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Every year, millions of families around the world take part in the Elf of the Shelf tradition.
And thousands — if not millions — will join that family for the first time in 2025.
If you’re one of those parents, then you’re probably wondering how to introduce Elf on the Shelf to your kids in a way that not only honors the tradition, but also makes it fun and memorable for the family.
Don’t worry. You’re not alone.
As with any Christmas tradition, families are free to do as they please when it comes to their Scout Elf, but there are a few things every family should know (and do) before getting started with Elf on the Shelf.
How to Introduce Elf on the Shelf to Your Kids
For starters, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what Elf on the Shelf is — and when it starts.
Elf on the Shelf is a holiday tradition that began with the 2005 book “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition,” written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell.
The story explains that Santa sends Scout Elves to families’ homes to keep an eye on children’s behavior during the holiday season. Each night, the elf returns to the North Pole to report back to Santa.
READ MORE: When does Elf on the Shelf start? Everything you need to know for Scout Elf Return Month!
And every morning, kids wake up to find the elf in a brand-new spot.
While most Scout Elves start leaving the North Pole and arriving in families’ homes anywhere from Nov. 3 to Dec. 1, some families like to get started on the tradition a little early (or late). But that’s totally up to you!
If you’ve decided that 2025 is the year that you start the tradition, here’s what you can do to get started!
Step One: Adopt your Scout Elf
You can adopt your Scout Elf online or at an official retailer.
If shopping online, the best way to do it is through Santa’s Store, which is owned and operated by the LumiStella Company — the official Elf on the Shelf company — that way you know it’s not a knock-off.
The Scout Elf comes in a bundle with the official “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” book.
The LumiStella Company currently has four different English options to choose from — a boy or girl with blue eyes and a boy or girl with brown eyes — and two Spanish versions of a boy or girl with blue eyes.
You can also adopt a Scout Elf at one of many official Scout Elf Adoption Centers across the country.
According to the company, authorized adoption centers include Walmart, Target, Amazon, Michael’s, CVS, Kohl’s, Meijer, Barnes & Noble, Bass Pro Shops, Nordstrom, Macy’s and more.
Step Two: Read “The Elf on the Shelf” book as a family
Now that you’ve adopted your Scout Elf, it’s time to introduce your kids to the story.
The book explains everything your kids need to know about how Scout Elf works: that it’s been sent by Santa and that it flies back to the North Pole each night to report on the day’s adventures.
Reading the story helps set the stage for the tradition and gives your kids ownership over the experience.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to pause and let them ask questions about Scout Elf — what it’s like at the North Pole and how they travel. (There are no wrong answers here — the more imaginative, the better!)
At this point, they’re probably wondering where Scout Elf is and why Santa hasn’t sent a scout yet.
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Step Three: Have the kids write a letter to Santa Claus
You very well could start the tradition now, but we’re going to make a little extra fun for the kids.
Instead of introducing Elf on the Shelf from the start, tell your kids that they first have to write a letter to Santa Claus letting him know that they’d like a Scout Elf so he can see how nice (or naughty) they are.
Let the kids place the envelope in the mailbox and tell them that it’ll take a few days to hear back.
After a few days, a letter from Santa will arrive at your doorstep (or mailbox) telling the kids that Scout Elf is on their way and will make his arrival any day. They just have to be patient — after all, it’s a long trip!
Step Four: Scout Elf makes their first-ever arrival
Your kids have been patiently waiting — and now it’s time for the big reveal.
Your Scout Elf’s arrival can be as simple or as over-the-top as you want it to be. For example, some families have their Scout Elf arrive in a package in the mail — sent straight from the North Pole.
Others go with an elaborate Elf on the Shelf setup that showcases Scout Elf’s mischievous ways.
If you want to make the moment extra special, set the scene with a few festive touches — maybe a trail of “snow” footprints leading from the door or Scout Elf crashing into the Christmas tree on a toy plane.
The “what” and “how” doesn’t really matter — it’s the “why” that keeps the tradition going.
READ MORE: Elf on the Shelf return ideas to make Scout Elf Return Month extra special for you and your kids
Step Five: Give your Scout Elf a name
Now that Scout Elf has arrived, it’s time to let your kids name them.
Some of the most popular names include Holly, Jingle Bells, Poinsettia, Sugar Plum, Joy, Kris Kringle, Plum Pudding and Snowflake — all of which capture the spirit of the holiday season.
You can also use the Scout Elf Name Generator tool — mine would be Lucky Frostington.
Other ideas for inspiration include Christmas characters (like Hermey), movie or TV show characters (like Elsa) or any random word that your child can think of — maybe Marshmallow, Pickles or Sparkleboots.
Either way, let your child run with their imagination and give them ownership over the naming duties!
Step Six: Register your Scout Elf
You’ll receive an “Official Adoption Certificate” in the box when you adopt Scout Elf.
But if you want a personalized Elf on the Shelf adoption certificate with your Scout Elf’s given name and date of adoption, then you can request a certificate online through the Official Scout Elf Registry tool.
All you need to do is input Scout Elf’s first and last name and the date they were adopted.
Once inputted, you’ll have the option of downloading the Adoption Certificate — which comes with a letter from the North Pole that was written by Santa Claus himself!
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Step Seven: Go over the Elf on the Shelf rules
Now is a great time to go over the Elf on the Shelf rules with your kids one more time.
The most important rule? No touching the elf.
Scout Elf’s Christmas magic is delicate, and human hands can make it disappear. You can remind your kids that the elf needs that magic to fly back to the North Pole every night and report to Santa.
If an accidental touch happens (and it probably will at some point), don’t panic!
Santa understands that mistakes happen. Have your child write Santa an apologetic letter explaining what happened — and don’t forget to sprinkle a little cinnamon nearby and sing a Christmas carol.
The second rule: Scout Elf moves only at night.
Every evening, once everyone’s asleep, your elf flies home to the North Pole to share updates with Santa and returns before morning. That’s why you’ll never catch them moving.
The third and final rule: Scout Elf can’t talk, but they’re great listeners.
Your kids can tell them about their day, share their Christmas wishes or even apologize for any “oops” moments. Scout Elf hears it all and passes it along to Santa before checking his naughty/nice list
Step Eight: Enjoy Scout Elf’s daily adventures
Now that your Scout Elf has officially joined the family, the real fun begins!
Sometimes Scout Elf will simply perch on a shelf or hide behind the cereal boxes, while other mornings they might be found doing something mischievous — cue the snow angels in the middle of the kitchen.
How creative you get is totally up to you.
Some parents plan out elaborate scenes each night, while others keep it simple (and sometimes forget — which is where a little “elf nap day” magic can come in handy). The goal isn’t perfection — it’s connection.
Even the simplest setups can spark joy and giggles from your kids.
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However you choose to celebrate the Elf on the Shelf tradition, we hope you and your kids have a jolly time with your Scout Elf and enjoy the many blessings that come with it. Have a very Merry Christmas!
