Are you looking for an exciting Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt your kids will love? Look no further, with these free printable Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt clues for kids.
The holiday season is almost here, and there’s no better time to start making magical memories with your family! The holidays are all about spending time together, creating special moments, and enjoying the traditions that make this time of year so memorable. One tradition many families love is the fun and festive tradition of Elf on the Shelf!
If you’re a family with an elf of your own, you’ll definitely want to check out this super fun Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt! Send your kids off on an exciting adventure as they follow a trail of clues left behind by their mischievous elf.
As they work their way from clue to clue, they’ll uncover the story of your elf’s adventurous night. And when they finally reach the end of the hunt, they’ll discover a special holiday surprise of your choosing! This Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt is a fun and memorable way to add a little extra magic to your family’s holiday traditions.
This post is all about an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt.
Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
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Supplies for the Elf on the Shelf Hunt
- Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt Clues Printable
- Printer
- Printer Paper (8.5×11)
- Scissors
- Tape
- Christmas Surprise
Directions
First, download and print the free Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt clues at the bottom of the page. Next, cut out each clue.
As you cut out the clues make sure to number them on the back. The order the clues go in on the printable are top left, top right, then down, continuing to go left to right. Numbering is important because the clues and story are dependent upon the order.
Numbering is also helpful so kids can ensure they are finding the correct card because some of the cards are in the same area such as the fridge and freezer.
After you have numbered all of the clues, set aside the first clue. This one takes up a whole page and will not be hidden rather, this one can be left out near your elf.
Elf Scavenger Hunt Setup
To hide the clues, you will start with the 2nd clue. This clue will be hidden in the riddle’s location for the first clue (the table where your kids eat dinner).
Basically, the clue you hide will go in the location from the previous clue. You keep doing this pattern until you get to the very last clue. For example, the third clue will go in the location from the second clue, the fourth clue will go in the location from the third clue, etc.
The last card says “You’ve followed my trail and solved every clue. There’s just one last place that I went to. It’s where your outfits wait, all tidy and neat.
Where you choose what to wear from your head to your feet. This is where I left a Christmas surprise with care. So hurry along now, it’s waiting for you there!” You would then place your child’s Christmas gift or prize in their closet or in a dresser.
The closet or their dresser makes a great last location because, if you have multiple children, they can do the Elf on the Shelf treasure hunt together and then each of them can get their own gift/prize.
When you go to hide the Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt clues, it may be helpful to pull this post up. That way, you can see the order of the clues that I’ve listed below.
Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt Clues
Clue 1
Hey kids, come gather near. I have a story you’ll want to hear! Last night I was pondering, thinking about you, and all of the wonderful things you’ve been doing too.
I thought about how good you’ve been all year, and how I wanted to leave you some fun holiday cheer! So I’ve left you a special holiday surprise, but there is one catch to claim the prize.
You’ll first have to find it by following my clues that I left for you while you took a snooze. These clues will tell the story of my adventurous night, so follow my trail, and you’ll find it just right!
We’ll start from the beginning, where my night began. I was sitting where you eat dinner when I came up with this plan. This is where you’ll find your very first clue, so head there now and see what I’ve been up to!
- Answer: Kitchen Table/Chair
Clue 2
As I sat right here, my tummy began to rumble. I was getting hungry and starting to grumble! I knew just the thing that would do the trick. A warm cup of cocoa, cozy and quick! So I grabbed a cup to make my cocoa just right. Now find the cup I used last night.
- Answer: Mug or Cup placed on the counter (even better if you make hot cocoa in it before leaving it there)
Clue 3
You found my cup you’re clever and bright! Now let me tell you what happened next that night! When I sipped my cocoa, it wasn’t warm enough to drink. But I knew of an item that would fix that in a blink!
I stuck my cocoa inside this machine to warm it up quick. And thankfully that item did just the trick! The machine that warmed it for me also holds your next clue go check and see!
