Six amazing Elf on the Shelf letters. Three Elf on the Shelf arrival letters to choose from and three blank Elf on the Shelf letters from one or multiple elves. Frugal Coupon Living has new creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

Are you ready to welcome back Elf on the Shelf?! The best way to get started with this fun Christmas tradition or to welcome back Elf on the Shelf is with a letter. Since Elf on a Shelf cannot talk, having an elf note allows you to express a message without voice to the kiddos.

When Does Elf Return?

Elf on the Shelf typically returns Thanksgiving or December 1st. However, Elf can return anytime during the holiday season – from, as early as, November 1 to right before Christmas Eve. Each family will have a different arrival date as sometimes the line for exiting North Pole customs can be quite long. If you are looking for a fun way to welcome the Elf, there are so many first night Elf on the Shelf ideas.

Does Elf on the Shelf come with a letter?

The Original Scout Elf on the Shelf doll only comes with a book. When you purchase Scout Elf on the Shelf kit , it does not come with a letter. Letters are great for elves, however, because they give voice to a message and as we know elves cannot talk. With an Elf letter you can tell a child many things. The first time to send an Elf on a Shelf letter is when your elf arrives.

Want new Elf on a Shelf Ideas in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letters

There are many creative ideas for an Elf on the Shelf arrival. If the first Elf on the Shelf arrival idea is great, typically you can spend a few days getting away with the one minute easy Elf on the Shelf idea.

Elf Arrival Ideas

• Elf comes through an Elf door

• Elf arrives down the chimney

• Elf flies in on an airplane

• Elf returns with a small gift

• Elf Breakfast

• Elf brings clues for a Christmas Scavenger Hunt

• Elf is trapped in a balloon

• Elf arrives in a package

• Elf starts the Advent Calendar

• Elf brings a printable letter

Whatever your first night Elf on the Shelf idea, we created three Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter printables for you to use when the elf arrives.

Elf on the Shelf Letter from Santa

Elf on the Shelf return letter from the office of Santa.

I’m back! It’s Christmas time and I am so excited to be here. Santa and I have been watching from the North Pole but now he has given me permission to visit you. I will be here each and every day until Christmas Eve, when I return to my home with Santa on his sleigh. I want to remind you to be good, follow directions, and be a helper to others. Christmas is the best time to spread Christmas Cheer!

Elf on the Shelf Hello Letter

This Elf on the Shelf introduction letter is a hello message for arrival.

Hello – I am back! I am so excited to be out of the cold North Pole. As you know, I will be staying with you until Christmas Eve. Santa has sent me to be his eyes and ears and I love reporting back to Santa that you’ve been nice. There are many ways to be good, a few of my favorites include listening to adults, helping with chores, eating your veggies, and doing good deeds. A few ways to spread Christmas cheer are giving compliments or offering hugs – my personal favorite. I will be watching! XO The Elf

Elf on the Shelf Letter About Jesus

Elf reminds your child about the reason for the season of CHRIST-mas!

I am so happy to be back! Christmas is exciting and I promise to be fun, but let’s not forget the reason for the season – the birth of Jesus! As you know, Santa has placed me with your family to report all the wonderful things I see in your family. You can talk to me and I can share your secrets with Santa. Remember, however, I cannot talk back to you. Merry CHRIST-mas!

Elf on the Shelf Blank Letter

In addition to arrival letters, using Elf on the Shelf blank letter templates, you can write messages throughout the season.  This allows you to pass messages from you the Elf to your child. It also encourages existing good behavior or can correct poor behavior.

These blank letters have three headings: Note from the Elf, Note from the Elves, and Christmas Cheer! The generic templates allow you to have a personalized Elf on the Shelf Letter.

What do you write in an elf on the shelf letter?

There are many message you can give in an Elf on a Shelf letter. Blank Elf on the Shelf letters allow you to personalize messages to your child’s behavior, day, activities, plans, etc.

Examples of what to write in a letter from Elf:

• Correct poor behavior

• Ask your child to clean up their room

• Encourage good behavior

• Wish a Happy birthday

• Tell about an exciting family activity your child doesn’t know about yet

• Tell a funny joke

• Wish a Merry Christmas

• Find the  _____ (Candy Canes, Hershey kisses, or ornaments) Elf game

Below you can write a message from the Elf using Elf Letter Header templates. With each of the Elf letterhead, you can write your own personalized Elf on the Shelf note.

