Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable for Kids

Bring a little extra magic to your holiday season with our Elf on the Shelf rules printable, perfect for setting the stage for unforgettable family memories.

In our home, these simple rules help keep the elf’s magic alive, adding excitement and mystery to each December morning.

Beyond just a set of guidelines, this Elf on the Shelf idea opens up a world of holiday fun, making the season even more enchanting for everyone!

**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**

What are the Elf on the Shelf rules?

Our Elf rules printable helps keep the elf’s magic alive and thriving throughout the holiday season.

These easy and important guidelines ensure that everyone in the family can enjoy the elf’s playful visits while understanding the role of this magical scout.

• Be Gentle: The first rule is all about respect for the elf’s magic. Children are kindly reminded not to touch the elf, as any handling could risk the special power that allows the elf to report to Santa each night.
• I Listen: While the elf may be quiet, it’s also a wonderful listener. Kids are encouraged to share their holiday wishes and stories of kindness with the elf, making it a true friend in the Christmas season.
• Let’s Choose Together: To keep the fun going, children can write notes with suggestions for new hiding spots or daily adventures. This teamwork creates excitement, as kids get to feel part of the elf’s journey and story.
• Be Super Kind: This rule inspires kids to bring kindness into their actions. Knowing that the elf reports acts of kindness to Santa adds an extra layer of motivation to be on their best behavior during this special time of year.

These rules make it easy for families to follow the Elf on the Shelf tradition while creating positive memories and a spirit of joy throughout December.

Add an extra touch of holiday fun by discovering your elf name with our Christmas elf name generator printable!

What happens if the rules are broken?

If the Elf on the Shelf rules are broken, families often remind children that the elf’s magic can be affected.

The elf may need time to regain its special powers, but this little setback can be a meaningful part of the tradition.

Here are a few gentle ways families approach rule-breaking moments:

In some homes, children learn that if the elf is touched or moved, it may lose its magic temporarily. This means it can’t return to the North Pole to share updates with Santa that night. Kids quickly understand that the magic relies on following the elf’s guidelines.

Sometimes, breaking a rule might mean the elf takes a little break from its adventures, missing a night or two of its usual surprises. For kids eager to discover each new hiding spot, this can be a gentle reminder of the importance of respecting the tradition.

Parents and teachers often turn these moments into valuable lessons. A broken rule can open up a conversation about responsibility, the joy of holiday traditions, and why keeping the elf’s magic intact adds to the wonder of the season.

Many families even give children a chance to restore the elf’s magic through acts of kindness or helping behaviors, letting them take an active role in the magic. This approach creates positive reinforcement while keeping the holiday spirit bright.

Above all, it’s about balancing the rules with fun and making the elf tradition a positive experience. Keeping the focus on joy and togetherness can make every December morning feel a little more magical.

Elf printable rules

Our Elf on the Shelf printable rules come in two versions—simply choose the one you love most! These printables are free for personal and classroom use, and you can find the PDF download link at the bottom of this page.

For a touch of holiday durability, we recommend printing these rules on white cardstock. If your kids want to pass them around or read together, laminating is a great idea—our trusty laminator has kept ours looking festive year after year!

With these printable rules, you’re adding a special touch to your Elf on the Shelf tradition that can be enjoyed for many holiday seasons to come.

Where to display the elf rules

Finding the perfect spot to display your printable Elf on the Shelf rules can make the tradition even more magical. Placing it in a visible area ensures everyone remembers the fun guidelines that keep the elf’s magic alive. Here are a few ideas:

• Position the rules right beside your elf for easy reference whenever kids interact with their magical friend.
• Attach the printable with a magnet to the refrigerator door—a spot everyone passes by daily.
• If your elf has a favorite hiding place, consider posting the rules nearby to keep the magic in one special area.
• Displaying the rules in a decorative frame makes them part of your holiday decor, ready to be set on a tabletop or shelf.
• Place the rules near the Christmas tree so young children can easily see them as they admire the holiday lights.
• If you have a family message center, pin the rules up as a cheerful reminder throughout the season.

Each of these locations brings the elf’s presence to life, making it easy for everyone to follow along and enjoy the holiday magic!

Additional Elf on the Shelf letters and notes

Make your Elf on the Shelf adventure even more enchanting with these additional free Elf on the Shelf printables. These Elf on the Shelf ideas add a delightful touch to your fun family tradition, creating lasting memories for your family.

Welcome Santa’s little helper in style with a special Elf on the Shelf arrival letter printable. This letter can be personalized with your child’s name and sets the stage for the magical journey that lies ahead. It’s the perfect way to introduce the Elf’s arrival to your little ones.

Sometimes, even magical creatures like the Elf on the Shelf can run into delays. If your elf arrives late, this free printable Elf on the Shelf sorry I’m late letter helps explain the delay to your children in a lighthearted and fun way, ensuring they’re not disappointed.

Keep the excitement going by using these free printable Elf on the Shelf notes from your scout elf. These printable notes can provide clues or hints for special activities, encourage acts of kindness, or simply share in the daily fun. They add an element of surprise to each day, as kids eagerly look for the elf’s notes.

When it’s time for your elf to return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Use the Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter printable to create a memorable farewell. It’s a great way to remind kids that the elf will be back next year.

Enhance the holiday spirit with our Elf report card printable, a perfect addition to your festive celebrations!

An Elf adoption certificate adds a personal touch to the magical moment when children welcome their favorite elf into the family.

Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!

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!

Last Updated on 31 October 2024 by Clare Brown