What are the rules of elf on a shelf?

You’ve seen the elf on social media, your friends rave about it and now you’ve decided to see what all the fuss is about. Let us help you make an effortless transition into being an Elf on the Shelf parent! Rely on this ultimate beginner’s guide to learn all the must have tips for making your elf’s first year a success, as well as the answers to questions that arise along the way.

What is it?

The Elf on the Shelf® is a Christmas tradition centered around Scout Elves who fly to the North Pole each night. Scout Elves arrive at homes in a keepsake box set that features a storybook. The book explains that elves love to report to Santa to tell him about each day’s activities! The best part? Kids love to maintain their best behavior when their Scout Elf is around. This way they are sure to be on Santa’s nice list!

What are the rules of elf on a shelf?

Why is it called a “Scout Elf”?

That’s the term Santa uses for these elves because they literally “scout” out what you’re up to during the holidays and then report their findings to Santa.

Sounds cute. How can I start?

It’s as easy as 1…2…3!

  1. Adopt an official Scout Elf.
  2. Read the book as a family to understand the tradition and rules.
  3. Name your elf.

Rules. How many?

There are just a few rules to remember!

  1. The most important—don’t touch your Scout Elf, or they will lose their magic!
  2. Scout Elves can’t talk, but they are great listeners. Little ones can share secrets and wishes with their elf as often as they’d like.
  3. Scout Elves must return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve to help Santa prepare for the next Christmas!

What next?

The fun begins! When Scout Elves return from the North Pole each night, they land in a different spot in your home. Many parents refer to this as “elf ideas.” Essentially, elf ideas are photos or instructions that inspire elves’ new landing spots or gimmicks. Not to worry—there are a range of ideas, both simple and extra creative, suitable for any and every Scout Elf!

Is there anything else I need to know?

Probably. But thank goodness the elves already thought of that. Browse some of the most popular questions below, or bookmark them for when you’re in a bind.

FAQs:

  • When will my Scout Elf return each year?
  • How can I get my elf to come back early?
  • Why did my elf have to go back to the North Pole?
  • What happens if our elf is accidentally touched?
  • Why didn’t our Scout Elf move?
  • Can adults touch the Elf on the Shelf®?


There are some rules that come along with the Elf on the Shelf, and sometimes they are hard for little kids to remember. To help you we made this Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable that you can print out and keep on the fridge (or where ever else you want to put it), so the kids can remember the Elf on the Shelf Rules.

What are the rules of elf on a shelf?

The easiest way to make sure your kiddos follow the rules, is to explain them first.

With Elf on the Shelf you can not touch him. If he is touched he loses his magic for that night and he can not fly back to Santa.

We also like to make sure that we are using our elf to help our kids remember that a big part of Christmas is being kind to other people.

If you are just getting started with Elf on the Shelf, be sure to check out How Elf on the Shelf Works!

Elf on the Shelf Printables

  • Elf on the Shelf Tic Tac Toe
  • Elf on the Shelf Names Printable
  • Elf on the Shelf BINGO Game
  • Elf Kissing Booth Printable Prop
  • Elf Pizza Shop Printable
  • Elf Cookie Shop Prop Printable
  • Elf Reindeer Friend Adoption Certificate Printable
  • Elf Donut Shop Printable Prop
  • Elf on the Shelf Health Certificate
  • Elf on the Shelf Adoption Certificate
  • Elf on the Shelf Printables Pack
  • Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter
  • Elf on the Shelf Ideas calendar
  • Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable
  • Elf on the Shelf I’m Back Letters
  • Elf on the Shelf We are Back Letters

What are the rules of elf on a shelf?

What are the Rules for Elf on the Shelf?

  • The Kids can not touch the elf. If they touch the elf then the elf can not fly back to the north pole that night.
  • The elf does not move nor speak when the kids are awake.
  • The Elf Reports back to Santa at night when they fly back to the north pole to let Santa know how the kids were that day. If the kids are naughty (or nice) then the elf can bring back an Elf Behavior report.
  • Be Kind. It is important that the kids know that the Elf wants them to be kind to others.

