Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Reindeer Costume

Grab this Free Elf on the Shelf Reindeer Costume Printable! Cute props dress your scout elf in minutes, so busy parents get an easy, magical elf idea tonight. Find more Elf on the Shelf Ideas, including printables, letters, and more.

Okay, friend, I have to be honest. By the second week of December, my elf ideas are running on fumes. That’s exactly why I made this Free Elf on the Shelf Reindeer Costume Printable for you! It takes about 10 minutes, and your kids will think your elf pulled an all-nighter at the North Pole. 🦌

What Is This Reindeer Costume Printable?

This is a free printable set that turns your scout elf into one of Santa’s reindeer. You print it on cardstock, cut out the pieces, and add a little glue. That’s it! Inside the set, you’ll find:

• An antler headband with soft ears and a sprig of holly
• A jingle bell collar that wraps around your elf’s neck
• A shiny red nose (Rudolph would be proud)
• A fluffy little tail
• A “Reindeer in Training” name tag
• A note from your elf to leave out for the kids

Also, the pieces fit a standard 12-inch elf. The straps are extra long on purpose, so you can trim them for a perfect fit. In other words, you don’t need to measure a thing. 🙌

Why You’ll Love This Elf Idea

First, it’s fast. You know those nights when you remember the elf at 11 p.m.? Yep, me too. This DIY elf costume comes together with scissors, glue, and a little tape. There’s no sewing, no shopping, and no craft store run in your pajamas. 😅

Second, it’s pure magic for the kids. My two always lose their minds when the elf shows up in a costume. Plus, the note invites them to join in, so the fun lasts all day. Best of all, it’s free! I love sharing elf on the shelf printable props that make the season a little easier on all of us.

How to Use the Free Elf on the Shelf Reindeer Costume Printable

Setting up your reindeer elf is easy. Here’s how I do it, step by step. Grab a cup of coffee (or cocoa), and let’s go! ☕ To download, scroll to the bottom of the post and enter your name and email address in the dark green download box. The download will be sent right to your inbox.

1. Print on cardstock. Use white cardstock and print at “Actual Size.” Next, check the 1-inch test square to make sure it printed right.
2. Cut out the pieces. Cut along the solid lines. Small scissors make the reindeer antlers much easier.
3. Add the antler headband. Glue the center of the strap behind the headband. Then wrap it around your elf’s head and glue it in the back.
4. Put on the jingle bell collar. Wrap it around the neck, trim it, and glue (or tape) the end.
5. Finish with the nose, tail, and name tag. Use a removable glue dot for the nose, so it peels right off. After that, tape the tail and name tag in place.
6. Leave out the note. Write your elf’s name on it, set it nearby, and head to bed!

Quick tip: in a lot of homes, kids aren’t supposed to touch the elf. That’s why it helps to dress your elf after the kids fall asleep. Grown-ups have special elf helper permission, you know! 😉

Fun Ways to Use Your Reindeer Elf

Need a little inspiration? Here are my favorite elf ideas for this costume. Pick one, or use a few over the season.

• Reindeer Games morning: Set out toy animals and a few tiny cones. Your elf is clearly training for the big night!
• Flying lesson: Hang your elf from a ribbon near a window, like he’s practicing takeoff.
• Carrot snack time: Sit your elf next to a plate of baby carrots with one bite missing. 🥕
• Elf arrival idea: Bring your elf back for the season dressed as a reindeer. It makes such a fun “I’m back!” moment.

And of course, I have a dad joke for you. What do you call a reindeer with no manners? Rude-olph! 😂

Variations to Try

This printable works for more than one morning. In fact, you can switch it up in so many ways. Here are a few ideas to keep it fresh.

Use It in the Classroom

Teachers, this one’s for you too! Dress your classroom elf as a reindeer and let students vote on a reindeer name. Afterward, have them write a story about the elf’s first flying lesson.

Create a Whole Reindeer Team

Got more than one elf? Make a costume for each one and give them names like Dasher and Dancer. Then line them up on the mantel like Santa’s team.

Mix It With Other Elf Costumes

Your elf can switch outfits all season long. For example, try my Super Elf, Baker Elf, and Princess Elf sets for more no-sew elf accessories. Your kids will wonder what their elf will wear next!

Common Questions

Can I touch my elf to put the costume on?

Most families follow the rule that kids shouldn’t touch the elf. However, plenty of parents say grown-ups get a pass as official elf helpers. So go ahead and dress your elf after bedtime, when the magic happens. ✨

What paper works best?

Cardstock works best for these Christmas printables for kids. I recommend 65 to 80 lb cardstock, because it’s sturdy but still easy to cut. Regular printer paper works in a pinch, but the antlers may flop a little.

Will it fit my elf?

The pieces fit a standard 12-inch scout elf. Besides that, every strap is extra long, so you can trim it to fit. It works great on girl elves and most look-alike elves, too.

Is it really free?

Yes! Just pop your email in the form below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox. You’ll also get more easy holiday printables from me all season long.

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.
• Pens and Coloring Supplies: Here are some of my favorite writing tools for pencils and pens. Coloring supplies that I love to use in my own home: colored pencils, crayons, markers for adults, and markers for kids.

Shop all of my favorites here. Click each image below to learn more:

Download the Reindeer Elf on the Shelf 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.

Be sure to check your printer settings before printing, I generally make sure that the scale to fit option is selected to make sure all of the printables fit on the page.

To ensure emails for printables are received in your inbox add hello@thebensonstreet.com to your email contacts. Also check your promotions, updates, spam, junk or other folders if you do not see the email in inbox. Also for educators, consider using your personal email as many school districts block the emails or downloading of files.

Grab Your Free Reindeer Costume

I hope this little reindeer brings big smiles to your house this year. Honestly, small moments like this make the season feel magical. That’s why I made the Free Elf on the Shelf Reindeer Costume Printable for busy parents like you.

Ready to give your elf some antlers? Enter your email below to grab your free printable. Then come back and tell me the reindeer name your elf picked! I can’t wait to hear. 💌

More Elf on the Shelf Ideas:

• Elf Welcome Back Letter
• Elf Late Arrival Letter
• Elf Touched Letter
• Elf Christmas Eve Letter
• Elf on the Shelf Word Search Printable
• Elf on the Shelf Word Scramble Printable
• 25 Days of Easy Elf Setups with Printable Cards
• 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
• Kpop Demon Hunters Props
• 67 Elf Printable Props
• Jail Props and Mugshot Signs
• Beach Day Elf Props
• Football Field Props
• Squishy Toy Props (Butter, Cube, and Dumpling)
• Elf Sign Posts (Perfect for a North Pole Village)
• Elf on the Shelf Jokes
• Show Me Around Poem
• Elf Tic Tac Toe Prop
• Elf on the Shelf Paper Dolls
• Teen Elf on the Shelf Ideas
• Check back again more coming soon!

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