Perhaps your child has spotted a Scout Elf at a friend’s house, or maybe you’ve seen these mischievous-but-well-behaved visitors appearing across social media and wondered how the magic begins. The good news is that it’s easy to start your very own The Elf on the Shelf® tradition right here in the UK.
Since 2005, families around the world have been welcoming Santa’s official Scout Elves into their homes and now it’s your turn to experience the wonder. Whether you visit one of Santa’s official adoption centres or order online from the comfort of your sofa, adopting your very own Scout Elf is the first step towards a Christmas filled with joy, imagination, and lasting family memories.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to welcome your Scout Elf into your home, the official, Santa-approved way.
1. Visit an Official Elf Adoption Centre in the UK
Each festive season, special Elf on the Shelf® adoption centres appear in trusted UK retailers, where families can officially adopt a Scout Elf chosen just for them. These locations are approved by Santa himself and carry his North Pole Seal of Approval, so you know your Elf is 100% genuine and trained by the Scout Elf School of Christmas Magic.
Inside every adoption box, you’ll find a beautifully illustrated storybook explaining the tradition, a keepsake box for safekeeping, and your Elf’s official adoption certificate. Keep an eye out in well-known high-street retailers or garden centres, where Santa’s helpers often create magical displays to mark the start of the season.
North Pole tip: Only elves with the official seal and storybook are Santa’s true Scout Elves, others may be look-alike decorations that don’t carry Christmas magic.
2. Adopt Your Scout Elf Online
If you prefer to avoid the crowds or simply love shopping from the warmth of your living room, you can adopt your Scout Elf directly through Santa’s official UK online adoption centre here.
Parents can choose between a boy or girl Scout Elf and even explore accessories from the Claus Couture Collection®, perfect for families who enjoy adding a touch of style to their Elf’s adventures. You can also adopt Elf Pets® companions such as the Reindeer, Arctic Fox, or Saint Bernard to keep your Scout Elf company throughout the season.
Once you’ve completed the adoption process, Santa’s helpers will carefully package your Elf and deliver them safely to your home, ready to begin their official Christmas mission.
3. Add The Elf on the Shelf® to Your Christmas Wish List
For children who love surprises, another magical way to start the tradition is to ask Father Christmas directly. Encourage your child to write a letter to Santa or include The Elf on the Shelf® on their Christmas wish list and post it off to the North Pole (or via Royal Mail’s Santa address before the December deadline).
Santa reads every letter he receives, and he may decide that your home is the perfect place for a Scout Elf to stay this Christmas. It’s a heart-warming way to introduce the tradition and make the arrival of your Elf a festive surprise on Christmas morning.
What To Do Once You Adopt a Scout Elf
Once your Scout Elf arrives, the magic truly begins. Read the storybook together to learn how the tradition works, then help your child choose a name for their new friend, naming your Elf gives them the Christmas magic they need to fly to and from the North Pole each night.
From that point onwards, your Elf will take flight every evening to report back to Santa, returning before dawn to rest in a brand-new spot. It’s all part of the fun of The Elf on the Shelf® tradition and the excitement of spotting where your Elf has landed each morning.
Most Scout Elves begin their visits during Scout Elf Return Week™, usually between 24 November and 1 December, so it’s worth getting ready in advance. Have your adoption box, storybook, and a cosy space prepared for their arrival.
Need inspiration for your Elf’s first day back? Discover simple and magical ideas on our Elf Ideas page, from welcome breakfasts to surprise notes from the North Pole.
Keeping the Magic Alive
Your Scout Elf’s job is to observe, listen, and bring joy, never to make mischief or cause trouble.
To keep the magic strong, remind children that elves mustn’t be touched once they’ve been named. If an accidental touch happens, sprinkle a little cinnamon nearby or sing a Christmas carol together to help restore their Christmas magic.
For more tips, explore our UK Blog, it’s filled with helpful ideas for parents to keep the fun going right through December.