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 the festive season.
What is included inside?
Each official box set includes a Scout Elf and a beautifully illustrated keepsake storybook to help your family begin the 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 festive 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 to families across Australia and encourage kind behaviour throughout the festive season.
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 flies back to Santa each 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 Scout Elf Adoption Centre or order your Scout Elf from the Australian Santa Store.
2. Dive Into the Story
Read the book together and name your Scout Elf. Register your Scout Elf’s name with the North Pole Registry for an official certificate.
3. Create Magical Moments
Begin the hide-and-seek with your Scout Elf. Explore our collection of easy Elf Ideas to stay inspired throughout the festive season.
4. Share the Joy
Be part of the Australian Scout Elf 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 Australia 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 Australia. 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 countdown 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 Easy The Elf on the Shelf® Ideas
Make every morning feel magical with simple, playful Scout Elf ideas made for busy Australian families. Explore quick setups, clever hiding spots and festive scenes that help keep the Christmas fun going all season long.
Blogs Featuring The Elf on the Shelf
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.