- Answer: Microwave
Clue 4
Now my cocoa was warm and the temp was just right. But something was missing to make it delight! I needed a fluffy, sweet, white treat. Some marshmallows would make it complete!
So I went searching for this topping so sweet, to make my cocoa the perfect treat. The place that would store these is where I did go. Where all of your snacks and goodies are kept in a row! Here you will find the very next clue, and learn what I did next on my adventure too!
- Answer: Pantry
Clue 5
With my warm, tasty cocoa I headed back to my seat. But I didn’t notice a toy hiding under my feet!
I took one little step and WHOOPS, down I went. My cocoa went flying it was such a messy event! So go find the toy that caused me to fall. Your next clue is waiting right there after all!
- Answer: Toy placed on the floor
Clue 6
I sure didn’t see that toy lying there on the floor. Now my little elf body was achy and sore. That tumble did not feel very nice. I needed something cold as ice! So I found something chilly to help with my back. Your next clue is waiting where I found that cold pack!
- Answer: Freezer by the ice packs
Clue 7
After my body felt better and I wasn’t so sore, I headed back to clean up the floor. When I looked around, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was chocolate everywhere. Oh, what a surprise!
I needed to clean up this mess really quick, But what could I use that would do the trick? Something to wipe up the chocolatey goo. When I found just the thing, I left you a clue!
- Answer: Paper Towel or Towel or Mop
Clue 8
The floor was now clean, but my hands were a sight. They were covered in chocolate from my messy delight! I needed some water to wash off the goo. So find the thing where water flows through!
- Answer: Sink/Faucet
Clue 9
With clean little hands and a still grumbling tummy, I grabbed some cookies that looked oh so yummy! But cookies need dunking to make them just right. Go find the cold drink that’s chilly and white!
- Answer: Milk in the Refrigerator
Clue 10
With my cookies and milk, I was ready to see my favorite show on the big TV! But one little problem came up right away. I needed the gadget with buttons for my show to play!
Now find me this item that turns on a show. Your next clue is waiting to tell you where to go!
- Answer: Remote Control
Clue 11
Once I found the remote and got my movie on, I noticed the warmth in my body was soon gone! I needed something warm for a cozy movie night. Go find something fuzzy that I used to wrap up in tight!
- Answer: Blanket
Clue 12
After my movie and yummy treat, there was one more thing I needed to complete. It’s something you do both morning and night, to keep that pesky plaque out of sight!
I borrowed some of your paste that gets this job done. Now find what I used and continue in the fun!
- Answer: Tooth Paste
Clue 13
You’ve followed my trail and solved every clue. There’s just one last place that I went to. It’s where your outfits wait, all tidy and neat. Where you choose what to wear from your head to your feet.
This is where I left a Christmas surprise with care. So hurry along now, it’s waiting for you there!
- Answer: Child’s Closet/Dresser
Christmas Gift/Prize Ideas
- Christmas Squishmallow
- Advent Calendar like this Bluey one
- Christmas Pajamas
- Christmas Book
- Candy Land Elf on the Shelf Board Game
- Ornament Kit
FREE Printable Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
Here are the free printable Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt clues! You can either download and print them now or pin this post for later!
Other Christmas Activities You May Enjoy
- Christmas Scavenger Hunt Clues – Did your kids love this elf hunt?! If so, check out my other Christmas scavenger hunt clues!
- Christmas Would You Rather – This is such a fun holiday game to play at your Christmas family gathering!
- Secret Santa Sign Up Sheet And Name Cards – You’ll want this if you are planning a Secret Santa gift exchange this year.
- Christmas Family Feud – This holiday feud is fun to play at any Christmas gathering!
- Christmas Left Right Game – This is a fun gift exchange game
- Holiday Scattergories Game with FREE Lists and Cards – Christmas categories is a fun way to entertain your family and friends at any holiday gathering.
This Post Was All About An Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
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