Printable Elf Ideas

Printable Elf Ideas

If you’re an elf-hosting Mom like me, you already know the holiday season can get wild. Between school events, Christmas shopping, and trying to keep everyone fed with something other than cookies… remembering to move the elf every night can feel like a whole extra job.

That’s why printable elf goodies are total lifesavers. They’re cute, they’re fun, they make the kids smile, and they save so much mental energy. And because I want your season to feel happy instead of hectic, I made some free elf pages you can download, print, and use right away.

You get pages you can use all month long, rules, signs, letters, excuses (we all need those!), plus a big list of easy elf ideas so you’re never staring at your elf at 10 p.m. wondering what on earth to do.

And if you like adding extra fun, I also have a few printable elf games your family will totally love.

Please remember these freebies are for your personal use only.

What’s Inside the Free Printable Elf Kit

This little bundle is packed with handy pages to make the elf season smoother, sweeter, and way less stressful.

You can download each page separately so you only print what you want. Here’s everything you’ll find inside:

1. Christmas Elf Rules

Kids love having “official rules,” and honestly… I love anything that helps keep the house running smoother in December.

Download the FREE Printable Elf Rules

Kids love having “official rules,” and honestly… I love anything that helps keep the house running smoother in December.

Your Elf Rules page covers simple things like:

  • no touching the elf

  • listening to grown-ups

  • being kind

  • Talk to me

It’s cute, simple, and sets the tone for the whole month. I like to hang ours on the fridge so the kids see it every morning.

2. Elf Cam Signs

These are always a hit! Kids see these little signs and instantly believe the North Pole is watching.

You can pop them near your tree, hang them above a doorway, or tuck one into a bookshelf. They work perfectly with toy cameras, pretend security cameras, or even by themselves.

Download the FREE printable Elf Cam

3. Elf Excuse Cards (In Case You Forget to Move the Elf!)

Every Mom needs these. Every. Single. One.
If you’ve ever woken up and realized you did not move the elf… you know that panic.

Download the FREE Elf Printable Excuse Cards

Kids believe every word, and suddenly you’re a hero again.

4. North Pole Medical Centre Doctor’s Note

This is magic when you need a break for a day or two.
If your elf doesn’t move for 1–3 days, this cute printable note explains that they’re under doctor’s orders to “rest and recover from too much Christmas excitement.”

Download the FREE Elf North Pole Doctors Note

5. 24 Christmas Elf Ideas

This is the page that saves my sleep during December.

You get 24 simple, doable ideas, one for each day leading up to Christmas, so you don’t have to scramble at bedtime. The ideas are quick, funny, and Mom-friendly. No fancy props. No Pinterest-stress. Just easy fun.

Download the FREE Elf Ideas

A few examples:

  • Elf hiding in the cereal box

  • Elf “fishing” in the bathroom sink

  • Elf wrapped in toilet paper pretending to be a mummy

  • Elf taking a nap in the tissue box

  • Elf building a tiny book tower

You can follow all 24 or pick your favorites. Either way, you’ll never run out of ideas.

6. Letter to Santa (Printable)

Kids love sending mail to Santa, and this little printable letter makes it extra special.

Download the FREE Santa Letter

There’s room for:

  • their name

  • their wishlist

  • Their age

Put it in an envelope and “mail” it, or leave it for the elf to deliver.

7. “I’m Back” Elf Arrival Letter

This sweet little note goes out on the first day your elf arrives. It welcomes your child, mentions how excited the elf is to be back, and reminds them of the fun ahead.

Stick it next to your elf on arrival day, maybe with a tiny sprinkle of glitter or a candy cane.

 

Elf Goodbye Letter

The goodbye part always tugs at my heart a bit. This printable keeps it sweet and gentle.

The letter explains the elf’s return to the North Pole but reminds your child that their kindness and joy made the whole month magical.

It’s a soft ending that kids always appreciate.

Download the FREE printable Elf Letters

More Printable Elf Games (Paid)

If you want to take the elf fun even further, I’ve made a few extra games that families love playing together. These ones are optional and paid, but they match the elf theme perfectly and add even more giggles to your December nights.

Who Is Most Like an Elf? (Personality Scoring Game)

This one is so much fun at family gatherings. You read a list of statements and everyone scores a point for each statement that sounds like them.

Who is Most Like an Elf

Things like:

  • “1 point if you like candy canes.”

  • “2 points if you are wearing red and green.”

  • “1 point if you have finished your Christmas shopping.”

 

What’s Your Elf Name Game

This is a simple but super fun name-generator style game.

What is your Elf Name Game

Choose:

  • the first letter of their name

  • their birth month

Put them together and boom, they get their official elf name.

We’ve had names like:
Tiny Gingersnap,
Jolly Floppy Feet,
and Cheeky McGiggles.

It’s silly and hilarious every single time.

Elf Scavenger Hunt (With Clues!)

This one is a huge favorite. You get a set of clues that lead kids from one spot to the next around the house.

Elf Treasure Hunt Printable

You can hide the clues anywhere:

  • tucked in a shoe

  • behind a pillow

  • inside the fridge

  • under the Christmas tree

  • near a window

It ends with a little prize, candy canes, stickers, a small toy, whatever you choose.

It’s great for a weekend activity or as a special elf surprise.

How to Use the Printables

If you’re new to printables, here are some quick tips to make everything look extra cute:

✂️ Print on regular paper or cardstock

Cardstock makes things feel sturdier, especially the signs and letters.

📌 Cut out the little pieces

Things like the Elf Cam signs look adorable when trimmed neatly.

🎁 Add tiny props if you want

A candy cane, a little bow, a sprinkle of glitter, super simple but adds magic.

🌙 Prep at night

I like to set things up when the kids are asleep so it’s ready for morning.

📅 Keep everything in a folder

I use a little plastic folder so I don’t lose the pieces throughout the month.

Why Printable Elf Ideas Make Life Easier

You know the drill, December gets busy. Between baking, cleaning, working, running to events, wrapping presents, and keeping up with the school calendar… remembering to do one more thing isn’t always easy.

Printables remove the last-minute panic. They give you:

✔ easy ideas

✔ quick setups

✔ cute notes kids love

✔ a backup plan when you forget

✔ fun memories without the stress

Plus, you can reuse many of the printables every year.

Kids don’t remember everything from the year before, trust me, they’re way too excited just to see the elf.

Elf season doesn’t have to be chaotic or complicated. With these cute printables and some simple ideas, the whole tradition becomes fun, easy, and filled with happy moments.

And if you ever forget to move the elf? Trust me… you’re in good company! That’s why the excuse cards exist!

Wishing you a magical, silly, joy-filled December, and a smooth, stress-free elf adventure!