Make Elf on the Shelf Magic Easy: 17 Printable Props to Keep Kids Excited!
The holidays are just around the corner, and that means your Elf on the Shelf is returning for their yearly adventure! Looking for simple fun ways to keep your kids excited this year?
These printable Elf on the Shelf activity props are the perfect solution for adding variety to your elf’s visit.
Why you’ll love them:
- Quick and easy: just print, cut, and use!
- Fun, interactive activities your kids can enjoy with their elf
- Print extras so every child gets in on the fun!
Make your elf’s visit unforgettable this year with these ready-to-go activities!
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*Grab the free printable photo booth props and discover how to snag the rest of the Elf on the Shelf props below!
Instructions for Printing The Elf on the Shelf Props
- Sign up to get the free file below.
- Print on everyday copy paper or cardstock on your home printer to make them more durable.
- Cut them out.
- Set out the activity props with your Elf on the Shelf throughout the season!
Ideas To Use The Elf on the Shelf Props
According to the Elf on the Shelf tradition, you’re not supposed to touch the elf. If you do, it’s believed that the elf might lose its magic and be unable to fly back to the North Pole.
That said, it’s your family’s experience—if you want your kids to interact with the elf and these props, go for it!
Some parents even have creative “magic recovery” methods, like sprinkling cinnamon, to help the elf regain its powers if it gets touched.
If you have older kids, get them involved in helping set up the elf scenes for even more fun (and less work for you)!
Elf Photo Booth
Idea #1: Set up an Elf on the Shelf photo booth. Print and cut out the props. Tape each one to a toothpick. For the backdrop, cut out the inside of the photo frame image and place your elf behind it. Arrange the mini props around your elf for an entertaining photoshoot.
Add small dolls or action figures to the scene to make it feel like a party! Let your kids snap some adorable pictures.
Idea #2: Tape the mini props onto a family photo and place it next to your elf. Your kids will love seeing their family picture hilariously decorated by their mischievous elf!
Do You Want To Build A Snowman?
Cut out the snowman pieces and scatter them around your elf. Then, place the sign in your elf’s hands that says, “Do you want to build a snowman?”
Let your kids join in the fun and help their elf create a frosty snowman masterpiece!
Pro Tip: Print multiple copies of the snowman props to keep everyone happy and avoid arguments! Your kids can cut out their own snowman pieces too!
Elf Kissing Booth
Cut out the kissing booth and the white rectangle for your elf’s head to peek through. Fold along the green dotted lines to assemble the booth, then place your elf inside. Scatter chocolate kisses around the booth.
Pro Tip: For added stability, use cardstock to give the booth extra strength. Or secure it to a solid surface to keep it upright and sturdy while your elf enjoys the spotlight!
Candy Cane Hunt
Cut out and hide the candy canes around your house. Then, place the sign in your elf’s hands that says, “Can you find the hidden candy canes?”
Print multiple copies of the candy canes for extra fun. And consider hiding a few small real candy canes as well. See who can find the most!
Elf Gift Box
Cut out the gift box template, fold, and tape it up into a cube. Fill it with a small surprise and tape the bow to the top. Place it with your elf for your kids to discover and enjoy!
Ideas to put in the box:
- piece of candy
- small trinket
- coins
- small tree ornament
- a note with a Christmas riddle or Christmas Knock Knock Joke
- a clue for where your kids can find a bigger surprise
Movie Night
Get ready for a fun family movie night with your Elf on the Shelf. Our printable props include mini popcorn bags, 3D glasses, pizza, and more.
Set the scene with your elf holding the props and make it a cozy holiday movie marathon for the whole family!
Elf On Strike!
Do your kids need some chore motivation?
Cut and tape this sign to a straw or popsicle stick and place it in your elf’s lap or hand. It’s a fun way to give them a little nudge!
Leave a short list of ‘to-do’s’ to make sure your kids know what they need to get done to get their elf back on the job!
Christmas Scavenger Hunt
This mini printable prop includes a list of holiday-themed items for your kids to help their elf find.
Grab this larger Christmas Scavenger Hunt version to use during the holidays too.
This Or That
Place this miniature ‘This or That’ game beside your elf. The elf can fill out their own copy while your kids fill out theirs!
For even more fun, grab a larger Christmas-Themed This or That Printable to use as well.
The Floor Is Lava
“The floor is lava” is always a hit with the kids, and there are so many creative takes on it!
Have your Elf join in the fun by hanging from the Christmas tree, while red tinsel ‘lava’ flows beneath him. Tuck the sign stuck into the tree, warning everyone of the danger!
What’s your Christmas elf name? Find out!
I Am Hiding! Can You Find Me?
Give your elf a sneaky hiding spot that’s a bit more challenging than usual!
Write three fun clues and watch your kids excitedly search high and low until they find the elf.
My Favorite Christmas Activities
Caroling, baking, or watching holiday movies—let your elf choose their three favorite Christmas activities by filling in the list! It’s a fun way to add a personal touch to your elf’s holiday antics.
Then, take turns writing or telling the elf about your favorite holiday activities.
I Spy
How many of each Christmas item can your elf spy? Set it up next to your elf and let your kids join in searching for hidden objects together.
Christmas Maze
This printable prop features a holiday-themed maze for your elf to “solve.” Set it up next to your elf with a tiny pencil. Let your kids try to help the elf find the way through the maze.
Color By Number
Add creative fun to your elf’s setup with a mini Color-by-Number Christmas Globe. This printable features a festive globe design that your elf can “work on,” complete with numbered sections for coloring.
Set out some crayons and let your kids join in to help their elf while enjoying their own coloring fun.
Christmas Memory Game
This activity includes tiny festive memory cards for your elf to “play.” Set the cards beside your elf, and let your kids play too by flipping the cards to find the matching pairs.
Elf Mail
These mini printable postcards are perfect for your elf to “send” messages to your kids. Personalize each postcard with fun notes from the North Pole, and place them next to your elf for a magical surprise your kids will love.
Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Activity Props
Enter your email below to grab this free Elf on the Shelf photo booth props printable.
To grab all of the printable props and ideas, see the digital shop here>>>
More Elf Notes To Use
Next, pick up these free handy elf notes for more quick and easy Elf on the Shelf activities plus creative hiding spots.
For a full set of done-for-you elf notes, see my shop here>> *And use the code ELF for 20% off!
Also, grab this free Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt for hide-and-seek fun with your elf!
Have a holiday family game night! Set your elf next to a …
- Free Christmas Charades cards
- Free Christmas trivia game cards
- Free Christmas would you rather questions
Don’t miss these other free Christmas printables too…
What’s Next?
Have fun making memories with your kids this holiday season!