What is the Elf on the Shelf?
The Elf on the Shelf® is Santa’s official Scout Elf tradition, where families adopt a magical Scout Elf who visits throughout December, from snowy school mornings to cozy nights by the tree.
What is included inside?
Each official box set includes a Scout Elf and beautifully illustrated keepsake storybook to help your family start the tradition together, whether you celebrate in Vancouver, Halifax or anywhere in between.
What age is the Elf on the Shelf for?
The Elf on the Shelf® is made for families with children of all ages and helps turn the Canadian Christmas countdown into a season of storytelling, imagination and everyday wonder.
How does the tradition work?
Once your Scout Elf is adopted and named, it receives its Christmas magic and appears in a new spot each morning, ready to surprise sleepy little ones. Find out more about the tradition here.
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 in homes across Canada.
Each Scout Elf comes with a beautifully illustrated storybook that explains how the magic works: once adopted and named, your elf receives Christmas magic and begins reporting back to Santa every night.
By morning, the elf returns in a new spot, sparking daily excitement before school runs, snow boots, hockey practice and all the little routines that make a Canadian December feel special.
How The Elf on the Shelf Works in 4 Simple Steps
1. Adopt Your Scout Elf
Start by visiting a Santa-approved Scout Elf Adoption Centre at a participating Canadian retailer. Check availability before you visit so your Scout Elf can come home with you.
2. Dive Into the Story
Read the storybook together, choose your Scout Elf’s name and register it online for an official North Pole certificate.
3. Create Magical Moments
Begin the daily hide-and-seek with your Scout Elf. Explore quick ideas, printables and cozy Canadian-friendly setups to stay inspired all season.
Is Your Elf an Official Elf On The Shelf?
Choosing genuine The Elf on the Shelf products helps ensure safety, quality and the true North Pole tradition, so families can avoid unsafe knock-offs and lookalikes. The official Scout Elf has a distinct story, keepsake box and magical role that set it apart from other elves in Canada and around the world. Here’s how to make sure your elf is the real deal.
Why Canada Loves
The Elf on the Shelf®
When you adopt an official Scout Elf, you’re joining a joyful tradition shared by families across Canada, from bright city condos to cozy homes tucked under snowy skies. You’ll gain access to the official Elf Registry, discover new North Pole characters and stories, and build a Christmas countdown your family can return to year after year.
Makes Every Morning Magical
Finding the elf in a playful new spot each morning keeps the December countdown full of excitement, even on the chilliest school days.
Builds Family Bonds
From reading the storybook to searching the house before breakfast, the tradition creates moments families can share between concerts, skating, visits and holiday baking.
Inspires Good Deeds & Smiles
Always nice and never naughty, playful Scout Elves help inspire kindness, helpful choices and thoughtful moments children can carry into the season.
Offers memories that last a lifetime
Every playful elf adventure brings a little magic to busy December mornings and builds memories your family will treasure.
Need Easy Elf Ideas Inspiration?
Discover fun and easy Elf Ideas to help bring your Scout Elf adventures to life. From quick setups and playful scenes to crafts and printable activities, there is plenty of inspiration for magical mornings throughout the Christmas season.
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 North Pole friends who bring kindness, cuddles, storytime and festive wonder to Canadian homes.
Elf Mates®
These champions of kindness have their own personalities and can stay with your family year-round, helping children turn giving, sharing and helpfulness into everyday magic.
Meet the Elf Mates
Elf Pets®
Saint Bernard, Arctic Fox and Reindeer companions each come with their own storybook and North Pole mission, ready for cuddles long after the snow melts.
Extraordinary Noorah™
Extraordinary Noorah™ is Santa’s magical Arctic fox, bringing wonder, courage and shimmering northern-lights magic to your family’s Christmas tradition.