shelf

Saying goodbye to The Elf on the Shelf can be an emotional moment for both children and parents. After all, the friend has been a part of the family’s daily routine for weeks, if not months, leading up to Christmas. However, there are ways to make the farewell less sad and more memorable.

One idea is to have the little guy leave a goodbye letter for the children. This letter can thank the children for being such great hosts and recap some of the Scout Elf’s favorite moments during his stay. There are many free printable templates available online, making it easy to create a personalized letter that the children can keep as a memento.

Another way to say goodbye to The Elf on the Shelf is to throw a farewell party. This can be a fun way to celebrate the end of the Santa’s helper’s visit and create lasting memories. The party can include festive decorations, snacks, and even a special performance by the little guy himself. Involving the children in the planning process can make the party even more special.

For those who prefer a simpler approach, a hug and a thank you may be enough to bid the little friend farewell. Reminding the children that the Scout lf will return next year can also help ease the sadness of saying goodbye.

One last way to say good-bye is a retirement letter. This says goodbye forever as The Elf on the Shelf moves to a new family.

No matter how the family chooses to say goodbye to The Elf on the Shelf, it’s important to remember that the visit is just one small part of the holiday season. The memories and traditions created with family and loved ones are what truly make the season special.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I introduce a new The Elf on the Shelf to my family?

Introducing a new The Elf on the Shelf to your family can be a fun and exciting experience. One way to introduce your Scout Elf is to have them make a grand entrance on the first day of December. You can have them appear in a creative and unexpected location, such as on the Christmas tree or in an arrival package. You can also give your them a name and write a letter of introduction from the helper to your child.

When is the best time to introduce my child to The Elf on the Shelf?

The best time to introduce your child to The Elf on the Shelf is when they are old enough to understand the concept of Scout Elf’s magical powers and the importance of good behavior during the holiday season. Typically, children as young as three years old can understand the idea behind The Elf on the Shelf. There are a lot of cute toddler ideas for younger kids.

What are the three rules of The Elf on the Shelf?

The three rules of The Elf on the Shelf are simple. First, your Scout Elf cannot move except at night when your child is sleeping. Second, your little guy cannot be touched by anyone in the house, or they will lose their magic. Third, your visitor will fly back to the North Pole every night to report to Santa on your child’s behavior.

What should I do with The Elf on the Shelf on the first night?

On the first night, you can have your Scout Elf make a grand entrance by appearing in a creative and unexpected location. You can also have your little friend bring a welcome letter or a small gift for your child. This will help your child feel excited and engaged with The Elf on the Shelf tradition.

Christmas Printables Ideas

Discover the ultimate fun in our digital download wonderland! These Christmas printables can be used alone or you can create really fun ideas for a North Pole Visitor. Check out the Frugal Coupon Living shop for the hottest ideas, featuring holiday activities, games, kid-friendly jokes, letters, notes, and a whole lot more!

Shop Holiday Printables + Digital Downloads

Free Christmas Elf Ideas Printables

We’re all about spreading the love with free printables! To access our treasure trove of printables, simply enter your email address below. Keep an eye out for a confirmation email to verify your subscription. Once confirmed, a second email will arrive in your inbox, complete with a link and password to unlock the goodies

Free Printables Step-by-Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a signup.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with a link and passcode to all of our free printables including digital files for birthday parties, holidays, teacher gifts, and more.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your free printables.

By downloading digital downloads you are accepting the copyright terms and permissions that this is for personal use, non-commercial use. Please contact Frugal Coupon Living with any questions. If you don’t have a printer, use Staples Online Printing.

I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!

Christmas Resources for The Elf on the Shelf

Here at Frugal Coupon Living, our mission is to make The Elf on the Shelf season a breeze. We’re no newcomers to the Scout Elf game, boasting over a decade of experience. With a dedicated fan club spanning these ten years, we’ve curated a treasure trove of delightful ideas for your holiday season. Our collection of The Elf on the Shelf resources are your one-stop-shop for crafting the most memorable Scout Elf moments for your family as well. Join us in making this Christmas truly magical!

What is The Elf on the Shelf?

Embrace the cherished Christmas tradition of The Elf on the Shelf, which revolves around a captivating storybook and an adorable Scout Elf doll. This enchanting book, filled with poetic rhymes, unveils the purpose behind the Scout Elf’s visits.

Like clockwork, the little red visitor graces our homes each Thanksgiving and embarks on a nightly journey to and from the North Pole. Every morning, the thrill lies in discovering the Scout Elf in a brand-new, imaginative hiding spot within the house. From peeking out of the refrigerator to fishing in the sink, leaving mirror messages, or swinging from the lights, the North Pole Visitor’s antics never cease to amuse. But remember, there’s a cardinal rule to uphold: never touch the Scout Elf, for it’s the key to preserving their Christmas magic! Each family has the privilege of christening their very own Scout Elf with a special name. Finally, as Christmas Eve dawns, these loyal Scout Elves bid us farewell, returning to their North Pole workshop alongside Santa, awaiting their next wondrous adventure

More Helpful The Elf on the Shelf Ideas Links

Frugal Coupon Living has earned its reputation as the ultimate destination for The Elf on the Shelf ideas. We take pride in our ability to consistently bring joy by relocating our beloved North Pole visitor year after year. With an extensive collection of printable concepts, essential resources, delightful Scout Elf shenanigans, and much more, consider us your go-to resource for maintaining your holiday spirit and sanity throughout the entire Christmas season.

Explore the handy The Elf on the Shelf links to unleash your creativity, access free printables, and find answers to your Scout Elf inquiries.

• The Elf on the Shelf Ideas – A comprehensive starter guide encompassing all things Scout Elf, featuring some of our top posts and downloadable content.
• Largest List of The Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Boasting over 1,000 imaginative The Elf on the Shelf concepts, this ever-expanding list receives daily additions throughout November and December.
• The Elf on the Shelf Questions and Answers – Whether you’re a novice with a Scout Elf or need a refresher on The Elf on the Shelf rules, peruse our frequently asked questions to become an instant Scout Elf expert.
• Free Christmas Elf Ideas Printables – Sign up for our emails and seize the opportunity to obtain these complimentary Christmas Elf digital downloads, aiding your ideas for the elf-repositioning season. These include a calendar, notes, coloring pages, inspiring ideas, and more.
• DIY Bendable The Elf on the Shelf – Transform your Scout Elf into a versatile poser with this simple, no-sew tutorial on creating a bendable Scout Elf.
• Christmas Elf Ideas Shop with Digital Downloads – Explore one of the finest shops brimming with printable resources to elevate your holiday season.
•  Ideas Emails – Receive daily emails featuring fresh ideas to enhance your Elf Moving Committee ideas and holiday experience.

Join the holiday fun on social media! Dive into Pinterest Board of Ideas for Elves for inspiration and share your own festive adventures. Got a fresh Scout Elf idea we haven’t explored yet? Curious about some Scout Elf secrets? Don’t be shy – drop a comment here or on Pinterest! Let’s keep The Elf on the Shelf excitement alive together!

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.

Last Updated on January 8, 2024 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living