With the festive season in full swing, many families across the UK are welcoming their magical visitor from the North Pole, but how do you know if your elf is one of Santa’s official Scout Elves? 

Santa has many elves working behind the scenes to help make Christmas possible, from toy-building experts to sleigh-prep specialists. But only some are specially trained to become Scout Elves, the ones who fly to homes each December to keep an eye on who’s being naughty or nice. 

So how can you tell if your elf is the real deal? Here are the tell-tale signs that your Christmas guest is a genuine Scout Elf sent from the North Pole. 

1. The Official The Elf on the Shelf® Comes With a Keepsake Box and Storybook

Grandma with two children reading elf on the shelf book in front of christmas tree

Every official Scout Elf arrives in a keepsake box set, which includes: 

  • A beautifully illustrated The Elf on the Shelf® storybook that explains your elf’s magical role 
  • A high-quality Scout Elf, dressed in the traditional red North Pole uniform 

If your elf didn’t come with these special items, it might not be one of Santa’s official Scout Elves. 

2. The Scout Elf Wears the Signature Red Suit 

Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf Diagram of what makes a real elf

All Scout Elves wear a solid red jumpsuit with a crisp white collar, designed by North Pole tailors themselves. These special red jumpsuits help your Scout Elf fly to and from the North Pole each night. 

3. Comes with an Official Certificate 

When you choose your Scout Elves from one of Santa’s Official Adoption Centres it comes with an official certificate and your family can choose: 

  • Light or dark skin tone 

Always look for the North Pole seal to make sure you’re adopting a real Elf on the Shelf. 

4. Has a Special Job at Christmas 

Scout Elves aren’t just here to create enchanting family memories, they have a very important mission from Santa. Scout elves carry your Letters to Santa to the North Pole, sort out mail in the North Pole mailroom grotto and much more! 

These are duties reserved only for trained Scout Elves. No other elf can take on these magical Christmas tasks. 

5. Spotted with Other Official North Pole Helpers 

Official Scout Elves are often interacting with characters like the Elf Pets® Reindeer, Elf Pets® Arctic Fox, or Elf Pets® Saint Bernard. These magical creatures work alongside Scout Elves to share messages of kindness, belief and giving all season long. 

Still Not Sure? 

Want to learn more about your elf’s background? A great next step is helping your child choose a name for their Scout Elf. You can explore our naming guide here for inspiration, ideas, and traditions that make the adoption feel even more special.