Ready for a really fun Elf on the Shelf activity? Using a rhyming letter from your elf, find 12 hidden elves around the home in this hidden Elf on the Shelf Treasure Hunt. A super fun and interactive activity for your child. New creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.
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The Christmas season is upon us, and with it comes the return of our favorite festive friend – the Elf on the Shelf! If you’re looking to sprinkle a bit of extra enchantment into this beloved tradition, we have just the thing for you: the Hidden Elf Treasure Hunt. This printable and interactive game is sure to add a dash of excitement to your family’s holiday festivities creating an easy and interactive Elf on the Shelf idea!
The Magic Begins: A Rhyming Note from Your Elf
Imagine waking up to find your mischievous Elf on the Shelf has left a special note filled with a rhyming poem explaining the twelve missing elves. This printable note will add not a touch of holiday magic, but a fun scavenger hunt with Elf on the Shelf. The note explains that twelve little elves have hidden themselves throughout your home, waiting to be discovered by eager little eyes. The adventure begins as kids set out on a quest to locate these elusive elves.
Let’s show you how to create this holiday magic with your Elf.
Creating an Activity-Based Elf on the Shelf Hunt
As the undisputed masters of hide-and-seek, Scout Elves have honed their skills in planning the perfect scavenger hunt. For this easy Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt idea, the setup is simple. You can streamline the planning process by utilizing everyday household items for this exciting activity.
Get ready for a festive adventure with Elf – happy hunting!
Supplies
- Hidden Elf Treasure Hunt Set
- The Elf on the Shelf Doll
- Cardstock or paper (this is the best cardstock which is perfect for your Elf printables)
- Tape
- Scissors
- Printer (Low-cost pick)
How to Set Up the Hunt
First, download your Elf on the Shelf treasure hunt set. Print the digital files.
Once printed, you have almost everything you need including your Elf doll.
Cut out the Elves. Hang the missing elves’ poster on the wall. The elves’ pictures are all within the wanted poster.
Lay out the Hidden Elves Scavenger Hunt letter with your Scout Elf in a new spot. Your family elf is delivering the interactive activity.
We can’t give away the entire poem, but it starts like this…
In the midst of holiday cheer, there is a little rhyme,
It’s a festive riddle, just for Christmas time.
Twelve elves are hiding, causing giggles and fun,
Can you find them all? Let’s get this quest done!
Cut out the paper elves. Discreetly place the twelve elves in various spots around your home. Get creative – think bookshelves, under cushions, behind curtains, or peeking out from the Christmas tree.
Adaptions: For older kids, use the entire house. For younger kids, make the hidden elves in obvious locations. You can announce a perimeter so your entire house is not torn apart.
Options: Enhance the festive atmosphere by adding some holiday decorations or props near the hidden elves. Perhaps some tiny presents, miniature candy canes, fun prizes, and treats, or a gift to make the hunt even more magical.
The Joy of Discovery
As the kids awaken to the rhyming note, their eyes will light up with excitement. The challenge is on! Encourage them to work together, following the rhyming note and searching high and low for the elusive elves. The joy of discovery is unmatched as each elf is found, bringing smiles and laughter to your home.
Tip: If your child really enjoys this activity, also try this Elf on the Shelf game – a candy cane hunt!
Benefits of the Hidden Elf on the Shelf Hunt
In the guise of fun, this Elf scavenger hunt has many benefits, This fun idea also includes benefits like teamwork, critical thinking, lasting memories, and interactive fun.
Teamwork
In the spirited pursuit of uncovering the twelve hidden elves, the game becomes a dynamic platform for fostering teamwork. Siblings or friends, united in the common goal of finding these elusive creatures, learn the value of collaboration. As they share insights, strategize, and explore together, the Hidden Elf on the Shelf Hunt becomes not only a delightful game but also a bonding experience that strengthens the ties between participants.
Critical Thinking
Beyond the joy of the hunt, the rhyming letter left by the Elf becomes a clever catalyst for honing critical thinking skills. In the guise of festive fun, the Hidden Elf on the Shelf Hunt becomes an educational adventure, seamlessly weaving cognitive development into the fabric of holiday cheer.
Memorable Moments
Every discovery in the Hidden Elf on the Shelf Hunt is a small triumph that contributes to the creation of lasting memories. The joyous shouts of victory, the shared laughter, and the sparkle in the eyes of the little adventurers—all these moments etch themselves into the family’s collective memory. These memories, rich with the warmth of holiday excitement, become cherished stories that are recounted with smiles for years to come, creating a treasure trove of shared joy.