Multiple Elves A Note from the Elves Letter

A Note from the Elf

Christmas Cheer! Letter Header

Elf on the Shelf Letter Template Download

Let’s get in the Christmas spirit! Are you ready to have all six Elf on the Shelf Letter Templates in your hands. Kids will love these three Elf on the Shelf Welcome back letter printable and three blank letters for their Elf doll.

In addition to the printable arrival letters, the most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more! Everything you need to create quick and easy Elf ideas.

In addition to the elf returns letter, there also is a farewell or good bye letter to use when your family Elf retires.

Free Elf on the Shelf Downloads

You are a busy mom and the evening is not the best time for ideas. I get it. I also love sharing free Elf on the Shelf ideas printables!

Get free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. If you like the free printable letter, jokes or Elf props, perhaps come back later and grab something fun from the Elf Store.

Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password for your free pritnable elf content!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas

The easiest Elf seasons are the ones where you are prepared. Download your Elf on the Shelf Calendar. Print all your Elf digital downloads. By taking a few extra minutes to gather Elf printables, you can create easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily for the entire season.

At Frugal Coupon Living, we have created almost 60 new ideas every season for over seven years. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. This list is updated regularly during the Christmas season.

Want new easy Elf Ideas in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

Elf on the Shelf on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas. There are naughty, nice, and mischief Elf ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

WHAT’S TRENDING? Enjoy these fun holiday games. DOWNLOAD 16 HALLOWEEN MINUTE TO WIN IT GAMES FOR ADULTS, KIDS & YOUTH . The printable Halloween games set includes party games instructions and a supply list.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

If you’re looking for some fun, lighthearted holiday entertainment, an old-fashioned Christmas carol may not be the way to go this year. Instead, Elf yourself with the app and free printable Elf Template in light and dark skin paper elves. Enjoy new, creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

Want new Elf on the Shelf Ideas in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we all know that this Christmas season is a great time for a new family holiday tradition. From baking cookies for Santa, making a birthday cake for Jesus, or welcoming a family elf there are many ways you can create fun activities in the home.

Of course if you are an Elf on the Shelf fan, you are going to want to catch elf moving! Make your own JibJab Christmas ecard, create a fun paper Christmas craft Elf doll, use a stop motion app to catch your family elf moving within your home, or make your own viral ElfYourself video.

ElfYourself App

Let’s talk about the Elf Yourself Phone all. Spread holiday cheer with a fun ElfYourself App. Get ready for belly laughs when you transform your family into dancing elf dolls.

What is ElfYourself?

ElfYourself is a popular app of the holiday season. Rated E for everyone, it is available on both Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Since 2006, this Office Depot original has created over 2 billion customized elves. It features dancing elves featuring many dance styles. Upload photos of you, your family or even your furry friends. Up to five elves can be added this this adorable dancing elves video.

How much does ElfYourself App cost?

It is free to download the ElfYourself app. And I promise this free holiday app is worth it.

If you want to customize your elf dances, you will pay. There are a number of in-app purchases available which are all different types of dances/themes. You can share your Christmas movie card for free, download for $7.99 or get a season pass for $5.00

How to make an ElfYourself Video

The interface is very user friendly.  Download this app to tablets, android devices or your Apoole IOS platform. Once you download the Elf Yourself App, it’s easy to create your family ElfYourself video.

Visitors upload faces of themselves or their friends and have the option to post the created video to other sites or save it as a personalized mini-film.

To get started…

1.) Upload an image of yourself using Facebook photos, your camera roll, by taking a photo, using chosen faces or connecting Instagram.

2.) Line up the mouth and position the face to center it in the elf face frame. Pinch to zoom, turn to rotate or drag to move.

3.) Choose up to 4 more Elf faces of friends, family members and/or pets.

4.) Add a personalized greeting.

5.) Choose your favorite dance style from dozens of fun holiday videos.

6.) Watch your dancing little elves star in adorable elf movies.

Let’s see your amazing dancing skills. Happy Elfing!

Elf Yourself Template

Of course have fun making your own dancing paper elf craft with a little bit of creativity. With this fun printable Christmas craft, you can Elf yourself for free!

