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 wherever else you want to put it, so the kids can remember the Elf on the Shelf Rules.
If you are new to Elf on the Shelf be sure to check out our Ultimate Guide of Everything you need to know about Elf on the Shelf. Make sure you also check out Reasons your Elf Did not move… it might happen sometimes 😉
Elf on The Shelf Rules Printable
So your kids got an Elf and now you have to tell them all about it. I have made it easy for you to share the elf on the shelf rules with your kids. When you are getting started with your Elf on the Shelf Christmas tradition the best thing to do is to share the rules as soon as your elf joins the family.
We have been getting an elf visitor every year for many years during the month of December. It is always an exciting time when November ends and the kids know that their elf friend is coming to visit.
Santa made these rules. They’re easy for everyone to remember and they help both parents and kids. There are only 4 easy to remember rules that the kids need to know.
- What are the Rules for Elf on the Shelf?
- What is the most important Rule of Elf on the Shelf?
- How Does My Elf Get the Magic Back if it Was Touched?
- How do I pick up my Elf if they fall on the Floor without touching them?
- Can Parents touch the elf?
- Can kids touch the elf pets?
- How Does Elf on the Shelf Work?
- How to Use the Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable
- Get the Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable
- Elf on the Shelf Ideas
I call these the official elf rules in our house. I shared them with my children on the day of our Elf George Twinkle’s first arrival. The kids were young and they wanted a reminder of the elf rules so they could see it. I made this free printable elf rules for them and then I shared it here on the blog.
It has been many years since that first Elf Rules printable was made (the first one was made in 2018) and so this year I added some more designs for people to pick from. I hope you enjoy the new printables as much as I enjoyed making them.
To get the Rule for Elf on the Shelf printable, scroll to the bottom of the post. I have also included some must-know information about the elf rules and some frequently asked questions, so you have all the answers.
Elf on the Shelf Printables
- Elf SIzed BINGO
- Elf on the Shop Kissing Booth Printable
- Elf on the Shelf Health Certificate
- Elf Donut Shop printable
- Elf Cookie Shop Printable
- Elf Adoption Certificate Printable
- Tic Tac Toe Elf Sized printable Elf Game
- Elf on the Shelf Ideas Calendar
- 16 page Elf on the Shelf Printable Pack
- Nice list printable
- Naughty list printable
- Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter
- Elf Pizza Shop Printable
- Elf on the Shelf Names Printable
- Elf on the Shelf I’m Back Letters
- Elf on the Shelf We are Back Letters
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 only movement or talking that is done by the scout elves is when all the children are in bed sleeping. The elves are great listeners though, so feel free to talk to them as much as you want.
- The Elf Reports back to Santa. Each night during elf season the elf will fly back to the North Pole to let Santa know how the kids were that day. Some elves don’t do a report and they just go back to the North Pole to trade ideas on fun things to do for the kids they love. It is a great idea to have the kids write letters to Santa. My kids write letters just to say Hello, on top of sending him their Christmas list.
- Be Kind. It is important that the kids know that the Elf wants them to be kind to others.
The last rule, that kids do not have to follow because it is a rule just for the elf to follow, is that they must return on Christmas Eve when Santa comes to pick them up. This one while not a rule for the kids is an important one to share, so the kids know that at the end of the holiday season, the elf must return to the North Pole.
What is the most important Rule of Elf on the Shelf?
Some may say that the most important rule is that no one can touch the elf. If the elf is touched they lose their magic for that night and they might not be able to fly back to Santa.
In our house, the most important rule is to be kind. Kindness goes a long way and it is something that I think is very important to teach the kids.
How Does My Elf Get the Magic Back if it Was Touched?
The great thing about the elf no matter what household it visits is that they are very understanding. Both Santa and his little elf friends know that sometimes a kid, especially a little one might touch the elf.
It is really easy to bring the magic back to your Elf on the Shelf once it has been touched. All you have to do is lay your elf on the counter or any flat surface. Sprinkle a little cinnamon or sugar around the elf and then sing a round of Jingle Bells.
Once you are done singing the song, place the elf near a window. This will give the elf enough energy and magic to get back to the North Pole to fully restore their magic for their return the next day. Putting them by a window makes their travel require less magic.
I also have had my kids write a short note to Santa apologizing for breaking the rules.
How do I pick up my Elf if they fall on the Floor without touching them?
