While your Elf on the Shelf is busy exploring the house this holiday season, these free printable notes make the elf’s visits more interactive and magical. Use them to leave little messages, prompts, and surprises that encourage creativity, reading, counting, and good habits.
For families new to the tradition: an Elf on the Shelf is a small, stuffed elf that “stays” in the home during the Christmas season. Each morning the elf appears in a different spot, sometimes getting into harmless mischief and sometimes leaving behind notes like the ones below. These messages are an easy, low-prep way to spark excitement and connection during the holidays.
When you first bring an elf into your home, consider pairing these notes with an arrival letter, a personal elf door, and a goodbye letter at the end of the season. If you need ideas for daily setups and playful scenes, a simple cheat sheet of elf moves can help you plan memorable mornings for your kids.
How to Print Your Elf on the Shelf Notes
These printable elf notes are ready to download and cut apart. For a more authentic touch, have the elf “sign” each note or use colored ink to make them feel special.
Download the PDF and print on your home printer using color ink. Cut out the individual notes and tuck them around the house for your children to discover.
How to Use Your Elf Notes
The printable includes 16 short notes you can leave for your children. Below are simple ways to use each message; pair them with small props or treats to create a delightful surprise.
- “Wow! Thanks for all this paper so I could make snowflakes!” – Use toilet paper, paper towels, or printer paper to make paper snowflakes and leave the note alongside them.
- “Will you draw a picture for me!?” – Leave paper and crayons or paints with this note so your child can create a special drawing for the elf.
- “Woah! Your Christmas tree is so cool.” – Place this note near the elf on the Christmas tree for a fun discovery.
- “I hid 5 ornaments… Can you find them?” – Remove five ornaments and hide them around the room. Leave this note for a simple scavenger hunt.
- “5 days ’til Christmas! 5 days! 5 days!” – Use as a countdown note to build holiday anticipation.
- “Will you read a Christmas book with me?” – Tuck this note into a favorite holiday book for a cozy bedtime reading prompt.
- “Mmm… What’s for breakfast!?” – Leave this note on the kitchen table as a playful morning greeting.
- “Look what I found!” – Use when the elf “discovers” something your child has been searching for or to highlight a small toy or trinket.
- “Surprise!” – Pair with cookies, a small gift, a new game, or a holiday movie for an extra-special reveal.
- “Oops! I made a mess.”strong> – Leave a few crumbs or a small mess with this note to suggest the elf snacked during the night.
- “Thought you might like this extra special treat!” – Attach to a candy cane, sticker, or other small treat.
- “10 days! 10 days! 10 days! 10 days!” – Another countdown-style note to keep excitement growing as Christmas approaches.
- “Brrr… It’s cold in here.” – Place next to a small blanket or scarf to show the elf keeping cozy.
- “Don’t forget to brush your teeth!” – Leave in the bathroom as a playful reminder to keep up morning and evening routines.
- “Have a great day!” – A cheerful note to find before school or a day out, offering an extra boost of positivity.
- “Listen, I was just looking for the candy, ok?” – Tuck the elf in the pantry or near a treat as a mischievous but harmless scene.
More Elf on the Shelf Ideas
If you want more ways to make the season fun, try combining these notes with other elf activities: create a tiny elf door, prepare an arrival letter for the first day, use a goodbye letter when the season ends, or consult a cheat sheet of easy elf poses and setups to keep the magic going all month long.
- How to Build an Elf Door
- Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet
- Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter
- Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter
These printable notes are an effortless way to add wonder to each morning. Leave one note each day leading up to Christmas, mix in small activities or treats, and enjoy the smiles and anticipation your elf brings to the home.