The whole family will enjoy this cutest coloring activity and holiday craft. You could even have your Elf on the Shelf bring the supplies.

Supplies

It’s very easy to gather your Christmas Elf craft supplies. In fact, you likely have everything you need already.

• Free Elf Template Printable PDF Download (see below)
• Brads Fasteners or glue stick
• White cardstock or printer paper
• Printer
• Scissors
• Glue
• Optional: Crayons, colored pencils or markers
• Optional: The Elf on the Shelf Doll

Note: If you want a moveable dancing paper elf, use the brads fasteners available here. These will help you show off your dance moves and elf yourself with your own Christmas elf craft.

How do I make a paper elf?

First, download and print your paper elf templates. You can choose the white elf, black elf, or color an Elf to personalize your activity.

Once your paper elf template is printed (on white paper cardstock or printer paper), cut out the pieces of your Elf. Cut out the illustrations including the elf hat, arms, legs, body, head, Christmas gift box and holly. Lay your cuts aside.

Choose if you will use brads for a moveable paper elf doll or glue for a stationary Elf on the Shelf. If using brads, use scissors to poke a small hole in the shoulders and hips of your paper elves. If using glue, start gluing all the parts together.

Viola! You built your own happy Elf doll. Hang on your Christmas tree as an ornament or put on your kids’ art wall for a fun way to to display holiday flare.

Tip: You can also use the black and white printable page as cute Elf on the Shelf coloring pages. An Elf on a Shelf idea is to have your Santa’s helpers bring a cute Elf on the Shelf coloring page on one of their daily visits.

What are some elf yourself alternatives?

While Elf yourself is an amazing platform and app that will bring a lot of holiday humor to your family, you might be looking for something a little bit within the budget… like maybe something free?!

Take a look at these alterative ideas to ElfYourself…

• Elf on the Shelf Tracker – use the stop motion app and track your Elf in your home
• Printable Elf Template – download and print our printable Elf template in the free elf on the shelf printables library. Instead of using the provided elf’s head, use Shutterfly (or another photo resource) and out out the heads of your family. Have fun creating your own elf yourself template with your family’s faces.
• Elf Crafts – Fun ideas from elf coloring pages to a paper elf puppet template, take a look at these fun Christmas crafts. Get into the Christmas spired with these cute & inspired Elf on the shelf craft ideas.
• JibJab– create holiday ecards by uploading photos of your family and friends.

Ready to download your own printable elf template? See below and have so much fun making your own Elf on the Shelf simple craft.

Printable Elf Template Cut & Play

Build your own elf with a free printable elf yourself template. This printable Christmas Craft comes in three different styles

• Elf printable coloring page you can personalize
• Dark skinned Elf template
• Light skinned Elf template

Young children will get into the holiday spirit with this easy idea you can do today!

>>Download the Free Elf Printable Template Set<<

Free Elf Printables

This freebie is found in our free Elf on the Shelf printable library!

Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf Printables.

More Printable Elf Props

Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Elf on the Shelf Resources

At Frugal Coupon Living, our goal, to create an easy Elf on the Shelf season for you. This is not our first year of having an Elf in the home. With over eight years of Elf ideas, we have created a rather large Elf on the Shelf fan club full of new Elf on the Shelf ideas. These Elf on the Shelf resources are all you need to create the best Elf ideas.

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

More Helpful Elf on the Shelf Links

Some call Frugal Coupon Living the biggest resource for all things Elf on the Shelf. While we don’t want to brag, we will. We have move our red little North Pole friend for year after year. We have created plenty of free printables, must have resources, inspirational Elf links and more. Use us at a platform to keep your sanity through the entire Christmas season.

Use the helpful Elf on the Shelf links to come up with create ideas, grab free printables, and answer Elf on the Shelf Questions.

