If you’re starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition this year, one fun thing to include is an Official Elf Adoption certificate!
You can use this free printable to make your elf an official member of the family!
Printable Elf Adoption Certificate
To print this Elf on the Shelf adoption certificate, you don’t need anything special. It prints on a standard 8.5×11 sheet of paper. For a sturdier certificate, print it on cardstock.
Before you fill out your adoption certificate, your family will need to get an elf and then name him or her.
If you don’t own an Elf on the Shelf yet, it’s never too late to get one!
Buy Elf on the Shelf
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Top | Elf on the Shelf : A Christmas Tradition Boy Light | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Elf on the Shelf : A Christmas Tradition Girl Light | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Elf on the Shelf : A Christmas Tradition Boy Dark | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition Girl Dark | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
How to Name Your Elf on the Shelf
When your elf first arrives at your house, the first job your family will have is naming the Elf!
Usually, the kids name the Elf and really they can choose anything. But it is a name that you will be using year after year so sometimes a little guidance is recommended.
I’ll admit I did let my kids name our elves but we only started our tradition a few years ago so they weren’t toddlers. Nora and Mr. H come to visit each year. (And I have no idea about the significance of Mr. H!)
What are good Elf on the Shelf names?
Many families will use holiday-themed names. Here are a few to help inspire your Elf’s name. But really any name that makes your kids happy is a great name!
BOY ELF ON THE SHELF NAMES
- Blizzard
- Buddy
- Cane
- Claus
- Dasher
- Frost
- Hermey
- Jack
- Jingle
- Jinx
- Jolly
- Kris
- Kringle
- Max
- Nick
- North
- Nuts
- Ralphie
- Rudolph or (Rudy, for short)
- Snowball
- Tinsel
- Tiny
GIRL ELF ON THE SHELF NAMES
- Angel
- Candy
- Carol
- Cindy Lou
- Cookie
- Cocoa
- Elfie
- Garland
- Ginger
- Holly
- Hope
- Joy
- Merry
- Noelle
- Peppermint
- Pixie
- Rosie
- Snowflake
- Sparkle
- Star
- Sugar
- Twinkle
- Winter
Printable Elf Adoption Letter
Once your elf has arrived from the North Pole and you have a name for your elf, you’re ready to print your Elf Adoption Letter and make it official!
Making it official means you know Santa Claus approves and will be keeping an eye on your house throughout the entire holiday season.
Once you’ve printed the letter, all you need to do is fill out the lines with your family’s last name, your Elf’s name, and the date!
The certificate is signed by Santa and marked approved!
Once you’ve filled out your adoption letter, your Elf will be an official member of the family and the Elf on the Shelf antics can begin!
Remember that you can keep your Elf on the Shelf tradition as simple as you’d like or get as crazy as you want! It’s about having fun and making memories your family will cherish forever!
More Elf on the Shelf Printables
If you need more Elf on the Shelf printables to plan your tradition, we have a collection of elf letters and other printables that all coordinate with the design theme as this adoption letter. Feel free to download all of them so you have the entire collection straight from the North Pole!
- Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter
- Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter
- Elf on the Shelf Official Adoption
- Printable Elf on the Shelf Rules
- Elf on the Shelf Warning Letter for Behavior
If you’re looking for easy ways to plan activities for your Elf on the Shelf, you can go the traditional route of having your Elf choose a new hiding place each day or you can buy accessories to liven up the elf antics!
Elf on the Shelf doesn’t have to be a challenge so adopt your own Elf today and start a new tradition!
| Description | Price | Prime | Buy | |
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 | The Elf on the Shelf Elf Pets: an Arctic Fox Tradition with A Fox Cub’s Christmas Tale DVD | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | The Elf On The Shelf Claus Couture Frosted Fishing Hut, Green | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | The Elf on the Shelf Claus Couture Plum Party Dress | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | The Elf on the Shelf 2020 Outfit Set - Holiday Ice Fishing Hut with Clothes and Soccer Goal and Sports Uniform for Your Boy or Girl Elf - 8 Total Doll Accessories (Elf Not Included) | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Elf Pets Christmas Cabin Playset | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | The Elf on the Shelf Claus Couture North Pole Goal and Gear | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
