Cute Elf on the Shelf Notes (Free Printable for 2024)
Does your elf on the shelf leave notes?
Our elf, Jack, has brought the kids joy for years. But he’s not perfect.
Sometimes, Jack forgets to return from the North Pole. Sometimes, Jack stays in the same spot for days. And he doesn’t do crazy stuff.
Fun Elf on the Shelf notes give Jack fun without the work.
Because here’s the thing: I’m not into my elf making messes. That’s just one more thing to clean up. Yet, sticking a note in his arms is
- easy
- helps the kids practice reading
- and produces extra excitement
It’s a win-win for all of us!
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*For this activity, you’ll need an Elf on the Shelf* And when you’re done with the notes, keep reading for creative hiding places and more.
Instructions for Making the Notes
- Write the ideas on sticky notes or download the free file below.
- If using the file, print on cardstock on your home printer to make them more durable.
- Cut them out.
- Have your Elf on the Shelf bring the notes throughout the season!
Fun Elf on the Shelf Notes Ideas
Hello Letters & Arrival Notes
First, re-introduce the elf with a quick hello or welcome back note on day 1.
- Oh how I missed you all year! It’s good to be back!
- I’m back! And I’m looking forward to a whole lot of fun!
- I’m back, and so glad to be here! This definitely is the best time of year!
- I’m here and I’ll be staying to play, keeping you company until Christmas day.
- Remember to do your best, and Santa and I will take care of the rest!
- I’m back! Christmas season is here! I’ve returned for more holiday cheer!
Easy Elf on the Shelf Note Ideas
- I love your Christmas tree!
- Santa says to keep up the good work!
- Christmas is coming! Only ___ days left!
- I hope you have a holly jolly day!
- Have you been kind? Tell me how.
- Tell me something good that happened to you lately.
- Can you sing me your favorite Christmas song?
- What is your favorite thing to do at Christmas?
- Phew, that was a huge snowstorm I flew through last night!
- Will you read your letter to Santa to me?
- I saw that!
- What can you give today? (Find meaningful Christmas traditions)
- I helped Santa with his list last night!
- I love books! Will you read me your favorite Christmas story?
- I saw you being nice! Wahoo!
- Have you visited someone who needs a lift?
- Smile! It’s almost Christmas!
- Will you read me your favorite book?
- Did you do your chores today?
- Jingle bells, Jingle bells….can you finish the song?
- I’m thankful for playing with the other elves. What are you grateful for?
*Check out and use these Elf & Christmas Knock Knock Jokes!
Elf Notes That Take More Effort (But Not Much)
You’ll love these cute and small elf-on-the-shelf messages that leave you smiling.
- Can you find the 5 candy canes I hid in this room? (Hide candy canes beforehand)
- Let’s watch a holiday movie together today! (Put a Christmas movie and a bag of popcorn next to your elf or see fun holiday movie night options)
- Can you draw me a Christmas picture? (Leave paper and crayons or get an elf coloring page)
- Let’s bake cookies today! (Leave ingredients or a cookie mix next to the elf)
- Do you have toys that Santa could make new for others this Christmas? (Or make donating an everyday thing with this letter)
- Do I look like a _________ (tree, ). Do you want to play charades? Download this Christmas charades printable and play!
- Mrs. Claus sent a fun treat! Share with someone you love! (Leave a snack)
- Can you find the hidden bow? (Put out three solo cups and stick a bow under one of them.)
- What do you think of my paper snowflake? Can you make one? (Make a paper snowflake to put next to the elf)
- I drank hot chocolate with Rudolph last night. I brought you some! (Place a package of cocoa mix next to the elf)
- Staying in shape is important to fly back and forth each night! (Put a large marshmallow on each end of a straw to look like dumbells)
Goodbye Notes for Elf on the Shelf
Use these short letters to give a proper farewell on the last day.
- It’s time to go home! See you next year!
- I’m sad to go, but I’ll be back next year you know!