• Elf on the Shelf Ideas – a Starter guide to all things elf including some of our top post ideas and Elf on the Shelf digital downloads.
• Largest List of Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Now over 600 Elf on the Shelf ideas. New ideas added daily during November and December.
• Elf on the Shelf Questions and Answers – Are you just beginning with an Elf? Could you use a refresher of all the Elf rules. Take a look at frequently asked elf on the shelf questions to get started. You will immediately be an Elf expert.
• Free Elf on the Shelf Printables – Sign up for our emails and grab these free Elf digital downloads to help you during the Elf season. Includes an Elf calendar, notes, Elf coloring pages, encouraging ideas and more.
• DIY Bendable Elf on the Shelf – Want your Elf to do all sorts of positions. This is an easy no-sew bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.
• Elf Shop with Digital Downloads – This is one of the best Elf shops full of printable resources to perfect the holiday season.
• Elf on the Shelf Emails with New  Ideas Daily – Each day we will write you with a new Elf on the Shelf idea as well as links to Elf on the shelf resources and sometimes hidden coupon codes and freebies!

Take a look at our Elf on the Shelf Facebook Group and Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Board. Tell us what you are doing with your Elf on the Shelf this season. Is there an Elf idea we haven’t tried? Do you have any Elf on the Shelf questions. Leave a comment here or on Pinterest.

By downloading digital downloads you are accepting the copyright terms and permissions that this is for personal, non-commercial use. Please contact Frugal Coupon Living with any questions. If you don’t have a printer, use Staples Online printing.

I am happy to share printables. When sharing with others, please lead them to my website instead of emailing them the file(s). Thanks for visiting and thanks for sharing with others!

WHAT’S TRENDING? Enjoy these fun holiday games. DOWNLOAD 16 HALLOWEEN MINUTE TO WIN IT GAMES FOR ADULTS, KIDS & YOUTH . The printable Halloween games set includes party games instructions and a supply list.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

View our full list of Elf on the Shelf Trackers. Elf on the Shelf tracker apps, online trackers, and how to catch Elf on the Shelf moving on camera. New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

Elf on the Shelf Tracker

Your Elf on the Shelf has arrived, now what? Does just the thought of a Scout Elf coming in your house give you anxiety? It gave me anxiety for a long time and that is why I have been working on new Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily (in the months of November and December) for the past seven years.

Every year I bring you at least 55 New Elf on the Shelf Ideas. I have been doing this for 7 years, so in our Huge Elf on the Shelf List (100+ ideas) You can find over 500 Funny Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Many come with a Free Elf on the Shelf Printable.

If you are getting started with the offical Elf on the Shelf, make sure you have a Bendable Scout Elf.  In addition to our free Elf printables, you also can shop our best collection of Elf Digital Downloads & Printables.

Magical Elf on the Shelf Trackers

Let’s talk about different Elf on the Shelf Tracker online. Online trackers, slow moving Elf on the Shelf videos, and Elf on the Shelf Calendars…. this post will answer all your Elf tracker information.

Elf Tracker Apps

First, let’s talk about Elf on the Shelf Tracker Apps.

Alexa North Pole Elf Tracker With Amazon Echo

This is the easiest Elf Tracker. Add the North Pole Elf Tracker to your Alexa and daily check in to report your Elf on the Shelf Activity. Emma the head Elf tracker needs updates of your Elf’s daily activities. Great for kids.

Elf on The Shelf Tracker Radar Simulator 

This Elf tracker app is more simplistic. Perfect for little kids who would not see the hole in it’s design. For example, Similar to the NORAD Santa tracker, find where your elf is moving around the earth. Only your elf might be on the self in your home. If your child won’t question situations like that, let them play with this Elf tracker.

Elf On The Shelf Live Tracker Simulator

This Elf on the Shelf tracker offers a bit more of an interactive experience. Use a tracker radar and follow elves on a map.

Shelf Elf Tracker – Where’s that Elf? – Daily Reminder and Ideas for your Scout Elf’s Location

This Elf tracker is more of a personal tracker for you. Get daily questions asking where your Elf is and update the app to keep a running log of your Scout Elf’s activity and whereabouts. (Parents, it has the potential to act as your daily “reminder.”)

Moving Elf on the Shelf Caught on Camera

Often I get asked how to catch Elf on the Shelf moving. Children cannot catch elf moving but sometimes a camera can!

Parents, if you have been asking how to make elf move, the best way to track Elf on the Shelf moving is to use the Life Lapse Stop Motion Maker for Google or Life Lapse Stop Motion Maker for Apple.

See the video below for creative scenarios and a tutorial for Elf on the Shelf using the stop motion app.

