What is The Elf on the Shelf®?
The Elf on the Shelf is Santa’s official Scout Elf tradition, where your family welcomes a magical North Pole friend who visits throughout December.
What is included inside?
Each official box set includes a Scout Elf and beautifully illustrated keepsake storybook to help your family begin the Christmas tradition together.
What age is The Elf on the Shelf® for?
The tradition is designed for families with children of all ages and helps create magical Christmas memories through storytelling, imagination and fun.
How does the tradition work?
Once your Scout Elf is adopted and named, they receive their Christmas magic and appear in a new spot each morning. Learn how the tradition works.
About The Elf on the Shelf®
The Elf on the Shelf is a magical Christmas tradition straight from the North Pole, where Santa’s Scout Elves help bring festive joy and encourage kind behaviour throughout December.
Each Scout Elf comes with a beautifully illustrated storybook that explains how the magic works. Once adopted and named, your Scout Elf receives Christmas magic and begins reporting back to Santa every night.
By morning, they return and are often found in a new spot, sparking daily excitement as children wake up and search for their North Pole visitor.
How The Elf on the Shelf® Works in 4 Simple Steps
1. Adopt Your Scout Elf
Start by visiting an Official Elf Adoption Center or order your Scout Elf from our shop. Find an adoption center or shop now.
2. Dive Into the Story
Read the book together and name your Scout Elf. Register your Scout Elf’s name on our website for an official certificate.
3. Create Magical Moments
Begin the hide-and-seek with your Scout Elf. Explore our collections of creative ideas to stay inspired.
4. Share the Joy
Be part of our global community. Join other fans and families for ideas, magical moments and more.
Join the Community:
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ Page.
Is Your Scout Elf Official?
Choosing genuine The Elf on the Shelf® products helps ensure the safety, quality and authentic storytelling families expect from the official tradition. Scout Elves have distinctive features and North Pole traditions that set them apart from lookalikes. Here’s how to check that your Scout Elf is the real deal.
Why the UK Loves
The Elf on the Shelf®
When you adopt an official Scout Elf from The Elf on the Shelf tradition, you’re joining a joyful Christmas experience shared by families across the UK. You’ll gain access to the official Elf Registry, discover more North Pole characters and stories from the Santaverse, and become part of a growing community that celebrates the magic of Christmas together.
Makes Every Morning Magical
Finding the elf in a playful, new spot
each day keeps the Christmas period full of excitement!
Builds Family Bonds
From reading the storybook to finding the elf, the tradition sparks endless laughs and conversation.
Inspires Good Deeds & Smiles
Always nice and never naughty, playful Scout Elves serve as role models that inspire children toward positive actions.
Offers memories that last a lifetime
Every playful elf adventure sparks joy
and builds memories you’ll
cherish forever.
Explore Our Fun and Easy Ideas for The Elf on the Shelf®!
Looking for easy ways to bring the magic to life? From quick Scout Elf setups to playful scenes and crafty ideas, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Explore printable Elf on the Shelf ideas to start the day with a smile and if your elf has a brilliant idea of their own, we’d love to see it!
Blogs Featuring The Elf on the Shelf®
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Explore the Santaverse™
The Elf on the Shelf lives within a wider magical world, the Santaverse. Discover more of the wonderful characters who make up this magical world and help make every day memorable.
Elf Mates®
These champions of kindness have their own personalities and help your Scout Elf, but can stay in your home year-round!
Meet the Elf Mates
Elf Pets®
Saint Bernard, Arctic Fox & Reindeer, each with their own storybook and North Pole mission. They keep Christmas going!
Noorah®
Noorah is Santa’s magical Arctic fox, bringing wonder, warmth and extra North Pole magic to your Christmas tradition.
Where to Buy
The Official Elf on the Shelf Products
Official UK Santa Store
Order directly from the official UK store, full product range, guaranteed authentic, delivered to your door.
Find a Store Near You
Hundreds of UK retailers carry the official range, find a store near you today!
Find a Store