A Parent’s Guide: Can Kids Touch Elf Pets and How to Make the Most of the Magic

By Daniel RodriguezLast Updated May 8, 2025

Understanding Elf Pets: What Makes Them Special?

Elf Pets are a unique part of many holiday traditions, designed to bring joy, comfort, and a sense of magic to children throughout the year. Unlike the original Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves, which are known for their strict no-touch policy to preserve their magic, Elf Pets are created specifically to be hugged, played with, and loved by children . This key distinction allows families to incorporate Elf Pets into daily routines and form even deeper connections during the holiday season and beyond [5] .

Can Kids Touch Elf Pets? The Official Answer

According to the official Elf on the Shelf website and supporting family tradition experts, children are encouraged to touch, cuddle, and carry their Elf Pets . The company behind the brand explicitly states that unlike the Scout Elves, the magic of Elf Pets is activated through physical affection and interaction [5] . This means your child can freely snuggle with their Elf Pet, take it on adventures, and even sleep with it at night without worrying about losing any magic [1] . The Elf Pets are specifically designed for this type of engagement, making them a comforting companion for children during the holidays and throughout the year.

Why Are Elf Pets Meant to Be Touched?

The concept behind Elf Pets centers on participation and spreading the spirit of the season. The more children play with and love their Elf Pets, the more they help Santa build Christmas magic. This approach is in direct contrast to the hands-off policy of the Scout Elves, whose magic is said to diminish if touched. With Elf Pets, the magic grows stronger the more they are hugged and cherished [2] . This philosophy not only relieves children of the anxiety surrounding the Scout Elf’s no-touch rule but also encourages positive emotional expression and play.

Introducing Elf Pets to Your Family

To start your Elf Pets tradition, you can adopt an Elf Pet from many major retailers or order online through official channels. Each Elf Pet comes as part of a box set that includes a storybook explaining its unique role in helping Santa. When introducing an Elf Pet, gather the family to read the story together. Emphasize that this new friend is meant for cuddles, adventures, and even year-round companionship [1] . Encourage your child to give their Elf Pet a name and integrate it into daily activities.

For those seeking adoption options, check with popular toy retailers or visit the official Elf on the Shelf website for verified purchase details. If you prefer in-person shopping, many national stores carry Elf Pets during the holiday season. Always ensure that you are purchasing from reputable sources to guarantee authenticity and safety.

Year-Round Companionship: Do Elf Pets Stay All Year?

Unlike Scout Elves, who return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, Elf Pets are designed to remain with children all year long [2] . Their purpose extends beyond the holiday season, serving as a plush friend and a gentle reminder of holiday values like kindness, giving, and hope. This can be particularly comforting for young children who form attachments to their plush toys. Encouraging your child to keep their Elf Pet nearby throughout the year can help foster positive behaviors and provide continuity in family traditions.

How to Engage Your Child with Elf Pets

There are many creative ways to make Elf Pets an integral part of your family’s holiday and daily routines:

Bedtime Companions: Let your child sleep with their Elf Pet for comfort and reassurance.
Storytime: Read the accompanying Elf Pet book together and create your own stories featuring their Elf Pet as the hero.
Holiday Activities: Include Elf Pets in decorating, baking, or festive crafts to reinforce the magic of the season.
Acts of Kindness: Encourage your child to perform kind acts in honor of their Elf Pet, reinforcing the core values of the tradition.

These activities help sustain interest in Elf Pets and keep the holiday spirit alive throughout the year.

Common Questions and Concerns

Do Elf Pets Move on Their Own? Unlike Scout Elves, Elf Pets do not move around the house by themselves. Children are responsible for moving and playing with them. This removes the pressure from parents to create nightly surprises and allows children to fully engage with their plush friend [1] .

Are There Rules for Caring for Elf Pets? The only real rule for Elf Pets is to love and care for them. There are no restrictions on touching or moving them. However, parents should encourage gentle handling to ensure the toy remains in good condition.

Can Elf Pets Be Washed? While most plush toys can be surface cleaned, always follow the care instructions provided with your Elf Pet. Typically, gentle spot cleaning is recommended to preserve their appearance and texture.

Alternative Approaches and Solutions

Some families may wish to create their own traditions or adapt the Elf Pet concept to fit their unique needs. For example, parents of children with sensory sensitivities might choose to introduce the Elf Pet gradually or pair it with other comfort objects. You can also write personalized notes from the Elf Pet to your child, reinforcing positive behaviors and creating memorable moments. If your family does not celebrate Christmas, Elf Pets can still be incorporated into winter celebrations or used as a symbol of kindness and giving year-round.

Potential Challenges and How to Address Them

One possible challenge is confusion between the Scout Elf and Elf Pet rules. Be clear with children: Scout Elves are for watching and reporting, and should not be touched , while Elf Pets are for hugging and playing . If your child is upset after accidentally touching a Scout Elf, remind them that their Elf Pet’s magic is fueled by love and that both friends work together for Santa.

Another challenge may be keeping the tradition fresh. To address this, regularly introduce new activities or seasonal stories involving the Elf Pet. Use the Elf Pet’s year-round presence as a way to reinforce positive behaviors and family values long after the holidays have passed.

How to Find and Adopt Elf Pets

To adopt an Elf Pet, visit major toy retailers during the holiday season or check the official Elf on the Shelf website for the latest product releases and adoption kits. Always verify that you are purchasing from an authorized seller to ensure the safety and authenticity of the Elf Pet. If shopping online, look for established retailers or use search terms such as “Elf Pets official adoption kit” to find reputable options. For in-store purchases, large chains often feature seasonal Elf Pet displays-ask a store associate for assistance.

Summary and Key Takeaways

In summary, children are encouraged to touch, hug, and play with Elf Pets as part of the tradition . This sets them apart from Scout Elves and opens up new possibilities for family bonding and holiday magic. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or year-round, Elf Pets can help foster joy, kindness, and cherished memories for children of all ages.