🎄 Elf Kit #13 | Elf Scavenger Hunt

Welcome to Elf Kit #13! This fast and fun Elf Scavenger Hunt is an instant hit — easy to set up in just a couple of minutes and guaranteed to get your kids racing with excitement. Follow the simple clues, elevate it with optional little surprises, and create one of the most memorable Elf moments of the season. It’s easily my kids’ favorite Elf activity! 🎄🔍✨

This scene comes inside the 2025 12 or 24 Day Elf Kit, everything you need is right inside the box—ready to go.. making it simple, stress-free, and unforgettable for kids.

Whether you’re searching for easy elf arrival ideas, fun elf traditions, or easy Christmas Elf ideas without the late night scramble, this guide will show you step-by-step how to set up tonight’s elf magic.

🎄 Note: This Elf Scene is part of the 2025 Deluxe 24 Day Elf KitShop Here (while supplies last)

Don’t have the Kit? You can still get the You’ve Been Elfed! Card or Printable Elf Scavenger Hunt Game (coming soon!) Here


🎁 What’s in the Kit

Today’s 24 Day Elf Kit includes everything you need:

  • PARENTS’ KEY CARD: THE HIDING CLUES – You will use this to know where to put each hiding clue, fast and easy!
  • Elf Scavenger Hunt Riddle Card/Instructions for your Child(ren) – This will tell your kid(s) how to play!
  • (5) Elf Clue Cards – Leave these at each of the hiding spots as instructed on the “HIDING CLUES” Key Card!
  • Balloon – Leave the included balloon at your Elf’s final hiding spot!

📝 Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

This scene takes just a few minutes to set up, but creates maximum magic:

Find the “ELF SCAVENGER HUNT - HIDING CLUES” card. This is your key card that tells you where to hide each clue to make it easy! The hiding spots are: 

  1. Clue #1: Leave displayed with the “Elf Scavenger Hunt Riddle” Sign somewhere your child will notice and see easily. Put this on the mini wooden easel. This is where you child will begin the hunt! You will also leave Clue #1 here. You can also reuse the Elf Swing (from Kit #2: Elf Swing Countdown) to hang Elf on your Christmas tree with the Riddle Sign + Clue #1 and have the game start here!
  2. Clue #2: Hide with your silverware/cutlery drawer where you keep your forks, spoons, etc. drawer.
  3. Clue #3: Hide in a bath tub or shower in your house. 
  4. Clue #4: Hide in your freezer/ice box!
  5. Clue #5: Hide in one of your child’s bedroom drawers. NOTE: On Clue #5.. YOU will write and choose the final hiding place where your Elf and/or an optional surprise will be hiding! Some cute examples you can use: 
    • Elf hiding in the pantry: I’m hiding where all the goodies hide… look where the snacks are kept inside!”
    • Elf hiding in the laundry room: “I tumbled around, now I’m waiting for you… check where clothes go for a wash or two!”
    • Elf hiding in a shoe: “I squeezed right in — yes, it’s true… come look inside somebody’s shoe!”
    • Elf hiding in the bed: I snuggled in soft, warm, and spread… come find me hiding on someone’s bed!”
    • Elf hiding behind a curtain: “I’m peeking out, but you can’t see… look where curtains love to be!”

Your Elf (and an optional surprise!) should be left at the place you determine from Clue #5. Blow up the balloon included in your kit to leave with your Elf! NOTE: Balloon styles vary! If you received a foil balloon, just use a straw to blow it up and tape the opening shut so it doesn’t leak air. :) In some kits, a straw is included in the BONUS EXTRAS kit bag!

Optional:

  • Leave 1 small treat with each hiding clue for your child(ren) to find. 
  • With your final Elf hiding place, leave a small gift, balloons, or something fun to discover! 
  • Print the “You’ve Been Elfed!” Card Sign to display with your final hiding place where your Elf is found. See “Elf Tip of the Day” below for instructions!
  • Remember I mentioned to save the “Shall We Play?” Elf-sized Sign from Kit #10 (Candy Cane Dice)? This would be cute to display with this Elf scene too!
  • Sprinkle a some of the red, white and green mini pom Poms around the final Clue scene (from the Bonus Extras Kit Bag #14). Make sure to save them to reuse again and again!

Have more than 1 child?

  • This scene can be used for multiple children! No extra items needed. Let it be a Scavenger Hunt Competition or have them work together!
  • Print multiple of the “You’ve Been Elfed” Cards (see “Elf Tip of the Day” below for instructions) for each of your children, if you want!

Have more than 1 Elf?

  • No extra items are needed! Just display both Elves around the final scene with a balloon, treat or small gift - if you want! Or you can have 1 Elf hold “Elf Scavenger Hunt Riddle” sign that I have displayed on the mini wooden easel in the photo above.. while the other Elf is hiding at the final clue location!

🌟 Elf Tip of the Day | Cute Ways to Elevate your Elf Scene

  • Print the “You’ve Been Elfed!” Card to display with the final clue (see photo above for instructions) for your child to find! Leave a balloon or small gift/treat with it.
  • Add some inexpensive table confetti, glitter or red and green Christmas balloons around your Elf scene.
  • Use the Bonus Extras Kit: Printable letters, props, and more are included in your Kit #14 (Bonus Extras). Add any of these to your Elf scene to elevate it! Just scan the QR code provided in your Kit Bag to open the documents.
  • Add Fairy Lights – Wrap a tiny strand of battery fairy lights around the scene for a cozy glow.
  • Mini Snacks – Place a candy cane, hot cocoa packet, or cookie beside the Elf for a “North Pole treat.”
  • Themed Music – Play Christmas music nearby when kids find the Elf for an immersive arrival.

🎄 Love it? Please share!

Pin it on Pinterest

📌 Love this idea? Pin it on Pinterest to save it + share it with others!


💌 Final Elf Tips

  • Save the Balloon to reuse on another day to elevate the scene, if you want! Or let your child play with it. 
  • Display the Signs: Reuse the mini easel stand from Day 1 (Elf Arrival Kit) kit to show off your daily Elf Kit signs throughout Decemeber.
  • Elf Swing: Reuse the swing from Kit Bag #2 (Elf Swing Countdown) in different Elf setups this December!
  • Use the BONUS Kit: Check Kit Bag #14 (Bonus Extras Kit Pack) for extra Elf Signs & Printable Elf Scenes you can use to elevate any scene! There are TONS of printables that you can use to elevate every Elf scene in this kit!
  • Set a Reminder: A quick phone alarm each night makes sure you never forget to set up the scene.
    • Example: “Remind me at 9:30 PM every night through December 24th to set up the magic.

✨ Most importantly, don’t stress about perfection — kids love the surprise most of all! The 24 Day Elf Kit makes it easy to keep the magic alive all December long.

Keep the Magic Going

🧝 Explore even more Elf Props & Scenes Printables → Here

Back to blog

Leave some love!

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.