Elf on the Shelf

How To Play Elf on the Shelf

The Elf on the Shelf is a fun holiday tradition for families to play in the lead up to Christmas. It can also be played in a unique style at a Christmas party or youth group Christmas event.

For Families

Purchase or adopt an Elf on the Shelf toy. Each elf comes with a storybook that explains the tradition.

When the holiday season begins, introduce the elf to your children and read the storybook together. Explain that the elf is a special messenger from Santa who will be watching over them to see if they are being good.

Choose a spot in your home where you will place the elf each day. It's fun to switch up the location to keep your children guessing. Some ideas for places to put the elf include on the mantel, in a stocking, on top of the tree, or in a toy basket.

Each night, after your children have gone to bed, move the elf to a new spot in the house. Make sure to be creative and move the elf to different locations each day. You can also have the elf hold a small note or do a small activity, such as leaving cookies and milk out for Santa or setting up a small holiday-themed display.

Have fun with the Elf on the Shelf tradition by coming up with creative ways to move the elf and incorporating it into your holiday activities. Your children will love waking up each morning to see where the elf has ended up!

For Christmas Parties and Youth Groups

This version would kind of be like a find the elf scavenger hunt. Purchase one or more small elves to hide around the property or location where you are hosting the event. Then set the challenge to your event attendees to find as many of the elves as they can. It could be a timed challenge or you could make it play out longer with teams and clues. Get creative!

Added by
Youth Group Games
on 25 December 2022