Free Elf on the Shelf I Spy Printable

The Elf on the Shelf I Spy printable is a fun way to keep kids busy during the holidays.

It’s simple, festive, and keeps little hands and minds active.

We’ve used it at home, and it’s been a hit.

These free Elf on the Shelf printables are perfect for quiet afternoons or adding a bit of holiday cheer to learning.

It’s a great mix of fun and creativity for the season.

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Elf I spy printable

The Elf on the Shelf I Spy worksheet has been such a hit in our home during the holidays. It’s a simple, fun activity that keeps kids entertained while sneaking in some skill-building. This three-page set is packed with Christmas magic, and here’s what you get:

• Full-color I spy sheet. Bright and festive, this page is filled with everything kids love about the holidays—elves, candy canes, gifts, and more. It’s perfect for a quick game when you need something ready to go.
• I spy coloring page (without numbers). This one is my favorite because it doubles as a coloring activity. Kids can decorate it however they want while searching for hidden objects. It’s such a fun way to combine creativity with focus.
• Black and white I spy answer key. While this gives away the answers, we’ve used it as an extra coloring page. It’s a nice bonus when the kids want more to do.

This printable always brings a little extra holiday cheer to our day, and it’s perfect for quiet moments or group fun.

Educational benefits of I spy activities

I’ve found that I Spy activities are more than just fun—they sneak in some great skill-building too.

Here’s how this Elf I spy printable helps kids learn:

• Searching for specific items encourages kids to concentrate, a skill that’s so important for learning and problem-solving.
• Counting objects helps with number recognition and grouping, making it a playful way to practice early math concepts.
• The black-and-white pages double as coloring sheets, letting kids express themselves artistically while staying engaged with the activity.
• As kids identify and discuss items like stockings, ornaments, and reindeer, they pick up holiday-related words and expand their vocabulary.

It’s such a simple activity, but it packs in plenty of learning opportunities while keeping the holiday spirit alive.

How to use

There are so many ways to enjoy this worksheet, and it’s easy to tailor to your kids or group. Here’s how we like to use it:

The full color page is perfect for quick, no-prep fun. The black-and-white sheets are great if you want to add a creative twist, they double as coloring pages, which my kids love.

Tie it into the Elf on the Shelf tradition by saying the elf left this as a special challenge. My kids get so excited thinking their elf came up with a task just for them!

Whether it’s siblings, friends, or a classroom, this printable works great for teamwork. Watching the kids help each other spot and count hidden objects is always a win.

Let kids turn the black and white pages into holiday art. They can color them in and hang them up as decorations when they’re done.

Additional Elf on the Shelf free printables

Looking for more ways to keep the holiday fun going? These are perfect for adding variety to your seasonal activities:

• If I were an Elf writing prompt. Spark creativity with this fun prompt that encourages kids to imagine their own elf adventures.
• Elf memory game printable. A festive twist on the classic memory game, great for boosting focus and memory skills.
• Elf scavenger hunt clues. Add some excitement to the day with ready-to-use clues for a holiday scavenger hunt.
• Free Elf on the Shelf arrival letter. Welcome your elf back in style with a free printable arrival letter, perfect for kicking off the tradition.

These printables are a great way to keep kids engaged and excited throughout the holiday season!

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!

Grab the free I spy worksheet here!

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