What are the rules of elf on a shelf?

Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable

To get this FREE Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable just fill out the form and the printable will arrive in your inbox. Then download it to your computer and print it out! SUPER easy!

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    If you are stuck on Elf on the Shelf Ideas be sure to check out these awesome Elf on the Shelf Ideas! 

    • 135 Elf on the Shelf ideas
    • Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers
    • Elf on the Shelf Baking Ideas
    • Cheap Elf on the Shelf Ideas
    • How to Make Elf on the Shelf Fly
    • Hiding in A Water Bottle Elf on the Shelf Idea
    • Easy Elf Ideas
    • Quick Elf on the Shelf Ideas

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      More Elf on the Shelf Fun

      Make sure you also check out Reasons your Elf Did not move… it might happen sometimes 😉

      if you are stuck on Elf Names, Check out this awesome list of 110 Elf on the shelf names! We have girl elf names and boy elf names!

      If you are looking for more Christmas fun for kids make sure you check out 16 Kids Christmas Crafts and this HUGE list of Tasty Christmas Treats for kids, they are all things that the Elf can make the kids or bring the kids as activities if you wanted him too!

      If your kids have an Elf Reindeer that joins him when your elf comes, there is also this super fun and gross Reindeer Poop Slime that the kids would love to make!

      Get the EXCLUSIVE Good-Bye letter Printable!

      In this FREE E-book you will get 3 Printables to make your Elf on the Shelf adventure easier! It includes Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter, Elf on The Shelf Rules and Elf on the Shelf Good-Bye Letter. Just fill out the form below!

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        More Christmas Fun for Kids

        You can Facetime Santa for a fun Santa Phone Call!

        check out the full list of Kid Friendly Christmas Treats and pick out your favorites to make with the kids! There are so many tasty Christmas treats that the kids will love and they are all perfect for any kids Christmas parties that you might have. Some of our favorite Christmas treats are Santa Hat Cupcakes and Whoville Cookies!

        If you are looking for cookie recipes we have you covered there too! Check out our Beautiful Christmas Sugar Cookies, and Christmas Tree Desserts Recipes!

        Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter

        What are the rules of elf on a shelf?

        What are the rules of elf on a shelf?

        New for this year! Elf on the Shelf Heath Certificate! Grab it to show your Elf has a clean bill of health! Grab yours Here.

        Elf on the Shelf, I’m Back Printable

        What are the rules of elf on a shelf?

        Lauren is a short mom (4 foot 10 to be exact!) who has a passion for helping others and always has a cup of coffee in hand. She loves sharing amazing recipes to help the home cook become a home chef, along with fun family travel, fun crafts and More!

        Reader Interactions

        Can parents touch elfs on the shelf?

        Elf on a Shelf Rules A scout elf cannot be touched. Christmas magic is very fragile and if a scout elf is touched, it may lose that magic and be unable to fly back to the North Pole. A scout elf cannot speak or move while anyone in the house is awake!

        What are parents supposed to do with Elf on the Shelf?

        Elf moves back and hides in a new place in the morning. Children are allowed to send their wishes to Santa through Elf. Note: Parents should understand that there are two rules of placing the Elf on the Shelf officially. Firstly, parents should change the position of the Elf every night when their children are asleep.

        What happens if you touch Elf on the Shelf?

        If your kids purposefully touch their Elf on the Shelf, you can have their elf spend a day away at the North Pole. Write a brief letter from your elf to explain that because they were touched, they have to spend the day getting their magic fixed at the North Pole and there will be no fun antics happening that day.

        What are the three rules of Christmas from elf?

        "Treat every day like Christmas." "There's room for everyone on the Nice List." "We elves try to stick to the four main food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns, and syrup." "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."