Grab a pair of kitchen tongs, as long as little hands don’t touch the elf they won’t lose their magic.
Can Parents touch the elf?
According to Santa, it is advised that no one in the family touches their Elf on the Shelf. However, Santa does acknowledge that there might be exceptional cases where an adult could need to and suggests they use tongs to assist an elf in a pressing situation. If hands are needed by the adult because of the situation, there is no penalty for an adult touching the elf.
Can kids touch the elf pets?
Yes! Give the elf pets all the love and snuggles the kids want. Elf pets are brought by the elves for the purpose of being enjoyed and snuggled.
What is Elf on the Shelf?
Elf on the Shelf is a joyful tradition during the holidays. It involves small scout elves sent by Santa from the North Pole to make the season even more magical.
Each night, the elf heads back to the North Pole, to tell Santa about the children’s behavior or to gather ideas from other elves of fun things to do and share with the children.
Every morning, kids discover their elf friends in a new spot, eagerly anticipating the creative things the elf has done. They might bring a surprise, act silly, or even play pranks.
In our home, our Elf enhances the Christmas magic and adds extra fun. You can also choose to use the elf to encourage good behavior, but that’s a personal choice for parents.
How Does Elf on the Shelf Work?
The Elf on the Shelf tradition is a fun holiday tradition that typically starts in early December and lasts until Christmas Eve. The main idea is that the elf acts as a scout for Santa Claus.
Arrival of the Elf On The Shelf
When the elf arrives for the first time, it is introduced to the household, often with the help of the storybook that explains the tradition and the role of the elf.
You can add to the excitement by adding an elf adoption certificate for the elf. You might also consider having the elf deliver an Elf on the Shelf Welcome letter that explains the new family Christmas tradition you’re starting. We also have a great list of Elf on the Shelf arrival Ideas to get the elf fun started.
We offer several FREE Elf Arrival letter printables for this purpose. It’s also helpful for children to be aware of the Rules of Elf on the Shelf, so we suggest having the elf bring a printable of the rules to the kids on their first visit.
Every year the Elf returns between the day after Thanksgiving at the end of November and Christmas Eve. Many families have the elf arrive on December 1st (we start on December 1st every year).
Upon the elf’s return, they typically bring a letter letting the children that they’re back for another year of fun. We have FREE Elf on the Shelf Arrival letters for this too.
We have two sets of “I’m Back” Elf on the Shelf letters: original elf on the shelf arrival letter and our newest set of Elf on the Shelf arrival letters, which includes seven different options to choose from.
If multiple elves visit your house (yes, it happens!), we also have Elf on the shelf arrival letters for multiple elves.
Elf on the Shelf Antics and Elf Ideas
Each night, the elf moves to a new spot in the house. Every morning, children wake up to discover the elf in a new, often mischievous, position, leading to excitement and anticipation as they search for the elf’s latest hiding place.
During this time, you’ll likely want to find some Elf on the Shelf Ideas, and we’ve made it incredibly easy with our hundreds of beloved Elf on the Shelf ideas.
You can use the Elf on the Shelf Planner printable I’ve designed to get organized and plan your Elf on the Shelf activities for the holiday season.
Elf on the Shelf Returns to the North Pole
On Christmas Eve, the Elf on the Shelf hitches a ride back home with Santa until the following year when they return once again. There are numerous ways to bid farewell to the Elf on the Shelf, and we have Elf on the Shelf Goodbye letters (there are 31 to pick from!) to help with that too. There are plenty of ways to have the Elf on the Shelf say goodbye, so get creative and make the final night special.
How to Use the Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable
After printing it you can place it wherever you want to in your house. I hang ours on the fridge so the kids have a clear view of the rules list. You can also put it in a frame and display it in the house.
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! These printable elf props are for personal use only.
Elf on the Shelf Ideas
We have lots of Elf on the Shelf Ideas, so you will never have to worry about getting stuck on what to do when trying to figure out some fun elf antics!
- Cute Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 135 Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 25 Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- Kitchen Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- Dollar Store Elf on the Shelf ideas
- Quick Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- Naughty Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- Elf on the Shelf Donut Ideas
- Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers
- Last minute Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- 5 Minutes or less elf on the shelf ideas
- Elf on the shelf ideas for when you have forgotten
- Elf on the shelf ideas with Marshmallows
More Elf on the Shelf Fun
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!
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!
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.
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