Interactive Tradition
This game adds an interactive twist to the hide-and-seek Elf on the Shelf tradition, making it even more engaging for kids. Traditions gain their charm from being more than mere routines—they evolve and adapt with each passing year. By adding an interactive dimension, children are no longer a passive observer. This infusion of interactivity elevates the holiday tradition, making it not just a whimsical annual visit but a lively engagement that captivates the imaginations of children.
Printable Elf Hunt
As mischievous as ever, our little elf friends have scattered themselves across your home, leaving behind a trail of clues that promise a treasure trove of holiday joy. This printable Elf on the Shelf activity not only sparks the thrill of a scavenger hunt but also invites your child to engage in the delightful mischief that characterizes the spirit of the Elf season. Every step in this Elf on the Shelf activity hunt is a moment of shared joy and festive discovery, making it the perfect addition to your family’s holiday traditions.
Are you looking to add some extra magic and excitement to your family’s holiday traditions? Get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure with our Hidden Elf Treasure Hunt Game! The activity sheets include 12 elves, a poem, and a missing poster for your cute little elf doll to deliver.
What you get with purchase:
- An adorable Elf on the Shelf Letter Poem that explains the directions to kids in a cute Christmas Riddle Rhyme.
- Elf Wanted Poster with a display of all 12 of Santa’s mischievous elves so children know just who to find!
- Instructions: Easy-to-follow guidance on how to play and set up the scavenger hunt in your home.
- 12 Adorable Elves to hide around the house.
- Bonus: Helpful Photo Index of Elf Ideas.
This printable activity for kids is perfect for families who cherish the joy and wonder of the holiday season.
Get the Hidden Elves Treasure Hunt Printable Pack
More Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt Ideas
The Hidden Elf Treasure Hunt is a delightful way to infuse extra magic into your Elf on the Shelf tradition. From the excitement of deciphering rhymes to the joy of uncovering hidden treasures, this interactive game is sure to become a cherished holiday memory for your family. You and your child will have so much fun racing through the home and uncovering a special surprise.
In addition to this fun adventure, there are other creative ways to create an Elf treasure hunt at home. The holiday season just got a whole lot more enchanting with the latest addition to your Elf on the Shelf adventures—the Printable Elf Treasure Hunt Map! Say goodbye to the ordinary Christmas scavenger hunt and get ready to elevate your family’s holiday tradition to a whole new level of excitement when you print this fun elf prop!
Step into a world of holiday enchantment with our latest festive offering—the Printable Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt, complete with 22 charming rhyming clue cards! Ignite the magic of Christmas as your family joins forces with the mischievous Elf on the Shelf on a delightful quest through your home. In this Christmas treasure hunt, each carefully crafted clue card unveils a whimsical riddle, leading your little ones on a merry journey of discovery. This interactive and joyful experience not only adds a dash of excitement to your Elf on the Shelf tradition but also creates unforgettable moments as children unravel the mysteries of the season.
Elf on the Shelf Printables
In addition to the Elf treasure hunts, 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, Elf letters, Elf notes, Elf games, and so much more!
Free Elf Printables
We also love sharing Elf printables! Get all of our free printable Elf props when you enter 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 signup.
3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with a 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.
By downloading digital downloads you are accepting the copyright terms and permissions that this is for personal use, non-commercial use. Please contact Frugal Coupon Living with any questions. If you don’t have a printer, use Staples Online Printing.
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Elf on the Shelf Resources
At Frugal Coupon Living, our goal is 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 an 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, that the Elf is not touched 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.
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 moved our red little North Pole friend year after year. We have created plenty of free printables, must-have resources, inspirational Elf links, and more. Use us as a platform to keep your sanity through the entire Christmas season.
Use the helpful Elf on the Shelf links to come up with creative 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 are 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 on all the Elf on the Shelf 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 a Shelf resource and sometimes hidden coupon codes and freebies!
Follow on social media! Take a look at the 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.
Disclosure: Frugal Coupon Living and this blog post are not associated with CCA & B, LLC, Scout Elf, The Elf on the Shelf, or the Lumistella Company.
WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Christmas, Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next party.
Last Updated on November 27, 2023 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living
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