Perhaps your child has spotted a Scout Elf™ at a friend’s house, or you’ve seen these cheerful North Pole visitors popping up on social media and wondered how the magic begins. However the magic reached you, there’s one question parents across Canada ask every year: how do we start The Elf on the Shelf® tradition?
The good news is that it’s wonderfully simple. Since 2005, families around the world have welcomed Santa’s official Scout Elves into their homes, and here’s everything you need to know to welcome one into yours.
Quick answer
You can adopt an official Scout Elf from a participating Canadian retailer, in store or online. The official tradition includes a Scout Elf, an illustrated keepsake storybook and a keepsake box. Once your elf is named, you can register them on the Scout Elf Registry for a personalized, printable adoption certificate.
How do you get The Elf on the Shelf in Canada?
There are three simple ways to bring an official Scout Elf home.
1
Visit an adoption centre
Find a participating Canadian store near you and adopt your Scout Elf in person.
2
Adopt online
Order an official box set through one of Santa’s authorized Canadian retailers.
3
Add it to a wish list
Ask Santa for a Scout Elf in a letter to the North Pole.
1. Visit an official adoption centre in Canada
Each Christmas season, participating Canadian retailers welcome Santa’s official Scout Elves, giving families a chance to discover the tradition and choose their new North Pole visitor together.
Use our adoption centre finder to look for participating stores near you. Product selection may vary by store, so it’s a good idea to call ahead before you set off.
What comes with the official tradition?
- An official Scout Elf, ready to be named
- The illustrated Christmas tradition storybook
- A keepsake box to keep your elf safe each year
- An official adoption certificate
North Pole tip: An official Scout Elf wears the signature red suit and comes with the storybook that explains the tradition. Read our guide to recognizing a real Scout Elf from Santa.
2. Adopt your Scout Elf online
Prefer to shop from the comfort of home, maybe on a snowy evening with a mug of hot chocolate? You can adopt an official Scout Elf through Santa’s authorized Canadian retailers online.
The Elf on the Shelf is available at retailers including Amazon.ca, Canadian Tire, Chapters Indigo, Home Depot, Loblaws, London Drugs, Michaels, Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart. Visit our list of Canadian retailers to shop online. Availability can vary by retailer.
The original Scout Elf box set is everything you need to begin. If you’d like to explore more of Santa’s North Pole family later, Elf Pets® companions such as the Reindeer, Arctic Fox and Saint Bernard each bring their own Christmas mission.
3. Add The Elf on the Shelf to your Christmas wish list
For children who love surprises, another magical way to begin is to add The Elf on the Shelf to their Christmas wish list. Your child could write a letter to Santa, draw their dream Scout Elf or simply share how excited they are to welcome a North Pole visitor.
Many Canadian families send their letters through the Canada Post Santa letter program. Be sure to check this year’s mailing deadline before you send.
What to do once you adopt a Scout Elf
There’s no need to plan an elaborate first day. A little storytime, a special name and a welcoming spot in your home are enough to get started.
Read the story together
Open the storybook and discover who your Scout Elf is, why they’ve come to visit and what makes their North Pole mission so special.
Choose a name
Let everyone suggest a name for your new friend. Once your Scout Elf receives their name, their Christmas magic is activated.
Register your Scout Elf
Visit the Scout Elf Registry to record your elf’s name and receive a personalized, printable adoption certificate.
Need help with the name? Try our Scout Elf name finder.
When does The Elf on the Shelf arrive?
Most Scout Elves return during Scout Elf Return Week™, from November 23 to December 1. If you’re adopting your first Scout Elf, your family can choose the day that works best for you. Find out more in When Does My Scout Elf Return?
Keeping the Christmas magic alive
Once your Scout Elf has been named, their North Pole magic lets them fly back to Santa each night and return before morning, ready to be discovered in a brand-new spot. It’s this daily surprise that makes the tradition so memorable.
Children should avoid touching their Scout Elf, as human hands can affect their Christmas magic. If an accidental touch happens, there’s no need to worry. A sprinkle of cinnamon nearby, a heartfelt note to Santa or a favourite Christmas carol can help. Read what to do if your Scout Elf is accidentally touched for more North Pole tips.
Looking for ideas for those December mornings? Explore our Scout Elf ideas.
Ready to welcome a little North Pole magic?
From choosing your family’s Scout Elf to reading the storybook together, every Christmas tradition begins with a special moment.