Each year, Santa’s enchanted team of elves work hard behind the scenes to make Christmas magical. But only a special few are chosen to become official Scout Elves sent from the North Pole to visit families across Canada.
These Scout Elves arrive with an important mission: to bring festive cheer and help Santa manage his Nice List.
But how can you tell if your elf is one of Santa’s official helpers? Here are the sure signs that your Scout Elf is the real deal straight from the North Pole!
The Complete Tradition: Book, Elf and Keepsake Box
When Santa selects a Scout Elf for your family, they arrive as part of The Elf on the Shelf®: A Christmas Tradition box set. Inside, you’ll find your very own Scout Elf, a beautifully illustrated storybook, and a keepsake box to treasure year after year. This magical tradition helps Canadian families create joyful memories and build Christmas excitement with every turn of the page.
The Signature Red Suit
Official Scout Elves wear a solid red jumpsuit with white collar and cuffs, simple, classic, and unmistakably North Pole! Whether they’re hiding in your Christmas tree or peeking from a bookshelf, that red suit is a surefire sign that you’ve welcomed one of Santa’s trusted elves into your home.
Chosen Just for You
Families across Canada can adopt their Scout Elf at one of Santa’s Official Scout Elf Adoption Centers, these are select stores across the country that have received Santa’s seal of approval. When adopting, families can choose from a variety of Scout Elves, including girl or boy elves with light or dark skin tones, making each adoption personal and meaningful.
Special Duties from Santa
Your Scout Elf isn’t just visiting for fun, they’re hard at work on Santa’s behalf! From carrying children’s Letters to Santa™ back to the North Pole, to helping sort wish lists and scout out Christmas cheer across Canadian homes, these magical elves play a very important role.
Other Official North Pole Helpers
Scout Elves don’t work alone! They often team up with other official North Pole helpers like the Elf Pets® Reindeer, Elf Pets® Saint Bernard, and Elf Pets® Arctic Fox. Together, they help keep Christmas magic strong from coast to coast, spreading joy from rainy Vancouver to frosty Newfoundland.
Wondering What to Name Your Elf?
If your elf has just arrived and you haven’t picked the perfect name yet, don’t worry! Naming your Scout Elf is part of the fun, and it’s what helps activate their Christmas magic. Explore ideas and tips in our official Scout Elf naming guide.
Why It Matters
With other elves popping up in holiday shops and gift guides, it’s easy to wonder who’s who. But only The Elf on the Shelf® Scout Elves is officially Santa-approved. When you adopt from an official center and receive the full tradition, including the keepsake box and storybook, you know you’re welcoming a true North Pole helper.