Yahoo Lifestyle Incoming! 'Elf on the Shelf' Is Coming Back, and Here Are the 42 Best Arrival Ideas
We're officially starting the most wonderful time of the year, and it’s always fun to add to the magic of Christmas. There's holiday baking, snow on the ground, fireplaces all aglow, wrapping presents and more. For many families, the tradition of Elf on the Shelf adds to the magic. Social media is full of his shenanigans as the Elf meanders throughout the house, finding his way into winter boots, backpacks, the kitchen and among the toys. Kids never really know where that Elf might end up next!
Whether this is your first year planning for the Elf on the Shelf or you’ve done it for a while, having a game plan is the best strategy. Elf Return Week is from November 24 to December 1 in 2024, so get ready to announce your buddy's big arrival. And we’re here to help with 42 Elf on the Shelf Arrival ideas! Here’s to making some magical memories all season long.
Related: We've Made Our List and Checked It Twice—100 of the Best Elf on the Shelf Names
42 Best Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas
Traci Rhoades
1. Introduce Elf as This Year's Reading Buddy
Gather up your holiday reads, and maybe grab a couple of new ones. Elf likes reading too!
2. Use Marshmallows To Make the Big Announcement
Have Elf sitting by marshmallows that spell out: “I’m back.”
Related: 72 Festive Christmas Games the Whole Family Will Enjoy
Traci Rhoades
3. Let Elf Host a Hot Cocoa Welcome-Back Party
Grab a fun mug and all your favorite hot chocolate goodies. Make sure you toast to Elf adventures.
MidgetMomma
4. Have Elf Deliver Breakfast One Morning
If you get a dozen donuts, there might be enough for the adults too.
5. Create a Chalkboard "Countdown to Christmas" Board and Prop Elf up Beside It
Kids will rush out of bed to mark another day off the calendar, one day closer to Christmas.
My Life and Kids
6. Make Up Your Own Mad Lib About Elf for Kids To Fill Out
Your kids will enjoy filling out Mad Lib blanks (probably more than once) to tell the Elf's story.
This Worthey Life
7. Get Elf a New Outfit
They come out with new clothing and accessories every year. What a fun first activity, to dress Elf up for the season.
Prudent Penny Pincher
8. Write a Letter From Elf
Get as creative as you want, talking about their excitement for the holidays or what they’ve been doing the past year.
Related: 50 Best Elf on the Shelf Memes
Traci Rhoades
9. Make Elf All Ready for Movie Night
Put Elf in a popcorn bucket with some popcorn, and ease into the Christmas season with your favorite holiday movie.
10. Place Elf in Your Advent Tree
The Christmas story is for everyone, after all, so let Elf listen to the daily readings too.
11. Have Elf Show up With Hugs and Kisses
Wrap some Hershey’s chocolates up in a baggie with a note for the kids.
12. Attach a Couple of Candy Cane Skis to Elf and Let Him "Ski" Down the Stairs
Whee, look at him fly down the banister.
13. Make a Mini Balloon Arch, Announcing the Elf's Arrival in Regal Style
These balloon arches are popular, and there are several kits to choose from, or you can make your own.
14. Have Elf Deliver This Year's Family Pajamas
What a fun way to give the family this year’s Christmas PJs!
15. Buy Cookies From a Local Bakery
Either put the Elf’s name on it (if he/she has a name) or have them write “I’m back!”
16. Load up Elf in a Toy Car
Send him riding into the living room, ready to spread a little holiday magic.
17. Put Elf Into the Branches of Your Un-Decorated Tree
He’s a helper, right? So he won’t mind helping you put on the ornaments.
18. Throw an Elf Tea Party
Make hats out of construction paper and serve mini muffins alongside tiny teacups.
Related: 85 Creative Ideas for Elf on the Shelf!
19. Put Elf Into a Balloon to Surprise the Children
Contact a local floral shop about putting him inside a balloon.
20. Mail Elf to Your Child
Put Elf in a large envelope with your child’s name on it, or draw a stamp to tape on his chest.
21. Stack Two Toilet Paper Rolls Together and Make a Snowman
When the children “open” the snowman, out pops Elf!
22. Create a Scavenger Hunt
Write up a scavenger hunt, leaving clues to the next station until the final stop leads them to Elf and his book.
23. Gift a New Cozy Blanket
After unwrapping it, bring out the Elf on the Shelf figure along with the book for a snuggle fest and reading time.
24. Choreograph a Routine for the Elf To Perform Your Favorite Christmas Song
Maybe “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"?
25. Have Elf Wrap His Arms Around a Jar of Candy
Turn his arrival into a guessing game for the kids by having them guess how many pieces are inside.
26. Hide Your Scout Elf in a Cereal Box
By hiding in your kids' favorite cereal, they'll be sure to get a surprise when they get ready for breakfast!
27. Put the Elf in the Car
Heading to school? Your Scout Elf can be all buckled in and ready.
28. Stick the Scout Elf in the Freezer
He's used to the cold, after all.
29. Put Him on the Kids' Tablet
Bonus points if he's watching a Christmas movie on it when they wake up.
30. Place Him on a Nearby Pillow
Your kiddo will wake up so happy!
31. Use Streamers for a Grand Entrance
Place the Elf on one of the hanging streamers in the hall or doorway.
32. Have Him Come Out of a Picture Frame
He can replace a photo that's usually on display by popping out of the frame himself instead!
33. Elf Can Take a Nap in the Cupboard
When the kids open up the cupboard in the morning, they'll be shocked to see him snoozing in a mug or bowl.
34. Tape Him Near the Doorbell
Whether the kids first see him on your Ring app, or by opening the door after you find a sneaky way to ring the doorbell, it's the perfect arrival.
35. Place Him in the Tub
Put him next to a new rubber duck friend and your kids will be so surprised when they move the curtain to get ready for a bath.
36. Use Skittles
Spell out "Hello!" in the colorful candy pieces.
37. Stick Him in a Snow Boot
That way, your kid(s) will definitely see their seasonal friend before leaving the house.
38. Have Him Socializing With Barbies
See if your child notices the Scout Elf hanging out with Barbies in their Dream House or on the floor.
39. Put His Head Through Your Kid's Shirt for the Next Day
Do you set out your kid's outfit for the next day so it's all ready to go when they wake up? Perfect! Have the Scout Elf's head poking out of the shirt!
40. Put Him in a Pile of Snow on the Counter
You can even leave little a little snowy trail (real or fake) from the front door.
41. Buy a Tiny Toothbrush for the Elf To Hold
That will be quite the surprise when your kids go into the bathroom to brush their own teeth!
42. Film a Video of the Scout Elf's Fun Arrival
Edit together a video from the Scout Elf showing his arrival, ending it with him deciding to fall asleep in a certain part of the house. Then, let your kids run to go get him from that location!
Up Next:
