The Elf on the Shelf tradition has become a beloved part of the holiday season for many families everywhere. Whether it’s your first year or you’re welcoming your mischievous little elf back for another round of festive fun, this fun Christmas tradition is a perfect way to bring some holiday magic into your home.
The idea is simple: a special elf sent by Santa Claus arrives from the North Pole to keep an eye on your family and encourage good behavior.
Each night, the scout elves fly back to report on all the nice things your children have done, and by the next morning, they’re hiding in a new spot. This fun way to celebrate the Christmas season is sure to bring lots of fun and laughter to your home, especially as you come up with creative shelf ideas each day!
How to Start the Elf on the Shelf Tradition
If this is your first time welcoming a new elf, the grand entrance usually happens on December 1st (or any day you choose to start – some families are extra keen and start a little earlier). Your elf can arrive with a cute letter explaining their purpose and setting the stage for all the holiday spirit to come. You might even include a small gift, like a few candy canes, an advent calendar, or something that ties in with your elf’s fun ideas for the season.
Every family’s elf has their own style and personality, so whether you have a boy elf, girl elf, or even a group of elf friends, you can give them a unique elf’s name to make them feel like part of the family.
Shelf rules are often part of the shelf welcome letter to remind kids that touching the elf might make their Christmas magic disappear, although not all families follow the no touching rule.
Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Introduction Letters
To make the elf’s arrival extra special, we’ve created a set of free printables for you to use. These free printable arrival letters for your elf’s grand entrance
include options for shelf introduction letters with or without shelf rules. You can use these ddesigns for both a new elf and a returning elf, perfect for families who started their shelf tradition last year.
Each printable letter is available in two designs, making it easy to match your elf’s personality.
We did not write the elf’s name on each letter, so just sign your chosen name at the bottom of the printable to make it personalised. This way it’s easier as everyone can use the ready made printable elf letter with no need to edit the template.
Here’s a preview of each printable letter, and the text included on each version so you can read it through and check it suits your family.
Elf on the shelf introduction letter with no touching rule
Set the stage for your Elf on the Shelf’s arrival with this free printable letter that includes the classic “no touching” rule. It’s a great idea for families starting this fun tradition or continuing from last year to encourage good deeds and promote best behavior. Personalize it with your child’s name and get ready for an extra fun season with your best elf!
This letter reads…..
Hi! I’m your very own Elf on the Shelf! I’ve come all the way from the North Pole to keep an eye on things and report back to Santa every night. Each morning, you’ll find me in a new spot around your home. I might even get up to a little mischief, so keep an eye out!
Here’s the most important thing to remember:
Please don’t touch me! My magic helps me fly back to the North Pole, and touching me could make it disappear. But don’t worry – you can talk to me, tell me your wishes, and even write me notes!
Let’s have lots of fun this holiday season. I can’t wait to see all the good things you do!
Love,
[Elf’s Name]
Informal Elf on the shelf introduction letter with out the no touching rule
Looking for a more casual way to introduce your fun elf? This free printable arrival letter skips the rules and focuses on the nice things your kids can do during Christmas time. Whether it’s your first year or you’re welcoming a free elfback with a shelf return letter, this shelf letter template is perfect for creating extra fun. Personalize it with your children’s names, and pair it with other easy ideas to make your elf’s entrance the highlight of the season.
This letter reads…..
I’m your special Elf on the Shelf! I came straight from Santa’s workshop to hang out and watch for all the nice things you do. At night, I’ll fly back to the North Pole to tell Santa about our day. Then, each morning, I’ll hide in a new spot – let’s see if you can find me!
Sometimes I might be silly, and other times I’ll just sit quietly and watch. I’m here to make sure we have a magical holiday season full of fun, kindness, and Christmas cheer!
I’m so excited to spend this time with you. See you tomorrow morning!
Love,
[Elf’s Name]
For each letter, you can choose either design with the Christmas garland or the christmas lights, so the PDF includes 4 versions in total.
Download Your Free Printable Elf Introduction Letters PDF
To download the free printable stationery, including the shelf arrival letter printables, just click below to get your free printable elf letters. It’s the perfect way to start your new tradition or continue the fun tradition your family loves.
The PDF files are simple to download and print, so you can have your elf ready for their big debut in no time. These are for personal use only, and you can grab them by clicking the download link below, you may need to enter your email address if not already registered to Grow.
The Elf on the Shelf is more than just a creative way to celebrate; it’s a great way to add holiday cheer, promote good behavior, and build lasting holiday traditions. From the elf’s name to their new location every morning, this fun elfbrings so much joy and Christmas spirit to kids of all ages.
If you’re looking for even more shelf ideas or easy ways to keep the shelf fun going, consider tying your elf’s antics to other Christmas traditions, like decorating the Christmas tree or leaving notes about the nice lists. And don’t forget, the elf’s return next year is always something to look forward to!
When Christmas Eve arrives, you can send your elf off with a shelf goodbye letter to wrap up the season with a sweet note of thanks. The holiday magic doesn’t have to end there – start planning for the next year with even more fun ideas for your favorite elf.
Happy holidays, and enjoy the festive fun your elf will bring!
More Elf themed activities and Elf crafts for Kids
If your kids can’t get enough of their favorite elf, keep the holiday spirit alive with these fun and creative elf-themed activities and crafts. From making their own mischievous little elf to coming up with new shelf ideas, these projects are a great way to add even more festive fun to the season!
- Elf On The Shelf Coloring Pages
- Elf Bookmark Craft for Kids with Free Printable Template
- Cut and Paste Elf Printable Template For Kids
- 40 Simple Elf On The Shelf Ideas For Toddlers
- What’s Your Christmas Elf Name Generator Printable
- Best Elf on the Shelf Names: Unique and Inventive Ideas to Help You Find Your Elf’s Name
If you enjoyed these Elf on the Shelf printables and ideas, please share this post with friends and family to spread the holiday spirit!
Sharing helps others discover these free printables and join in on the festive fun. Thank you for supporting our little corner of the North Pole!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.