Elf arrival ideas
The first morning sets the tone. These arrival ideas take 2 to 10 minutes, use things from home, and each comes with a welcome note from your elf.
First year? You'll need an elf before night one: The Elf on the Shelf® box set (Amazon) comes with the storybook. Then pick a name, print the welcome letter and choose an entrance below. Affiliate link: if you buy, we may earn a small commission. How we earn
24 ideas
Pictures: AI illustrations of Moss, our own elf. Yours will look a little different.
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Jet-Lagged Elf
Needs: sock, paper, sticky note
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Magic Carpet Arrival
Needs: aluminum foil
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No-Returns Gift Bag Arrival
Needs: gift bag, tissue paper
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Bathtub Boat Arrival
Needs: takeout box, straw, paper
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Coffee Filter Parachute Landing
Needs: coffee filter, string
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Elf Rules Arrival
Needs: paper, marker, mug
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Hot Cocoa Welcome
Needs: cocoa mix, mini marshmallows
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Paper Airplane Crash Landing
Needs: paper, marker
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Pick My Name Arrival
Needs: paper, scissors, marker
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Red Carpet Arrival
Needs: red towel, stuffed animals
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Slipper Sleigh Arrival
Needs: slipper, stuffed animals
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Snow Angel Landing
Needs: cotton balls, baking sheet
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Snow Globe Arrival
Needs: clear bowl, cotton balls
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Sock Rope Window Arrival
Needs: long socks, hair tie
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Tangled in the Lights
Needs: Christmas lights
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Tiny Elf Door Arrival
Needs: paper, scissors, marker
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Zip Line Arrival
Needs: string, clothespin
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Elf Passport Arrival
Needs: paper, markers, stapler
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North Pole Mail Carrier
Needs: shoebox, scissors, sock
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North Pole Times Arrival
Needs: paper, marker, mug
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Paper Cup Hot Air Balloon
Needs: paper cup, paper bag, string
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Snowy Footprint Entrance
Needs: paper, scissors, washcloth
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Welcome Back Paper Chain
Needs: paper strips, tape, marker
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Delayed by Fog: Late Arrival
Needs: paper, crayons
Nothing that quick and that tidy. Even elves have limits.
Questions
When does the elf arrive?
Most families welcome their elf on December 1 or the day after Thanksgiving. Pick whatever works for your home.
What should the first note say?
Keep it short and warm: who the elf is (or that they're back, if it isn't your first year), and one fun thing they did on the way. Printable arrival letter
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