Elf on the Shelf Snapchat Filter

Of course, there is another way to get Elf on the Shelf moving on camera. Take a photo in your home (Of your Christmas tree, your sleeping child, you name it) and add a dancing and moving Elf on the Shelf.

You can see this in action by following these simple steps.

Elf on the Shelf Snapchat Directions

1. Open your Snapchat.
2. Once you sign in, look for Elf Shelf by CAL or Elf Twerk by CAL
3. Take a photo of your home
4. Add the Elf Snapchat filter

You should have it for 48 or download or record screen to keep longer.

Santa Tracker

On Christmas Eve, you can also track Santa has he travels the globe visiting the homes of good boys and girls and picking up many Scout Elves.

Official NORAD Santa Tracker

For 60 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa’s flight. Follow Santa as he makes his

Elf on the Shelf Printables

Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf Outfits, Elf Twister Board, Elf Scavenger Hunt, Elf Employee of the Month and so much more! This also includes our Editable Elf on the Shelf Calendar PDF with filllable fields.

Elf on the Shelf Tracker Printable

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! If your child wants to keep track of their own Elf on the Shelf activities, download our Elf on the Shelf Calendar and use the blank copy as an Elf Tracker. Save the other copy as Elf on the Shelf Ideas for you!

You can also Elf yourself with the free printable elf template. Three designs so you can make your own paper elf craft and moveable Elf. Also learn how to use the ElfYourself App for a cute dancing Elf idea. This Elf on the Shelf printable is found in our free printable library.

Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Download Elf on the Shelf Tracker Calendar

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

Don’t forget all of our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

We have been doing Elf on the Shelf forever. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Enjoy these fun holiday games. DOWNLOAD 16 HALLOWEEN MINUTE TO WIN IT GAMES FOR ADULTS, KIDS & YOUTH . The printable Halloween games set includes party games instructions and a supply list.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

Looking for a diverse group of Elf on the Shelf dolls? We show you where to buy a Black Elf on the Shelf doll and creative Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily during the Christmas season.

During the month of November and December, we share a new Elf on the Shelf Idea every day. Get these Elf on the Shelf Ideas in your inbox daily during the elf season! Sign up here!

Black Elf on the Shelf Doll

Is there a Black Elf on the Shelf?

If you are looking for a Black Elf on the Shelf doll, you are in luck! Yes, there are diverse Elf on the Shelf dolls. In fact, as CCA & B company has grown, there are now different colored Elf on the Shelf dolls and different genders. As someone who actually has one of the original Elf on the Shelf dolls, I have seen how the doll has changed and new dolls have been introduced. It has been nice to see the evolution of time and inclusion of all genders and ethnic groups.

It is important to know, however, that all official Scout Elves (of all colors and genders) do have a red outfit and white collar. Any colored Elf on the Shelf dolls including purple elf, blue elf, leopard elf, pink elf, camo Elf on the Shelf, and black & white Elf on the Shelf dolls are off brands. You also can not buy a a brown Elf on the Shelf doll only, you will need to get an Elf doll with the Elf on the Shelf Book.

Where can I get a Black Elf on the Shelf?

There are many places to pick up an African American Elf on the Shelf doll.

• Walmart Black Elf on the Shelf Boy Dark
• Walmart Black Elf on the Shelf Girl Dark
• Amazon Black Elf on the Shelf Boy Dark
• Amazon Black Elf on the Shelf Boy Girl
• Target Dark Elf on the Shelf Black Girl Doll
• Target Dark Elf on the Shelf Black Boy
• Black Elf on the Shelf Plushee Boy
• Black Elf on the Shelf Plushee Girl
• Black & White Elf (this is an off brand, Elves behaving badly)

Black Elf on the Shelf Near Me

Another good place to find a black Elf on the Shelf is with shopping locally. On Small Business Friday, the day after Black Friday, consider shopping at mom and pop bookstores near you.

Also specialty stores and boutiques have been known to have Elf on the Shelf kits. Sometimes these Elf sets are available longer than your big box stores and large online retailers. Some boutique stores have had Elf on the Shelf doll only (which is never the original Scout Elf, as Scout Elves comes with a Elf on the Shelf book.)

When is the best time to buy an Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf dolls sell out fast when the Christmas season is here. Buy off season and continue to check in if you do not see the Black Elf on the Shelf sale you want. The Elf on the Shelf set includes a book and doll. You can buy some sets with accessories.

