In the lead-up to Christmas, elves seem to be everywhere – on shop shelves, in TV ads and all over social media. Only some of them are Santa’s official Scout Elves. The quickest way to tell is the red suit and the box the elf arrived in: an official Scout Elf wears a plain red jumpsuit with a white collar and cuffs, and comes as part of The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition set. Here are five signs to check.
1. A plain red suit, with no patterns or glitter
This is the giveaway. Santa’s official Scout Elves wear a solid red jumpsuit with a white collar and cuffs – no prints, no glitter, no flashing lights, no novelty accessories. It is the uniform of Santa’s trusted helpers, and it has not changed. An elf in a patterned outfit or a costume is a decoration rather than a Scout Elf.
2. They arrived as part of the tradition set
Official Scout Elves never arrive on their own. They come as part of The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition box set, which contains:
- The illustrated storybook that explains how the tradition works
- The Scout Elf themselves
- A keepsake box for safe storage between seasons
- An official elf adoption certificate
If your elf did not arrive with the storybook and the certificate, it is unlikely to be one of Santa’s Scout Elves.
3. They came from an official adoption centre
Scout Elves are adopted, not bought off a random shelf. They come through official adoption centres, in store and online, where families choose a girl or boy elf with light or dark skin. If you are not sure where yours came from, our guide to how to get an Elf on the Shelf in Australia sets out the official adoption options.
4. They have a job to do
Scout Elves are not just there for fun – they have a role: helping Santa manage the Nice List. Each night after the family goes to bed, a Scout Elf flies back to the North Pole to report in, then returns before morning and hides somewhere new. An elf that never moves is not scouting.
5. They keep company with the other North Pole helpers
Official Scout Elves work alongside Santa’s other magical helpers. If your elf turns up in scenes with any of these, it is a strong sign you have the real thing:
Still not sure?
If your elf ticks the red suit, the box set and the adoption certificate, you have one of Santa’s official Scout Elves. If not, adopting one is straightforward – our guide covers the three official ways to welcome a Scout Elf to your home, and once yours arrives you can find the right name for them.