Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Detective Props and Message Decoder

Enjoy an easy set up for your elf with these free printable Elf on the Shelf Detective Props and message decoder. Dress up your elf with elf sized props, and decipher clues with the message decoder.

Welcome to a new way to enjoy the holiday season with a creative twist on the Elf on the Shelf tradition! If you’re looking for something new, exciting, and interactive for your elf this year, try these free printable Elf on the Shelf Detective Props.

They’re designed to bring fun and mystery to your holiday setup. With tiny, detailed props like a bulletin board, magnifying glass, top-secret file, and a detective badge, your Elf will be ready to solve all sorts of holiday “mysteries.”

In addition to the props, this printable set includes a secret message decoder that spins, helping you decode which letter matches each Christmas symbol. Plus, there are two pages of clues just waiting for your little detectives to solve with their elf! Let’s dive in and discover why these Elf on the Shelf Detective Kit Props could be the perfect addition to your scout elf.

Why You’ll Love Elf on the Shelf Detective Props

Adding an element of mystery makes Elf on the Shelf even more thrilling! Kids already look forward to discovering what their mischievous elf has been up to each night. But with detective props, your elf can take things up a notch by “solving” holiday mysteries, leaving clues, and even decoding secret messages. This brings in a layer of excitement, creativity, and fun to the classic Elf on the Shelf tradition.

Not only does this printable set bring joy, but it also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As your children try to figure out the clues left by the elf, they’ll engage their minds in a fun way, making holiday memories even more special. Parents and kids alike will enjoy the playful scenes and the challenges they bring in the morning.

How to Use Elf on the Shelf Detective Props

Using the elf-sized detective kit props is easy, simple, and fun! Here’s how you can set up these adorable props to create an entertaining storyline:

1. Print and Cut: Start by printing out the detective props. Once printed, cut out each piece, including the bulletin board, magnifying glass, top-secret file, detective badge, pencil, notebook, and the mustache. Use an Xacto Knife for small details.
2. Set Up Clues: Use the decoder with the provided clues. Assemble the decoder following instructions on the printable sheet. Set the clues around the elf so it looks like they are working on a case. Position the bulletin board nearby to add authenticity.
3. Create a Detective Scene: Set up a small “detective office” where your elf can “investigate.” Place the props around the elf, and add tiny holiday details like “snow” footprints (flour works great here, a little goes a long way) or the printed clues for added mystery.
4. Daily Mysteries: Each morning, reveal a new clue or a “solved” part of the mystery. This keeps the excitement going and keeps children guessing about what their elf is doing next. Plus, this can be spread across multiple days so parents don’t have to come up with as many daily ideas for the elf.

Fun Ideas for Using Elf on the Shelf Detective Props

Want to make the most out of your elf’s detective adventure? Here are a few creative ways to use these printable props:

• Daily Clues to Find Gifts: Your elf could leave daily clues leading to small treats or holiday activities. Each morning, kids could solve a new clue to discover what’s next!
• Elf Detective in Training: Let your elf “train” as a detective, leaving funny notes about the mysteries they’re learning to solve.
• Who Ate the Cookies?: Set up a playful mystery where the elf tries to figure out who ate Santa’s cookies! Use the props to help “investigate” the scene, complete with tiny crumbs as “evidence.”
• Santa’s Secret Mission: Make up a storyline where Santa assigns your elf a “top-secret mission” to investigate whether everyone’s been nice or naughty.

These ideas can bring joy to your mornings and keep children engaged with exciting new scenes each day!

Variations for Using Elf on the Shelf Detective Props

Looking to mix things up? Here are some variations for using the detective props in fresh ways:

• Holiday Spy Mission: Use the props to create a “spy mission” where the elf is on a secret mission for Santa. Use different props each day to show progress on the mission, adding an element of suspense.
• Daily Puzzles: Instead of a traditional clue, create small daily puzzles for children to solve, like word scrambles or simple riddles. Use the decoder to decode holiday words.
• Detective Sidekick: Have your elf work alongside a small toy such as a Barbie, action figure or stuffed animal “sidekick” to solve each mystery. The duo can leave funny notes or clues about what they’re working on.
• Scavenger Hunt: Set up a mini scavenger hunt with the detective props, letting kids find small holiday items around the house. You can create different hiding spots each day.

Common Questions About Elf on the Shelf Detective Props

Here are some common questions families might have about Elf on the Shelf Detective Props:

1. Are these props free to download?

Yes, these printable Elf on the Shelf Detective Props are free to download! Just enter your email address in the download box below, and the download link for the pdf file will be sent to your inbox, click the button, print, and you’re all set.

2. How do I set up the decoder and clues?

The decoder is easy to use! Cut out each of the circles, place the smaller one on top of the larger one and insert a brad in the center. It spins, showing which symbol corresponds with each letter. Place the decoder near the elf with a clue for an exciting scene. Use it to reveal new messages or secrets every day.

3. Can I make my own clues for the elf?

Absolutely! In addition to the two pages of clues that come with the printable set, you can create your own clues or add fun challenges. Tailoring clues to your family’s interests makes it even more personal.

4. How often should I change the detective setup?

There’s no rule here! Some families like to change the elf’s scene each night, while others may do it every few days. Find a schedule that’s easy and fun for your family.

5. Can I use the props for other elf scenes?

Yes! The detective props are versatile and can be used for a variety of scenes, even outside of a detective theme. For example, the notebook could work as an “elf diary,” while the magnifying glass could be part of a holiday science experiment.

My Favorite Printable Supplies:

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• Printer: I love my HP Home Printer, it prints beautifully everytime no matter what projects I am working on.
• Paper: Depending on the durability you want with your printables, consider printing on white card stock or high quality paper.
• Laminator: For printables you are planning to use over and over again, simply laminate and use dry erase markers to mark up the printables.
• Paper Cutter: I love my CARL Paper Cutter. It makes trimming and cutting out printables a breeze.
• Sticker Paper: When printing tags or other free printables, sticker paper can make it easy to attach to gifts, boxes, or to make your own stickers.
• Cutting Supplies: You’ll want a great pair of paper cutting scissors and I love using an Xacto Knife for intricate details.

Download the Detective Kit Elf Props Here:

Please remember my printables are free for classroom use or personal use only. You may not sell or distribute the printable or digital file. If you wish to share the digital files, please refer friends to the link of this blog post where they can sign up to receive the free printable directly in their inbox.

Conclusion: Bring the Magic of Detective Elf to Your Home!

Ready to add a little mystery to your holiday season? With these free printable Elf on the Shelf Detective Props, your elf can take on a fun new role and give your family exciting mornings filled with clues and surprises. Get ready for adorable detective scenes, tiny props that spark the imagination, and plenty of opportunities for family fun.

So, download your Elf on the Shelf Detective Props today and start planning your elf’s next big case. Your kids will love the daily adventure, and you’ll make memories they’ll talk about for years to come.

Don’t wait – bring the detective magic to your holiday! Download your printable set now and make this holiday season unforgettable. Happy holidays and happy detective adventures with your Elf on the Shelf! Merry Christmas!

More Elf on the Shelf Ideas:

• Elf Sized Breakfast Props
• Elf Sized Mailbox and Letters
• Elf Sized Pirate Props and Treasure Scavenger Hunt
• Taylor Swift Eras tour Elf Sized Props and Guess the Song Game
• Harry Potter Elf Sized Props and Word Search
• Detective Kit Props and Decoder with Clues
• Magician Set Props
• Art Studio Props with Drawing Prompts
• Elf Shopping Packages Props
• Elf Exercise Equipment and Challenge Cards
• Check back again more coming soon!

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