Elf on the Shelf boxes will rarely, if all, be discounted below $24. You mainly will find brown Elf on the Shelf sets closer to $30. Do not wait until after Thanksgiving, or you likely will not find the Elf doll you want.

Keep an eye on our Elf on the Shelf Black Friday deals.

The dark skinned Elf on the Shelf dolls can be used with any family. We have close friends from India, that have used this as an Indian Elf on the Shelf doll.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas

If you have been with us a long time, you know we have brought you a new Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily (in the months of November and December) for the past seven years. If you are new to Frugal Coupon Living, welcome! You can view our Elf on the Shelf Master List for a full list of ideas including every idea we have ever done. Sign up here to get new ideas daily in your inbox during the Elf season.

For many of these Elf on the Shelf ideas, make sure you have an elf that can bend. You can do that easily with our Bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.  (Notice that original Elf on the Shelf doll I spoke of above!)

Want more for your Elf on the Shelf doll(s)? You also can shop our collection of Elf Printables for ideas to cover the entire season!

Elf on the Shelf Printables

Our most popular Elf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Free Elf Printables

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables including Black Elf on the Shelf Names. They are quite North Pole traditional – Snowflake, Tinsel, Faith, Star, Frosty, etc.

Or Elf yourself with our free printable Elf Template including a dark skinned Elf. This paper Elf brings everyone into the holiday spirit.

Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

Don’t forget all of our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

We have been doing Elf on the Shelf forever. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Enjoy these fun holiday games. DOWNLOAD 16 HALLOWEEN MINUTE TO WIN IT GAMES FOR ADULTS, KIDS & YOUTH . The printable Halloween games set includes party games instructions and a supply list.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

Want some thoughtful kids activities for the holidays? Download and print these kindness elves printables to get your kids excited for Elf on the Shelf and spreading cheer! Choose kindness and get started with these ELFless Random Acts of Kindness ideas today. Creative, funny, and new ideas for Elf on the Shelf daily.

Want new Elf on the Shelf Ideas in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about ways to spread some holiday cheer! One fun way to do this is with a little help from the elves. These Kindness Elves Printables are a great way to encourage your kids to be kind and do good deeds throughout the holiday season.

Pay it Forward Christmas Ideas

The holiday season is a perfect time to shower others with daily acts of kindness. You know the expression “the gift of giving.” Giving of yourself and your time really is a gift to yourself.  Teach your children the importance of serving others with Christmas pay it forward ideas.

These fun kindness elves notes can be used with or without an Elf on the Shelf. In fact, you can use the ideas to fill your home with the act of serving others not even using an Elf.

Take a look at some of these fun ideas for paying it forward this Christmas.

Pass Out Candy Canes

Clean Your Sibling’s Room

Bake a Treat for  Neighbor

Collect Toys to Donate to Someone Else

Collect and Deliver Cans for  Food Pantry

Donate Old Blankets or Towels to the Animal Shelter

Write a Kind Note for your Teacher

Forgive Someone and Pray for Them

Volunteer

Do a Chore for your Brother or Sister

Set the Dinner Table

Pick up Trash at the Park

These are just a few of the fun 25 Christmas daily acts of kindness you can do this holiday season.

If you found showing others thoughtful gestures a bit fun, then see more ways to pay it forward with Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) all year.

What is the Story of the Kindness Elves?

The Story of the the Kindness Elves is a book written by Anna Ranson and Benjamin Byrne. The Kindness Elves storybook introduces children to the joy that showing daily acts of kindness can bring, in whimsical and magical ways. The elves focus on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and goodness (which you might recognize as the Fruits of the Spirit.)

While the book is an introduction to the Kindness Elves dolls and Accessories Kit, they do not have to be used with holiday kindness gestures. The two can be separated and used individually.

Whether you believe in elves or not, kindness elves are real because acts of good gestures are real. We can all be a secret Santa or an empathetic elf with small acts of kind gestures this Christmas season.

Ways to Use the Kindness Elf on the Shelf Printable

Some say the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear. We all know that using ones vocal chords do the loudest degree might actually do the opposite. This season, bring empathy, gratitude and (of course) holiday cheer by performing Random Acts of Kindness for Christmas.

