Free Elf on the Shelf Cutout Printables

Make Your elf the star of the Christmas season with free Elf on the Shelf cutout printables!

The holidays are here, and your Elf on the Shelf is ready to steal the show! Want to make mornings even more magical for your kids? We’ve got just the thing. With our free Elf on the Shelf cutout printables, you can turn your elf into a photobooth pro–complete with the best Elf ideas that will have your family laughing out loud.

Last year, I surprised my three boys with a series of holiday scenes featuring the Elf on the Shelf cutout printables, and their reactions were priceless. One morning, they woke up to find the Elf hosting a snowball fight with the snowman and penguin cutouts, complete with tiny marshmallow “snowballs” scattered across the table. 

Another day, they discovered the reindeer and Santa cutouts pulling a sleigh made from a shoebox filled with candy canes. Each morning brought a new adventure, and the boys couldn’t wait to see what their mischievous Elf had been up to overnight. It was such a joy to see their faces light up with wonder, and these little scenes became a cherished part of our holiday traditions.

Let’s jump into how these fun and easy printables can take your elf’s antics to a whole new level—and create memories your family will never forget!

What are Elf on the Shelf cutout printables?

Think of them as tiny photobooth props made just for your elf! These cutouts, featuring silhouettes of Santa, a reindeer, a penguin, and a snowman, are designed to add personality and fun to your cheeky elf setups.

Even better? They’re free just for you! Print them out, grab some scissors, and let your elf’s holiday shenanigans begin!

Why parents love these Elf on the Shelf printables

These Elf on the Shelf printables are quickly becoming a holiday favorite, and it’s easy to see why. They’re a holiday favorite because they bring kid-approved laughs, are quick and easy for parents to set up, and help create magical traditions your family will cherish for years.

How to use the Elf on the Shelf cutout printables

Using these free elf printables is as simple as 1-2-3:

1. Save the templates: Click the link and save the printables to your desktop or local drive.
2. Print the designs: Use thick cardstock paper for sturdier props that hold up to all the fun.
3. Trim: Trim the printables with scissors and cut out the face area so your elf’s face fits perfectly.

Once your props are ready, set up a scene to surprise your kiddos in the morning!

Creative ways to use the elf printables in holiday scenes

1. North Pole Workshop

• Set up the Elf with Santa and the reindeer cutout in a “workshop” setting. Add tiny tools, mini toy boxes, and a note saying, “Busy making gifts for Christmas!”
• Scatter colorful beads or small pieces of wrapped candy to look like presents in progress.

2. Snowball Fight

• Use the snowman and penguin cutouts to create a playful snowball fight scene. Craft mini “snowballs” using cotton balls or marshmallows.
• Position the Elf as the referee or in the middle of the fun.

3. Hot Cocoa Party

• Place the Elf with the penguin and snowman cutouts enjoying a “hot cocoa bar.” Use mini marshmallows, a thimble as a cocoa cup, and chocolate sprinkles to mimic cocoa spills.
• Add a sign saying, “Warming up for the holidays!”

4. Reindeer Flight School

• Arrange the reindeer cutout with paper “antlers” and the Elf acting as the coach. Create a “flight practice zone” with a paper ramp or mini sleigh.
• Add a sign that says, “Learning to fly like Rudolph!”

5. Penguin Parade

• Use the penguin cutout to stage a parade with the Elf leading the way, holding a tiny flag or candy cane baton.
• Line up other small toys or stuffed animals to create a festive procession.

6. Holiday Bake-Off

• Pair the Elf with Santa and the snowman cutouts in a kitchen scene. Use cookie cutters, sprinkles, and tiny baking tools to show them “baking” treats.
• Add a pretend scorecard to suggest they’re in a baking competition.

7. Christmas Movie Night

• Set up the Elf with the cutouts in front of a small “TV” (a phone or tablet screen). Add mini popcorn bags and pretend they’re watching a holiday classic like Elf or The Polar Express.
• Write a caption like, “Holiday movie marathon!”

8. Holiday Campfire

• Create a cozy scene with the snowman, penguin, and reindeer cutouts around a “campfire” made of craft sticks and tissue paper. Place the Elf roasting marshmallows or holding a mini guitar.
• Add a caption: “Singing carols under the stars!”

9. Toy Train Ride

• Place the Elf and the cutouts on a toy train set. Position them as passengers, with Santa as the conductor.
• Decorate the train with festive garland or paper snowflakes for extra charm.

10. Ice Skating Rink

• Use a mirror or aluminum foil as an ice rink and position the penguin, snowman, and Elf “skating.” Add tiny scarves and hats to complete the wintery vibe.
• Sprinkle fake snow or glitter around for a magical touch.

FAQs: Free Elf on the Shelf Printables

1. What are free Elf on the Shelf printables?

These are ready-to-use templates designed to make your Elf on the Shelf experience easier and more fun. You can download, print, and use them to create quick setups for your kids.  

2. Do I need special paper or supplies to use the printables? 

Most printables work with regular printer paper, but cardstock is great for sturdier items like props or signs. You’ll also need basic craft supplies like scissors or tape.  

3. Are these printables safe to download?

Absolutely! Our free Elf on the Shelf printables are safe to download, save, and print from your home printer.

4. Can I customize these printables?

Though these free printables are not editable files, you can personalize them by adding glitter, stickers, etc.

5. Are the printables reusable?

Once downloaded, you can print and reuse them as often as you’d like. Laminating them makes them more durable, so they’ll be ready to use again next holiday season!

6. How do printables make Elf on the Shelf easier for parents?

Printables save time by giving you pre-made ideas and materials. Instead of spending hours planning or creating scenes, you can simply print, cut, and set them up.  

7. Are free printables really free?

Yes! Many creators offer free printables, though some may ask for your email to access the files. Be sure to check if there are any restrictions on personal use.  

8. Can I share these printables with other parents? 

Our free printables are for personal use only, but you can share the download link so others can access them directly.

9. What if I don’t have a printer?

You can use a local print shop or office supply store like Staples to print them out. Many online print services also let you upload files and ship the prints to your door.  

10. Do these printables work with all Elf on the Shelf dolls?

Most printables are designed to fit the standard Elf on the Shelf size, but they can usually be adjusted for other holiday dolls or toys.  

Your Elf on the Shelf has never been this fun—or this photogenic. These free elf cutout printables add an extra dose of magic to your mornings and make it easy to create scenes that your family will remember for years to come.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your scissors, fire up your printer, and let the holiday hilarity begin! Your elf—and your family—are going to love this!

Grab the penguin here

Get the Santa cutout here

Get the Reindeer here

Grab the Snowman cutout here

See also:

• Grinch Party Food Ideas

I’d love to hear from you! What are some of your favorite Elf on the Shelf ideas? Do you have any funny stories or tips to share? Drop your ideas and experiences in the comments below or join our Facebook community—let’s inspire each other to make this holiday season magical and memorable!