- Do your best while I’m away, I can’t wait to see you again when I come back to stay!
- I’m so glad Santa could give me to lend, but our time together has come to an end.
- Next year will come in the blink of an eye, so watch for me in the sky!
- Do lots of cool things while I’m away. I can’t wait to hear about them when I come back to stay!
Funny Elf Jokes for Notes & Messages
Now, mix it up with these silly jokes to spread holiday cheer.
- What did one snowman say to the other snowman? Do you smell carrots?
- What do you call a snowman party? A snowball!
- Knock Knock. Who’s There? Mary. Mary Who? Mary Christmas!
- What did Mrs. Claus say to Santa when she saw clouds in the sky? “Looks like rain, deer.”
- How much did Santa pay for his sleigh? “Oh, nothing, it was on the house!”
- What’s the best Christmas present in the world? “A broken drum, you just can’t beat it!”
- What did the Christmas tree say to the ornament? “Quit hanging around!”
- Why was the little boy so cold on Christmas morning? Because it was Decembrrrrr!
- What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Snowflakes. (or Frosted Flakes!)
- What does an elf study in school? The elfabet.
- What did the gingerbread man put under his blankets? A cookie sheet.
- Where does a snowman keep his money? In a snow bank.
Related:
Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Notes
For a full set of done-for-you elf notes, see my shop here>> *And use the code ELF for 20% off!
25 Easy Elf Hiding Places Ideas
Not sure where to put your elf on the shelf and notes? Add the elf to these hiding spots around your home.
- On top of or hanging from the fireplace mantle
- At the top of your Christmas stockings
- In your Christmas tree
- In the fridge (next to the eggnog is fun!)
- Inside a Christmas wreath
- Wrapped around a family photo
- Popping out of a Christmas decoration
- Hanging from the curtains
- Hanging on a light fixture
- Next to a Christmas advent calendar activity to do
- Hiding in the presents under the tree
- Hanging out by a gingerbread house (or inside of it if it’s large enough and open!)
- Popping out of a roll of wrapping paper
- On a table or in a dollhouse playing with action figures, dolls, or dinosaurs
- In a bag of Christmas treats or candy
- Hanging from Christmas lights
- Inside a jar
- Inside a toilet paper roll
- Inside the silverware drawer
- On top of a laundry basket
- Above a large mirror
- Hiding behind a plant
- Above your kitchen cupboards
- Hanging off the vacuum
- Napping in a box of Kleenex
Bonus Tip: Set a phone reminder! Many nights this reminder has saved the day at our house!
Jazz Up Your Elf on the Shelf
The elf messages and notes should bring lots of merriment this holiday season. But if you’re looking for a little more fun, try one of these! They all take less than 5 minutes. And none of them are naughty.
- Have your elf take a bath in a bowl full of marshmallows
- Spell out “elf” next to it using Cheerios, candy, or berries
- Tape your elf alongside a few action figures to the inside of the washing machine to make it look like a roller coaster ride.
- Have your elf make a snow angel in rice. (Use a large plate for easy clean up)
- Make it look like your elf is reading a Christmas picture book.
- Hang a mask on the Christmas tree and use it as a hammock for your elf.
- Make a snowflake next to your elf out of Q-tips
- Stick two large marshmallows on either side of a toothpick and make it look like the elf is working out!
- Grab a few crayons and a Christmas picture and make it look like your elf was coloring.
Have a holiday family game night! Set your elf next to a …
- Free Christmas this or that printable
- Free Christmas trivia printable
- Free Christmas would you rather printable
Don’t miss these other free Christmas printables too…
- Perfect Christmas Wish List for Kids
- Kids Christmas Scavenger Hunt
- Fun Christmas Conversation Starters Printable
To Consider With the Elf on the Shelf Notes Printables
Remember, this is for fun, and not meant to stress you out. If it’s too much to do during this busy time of the holidays, then save it for next year or only do a note or two. Now, have fun and enjoy!