As busy parents, sometimes it’s hard to come up with new ideas on our own. This Christmas kindness elves resource is all you need to jump start that idea. Once you print off these 25 Kindness Elves Ideas, there are several ways you can use them.

Random Acts of Kindness

Have your kids pick one random act of kindness to do each day! They can choose from the elf ideas or they can write down their own on the cards provided. This promote kindness, sharing, and gratitude in children.

Good Deed Tracker

If you have an Elf on the Shelf, you could put these papers in his backpack and have him bring one to your child each day. Your kid can then do the good deed and check it off the list with the included good deed checklist. It’s like a little book of big kindness record keeper.

Classroom Kindness Challenge

Challenge your child’s class to see who can complete the most acts of kindness! Each day, have your child write down the act of kindness they completed and then bring it back to school to add to the classroom chart. This is incredibly cute if you are a teacher doing Elf on the Shelf in the classroom. You could even make this pat of your school community and give each classroom a challenge of getting the most RAKs.

Kid’s Choice

Let your kids choose which act of kindness they want to do each day. They can mix it up and do different things or they can focus on one type of act (like always giving compliments or a smile).

Start a Kindness Chain

See how long you can keep the kindness going! After your child completes an act of kindness, have them find someone else to do something nice for. That person can then pay it forward and do something nice for someone else. Keep going to see how long the chain can be! You could incorporate this into a Christmas paper chain craft alternating festive red and green construction paper. See how long your chain can get.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Cut the mischief! Toss the pranks. If you have an Elf on the Shelf doll, he can deliver cards with acts of kindness kids can do each day. This could be delivered with his new location each day. You could even deliver a kindness card in the mailbox as daily mail. You could also have him do one of the acts of kindness himself and then leave a note for your child explaining what he did. Use with an Elf doll or with the original Kindness Elves Dolls. Check out more Elf on the Shelf Ideas here.

Christmas Traditions

Start a new tradition that feels a little bit more true to the celebration of the season. You can easily print off these Kindness Elves ideas and use them in your Christmas Eve traditions. We like to use the kindness ideas alongside our other Christmas traditions like Christmas pajamas, a holiday movie, or even a night before Christmas book!

Give as a Gift

If you LOVE this Kindness Elf on the Shelf printable, then you’re really going to LOVE giving it as a gift. You can package it up and give it to a friend, neighbor, or family member. It makes the perfect Christmas gift!

The holidays are a time to spread cheer and kindness, and what better way to do that than with these adorable printables? These Kindness Elves Ideas are perfect for encouraging your kids (and even adults!) to do good deeds throughout the holiday season. You can use them in several different ways, like tracking good deeds, doing random acts of kindness, or even starting a kindness chain.

Kindness Elf on the Shelf Printables

Let’s be ELFless (selfless) and choose kindness! Are you ready to print our Kindness Elves Resources? Grab this Kindness Elf Printable Bundle in our Elf store and immediately have 25 daily magic of kindness ideas.

What’s included in the set?

• 25 Kindness cards on small notes for the elves to deliver (use or without your own kindness elves)
• A Random Act of Kindness Checklist to keep track of your progress
• Optional: Blank Elf notes for you to personalize fill out on your own

Have an amazing impact while having lots of fun! Let’s make the world kinder – grab these Random Acts of Kindness Elf on the Shelf ideas today!

Want more? Our most popular Elf prop printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Free Elf Printables

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! From an Elf on the Shelf calendar, to notes, postcards, letter boards and more you will want to be apart of this free printable library. This kindness theme also fits the give a hand kindness Elf on the Shelf printable.

Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

In our free printable library, you can also shower a delivery driver with this free Random Acts of Kindness printable for USPS, FedEx and UPS.

More Elf on the Shelf Fun

We are back, so is the Elf on the Shelf! If you have been with us a long time, you know we have brought you a new Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily (in the months of November and December) for the past seven years. You can view our Elf on the Shelf Master List for a full list of ideas including every idea we have ever done.

For many of these Elf on the Shelf ideas, make sure you have an elf that can bend. You can do that easily with our Bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.  You also can shop our collection of Elf Printables for ideas to cover the entire season!

Elf on the Shelf on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

What is Elf on the Shelf?

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas Tradition. The tradition has a book and a elf doll. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits each Thanksgiving. He/She goes and returns from the North Pole each evening. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. The Elf has been found in the refrigerator, fishing in the toilet, writing messages on the mirror or hanging from the lights. It is VERY IMPORTANT, the Elf is not touch each evening or his Christmas magic will be lost! Each family is able to name their special elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve. An Elf’s Story can also be found on DVD.

Don’t forget all of our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

We have been doing Elf on the Shelf forever. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Enjoy these fun holiday games. DOWNLOAD 16 HALLOWEEN MINUTE TO WIN IT GAMES FOR ADULTS, KIDS & YOUTH . The printable Halloween games set includes party games instructions and a supply list.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.

Have you heard of the kindness elves? Your family elf can encourage your child to give a helping hand! Take a look at these ELFless Elf on the Shelf kindness ideas and print our free kindness letter for Elf and your child. New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

Want new Elf on the Shelf Ideas in your inbox daily in the month of November & December? Sign up here!

Having  a family Elf is the perfect opportunity to encourage random acts of kindness and remind your child of the reason for the season. There are many ways to promote how the Christmas season is for helping hands, for giving instead of receiving.

Speaking of hands, are you supposed to undo the Elf on the Shelf hands?… the short answer is yes!

How do you undo Elf on the Shelf hands?

Speaking of Elf on the Shelf hands, you are supposed to undo your Elf’s hands. They come sewn together to  It’s important to carefully separate the tie that holds your Elf on the Shelf hands together. Nail scissors are great for smaller cuts and protecting your Elf hands.

Elf on the Shelf hands come sewn together so you can create position. For example, it’s easy to hang Elf on a Christmas tree limb or on a door knob. However, this can easily be resolved if you create a posable Elf on the Shelf. Once you have your Elf on the Shelf hands free, the next step you want to take is making sure you have an elf that can bend. You can do that easily with our no-sew bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.

Elf on the Shelf Helping Hands

So far, we have mastered undoing Elf on the Shelf hands sewn together and creating a bendable, wired Elf on the Shelf doll. Take it another step with Elf on the Shelf posable hands.

Holly Jolly Fun Crafts has adorable posable hands – you can bend the fingers and such – this means you can create two thumbs up! For our next Elf on the Shelf idea, we are going to use the hands however you can do do this random acts of kindness Elf on the Shelf ideas without these posable Elf gloved hands.

Supplies

• The Elf on the Shelf Doll
• Helping Hands Random Acts of Kindness Elf on the Shelf Letter
• Tape
• Optional: Gloved Elf on the Shelf Hands

Directions

In a matter of minutes, create this Helping Hands Elf on the Shelf idea. The Elf printable letter reads….

Give a hand day! What can you do that is nice for someone today?

Instantly download and print this free Elf on the Shelf letter. Prop it against a wall with tape. We used double sided tape to tape Elf’s arm in place. Viola! Done.

I can’t wait to see what adorable Random Acts of Kindness your child and Elf come up with! Leave a comment below and share.

Elf on the Shelf Kindness Ideas

In addition to our free Helping Hands printable, we have more ways your family Elf on the Shelf can encourage your child to give back to the community.

Take a look at these kindness elves ideas to help spread random acts of kindness and helping hands during the holiday season.

Elf on the Shelf Donate Toys Letter

Elf on the Shelf Donate Canned Goods

You’ve Been Elfed Printable

If you have been with us a long time, you know we have brought you a new Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily (in the months of November and December) for the past seven years. You can view our Elf on the Shelf Master List for a full list of ideas including every idea we have ever done.

Elf on the Shelf Printables

Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Free Elf Printables

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables including this Helping Hands Kindness Letter Elf on the Shelf printable.

Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf on Social Media

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

Don’t forget all of our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest on your Christmas and Elf Boards.

We have been doing Elf on the Shelf forever. See our Elf on the Shelf Master List. Pin to Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Enjoy these fun holiday games. DOWNLOAD 16 HALLOWEEN MINUTE TO WIN IT GAMES FOR ADULTS, KIDS & YOUTH . The printable Halloween games set includes party games instructions and a supply list.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



Stay in the know with daily deals, recipes, crafts, life hacks and seasonal content on Frugal Coupon Living. Receive this and more in your inbox.