December 1st is almost here, and if you haven’t planned your first Elf on the Shelf scene, then you’re going to want to read this! Get some easy elf arrival ideas for fun ways to announce the arrival of Santa’s favorite helper.
Okay mama, let’s talk about that moment when you realize it’s November 30th at 10:47 PM and you’ve completely forgotten that tomorrow is December 1st. You know what that means – the Elf on the Shelf is coming back, and your kids are expecting magic while you’re just trying to remember if you brushed your teeth today.
I get it. The Elf on the Shelf tradition is adorable and your kids absolutely love it, but some years you need arrival ideas that don’t require a Pinterest board, a hot glue gun, and three hours of sleep you don’t have.
So I’ve rounded up 25 elf arrival ideas that range from “I planned this weeks ago!” to “I literally just thought of this while brushing my teeth.” Because we’re all doing our best, and sometimes our best involves a 2-minute elf setup after bedtime. No judgment here – just real life, a little magic, and maybe some chocolate to get us through the month.
Let’s make this December 1st amazing (or at least, you know, done). And be sure to check out my free printable Elf arrival letters here!
1. The Elf Gets Shipped via “Elf-azon”
If your kids are used to seeing Amazon packages on your door step everyday – no judgment, I’m right there with you! – then why not have your friendly delivery driver help out with your Elf on the Shelf arrival also? You can use these free printable “elf-azon” or elf shipping labels, decorate an Amazon box, and tuck your little elf inside.
Click HERE for the FREE Printable Elf Shipping Box Labels!
2. The Elf Got Stuck in the Chimney
If you have a fireplace and limited time to plan your elf arrival scene, then this idea is for you! Just print the free printable notes for Elf on the Shelf, add some dirt (aka chimney soot) to your elf’s outfit and cheeks, and hang him upside down inside the fireplace.
The printable note says:
“Roses are red, violets are blue… I got stuck in the chimney coming back to you!”
3. “I’m Back” in Snow (Flour)
This is a super easy, last minute elf arrival idea because you only need flour. Just dump about a cup of flour on your countertop, dining table, coffee table, or wherever you want your elf to magically appear. Spread it out in an even layer, and lay the little guy down in the flour. Spread his arms and legs out and in a few times in the flour, like he’s making a snow angel. Then write “I’M BACK” in the flour next to him. That’s it! Less than 2 minutes.
4. The Classic Mailbox Surprise
Have your elf arrive in the mailbox with a “Special Delivery from the North Pole” sign. Add a small note saying they flew all night to get here. Bonus: this gets you outside for approximately 90 seconds, which counts as exercise.
5. The Zipline Entry
Tie a string or piece of Christmas ribbon from one side of the room to another, and attach your elf to a coat hanger on the stringe like they ziplined in. We tied ribbon from one kitchen cabinet to another, and we used two clothespins to attach the elf’s hands to the coat hanger. Such a fun scene that can cross your entire room with very minimum effort!
6. “I’m Back” Written in Cereal
Another easy idea that just requires some sort of “O’s” cereal – like Cheerios, Apple Jacks, or Fruit Loops. Simply spell out “I’M BACK” in the cereal pieces. You can set your elf up near the message, or even sit him in a bowl of the cereal and have him holding a spoon. Easy peasy!
7. Elf Stuck in the Blinds
This is like the chimney idea above, except with your window blinds. Just stick the elf in the blinds, spreading his arms and legs out like he got stuck in between the slats. Add the free printable elf note, and you’re done!
8. Balloon Ride Landing
Tie a balloon to your elf and have them “floating” down from their journey. You can tape the balloon string to the ceiling or a high shelf, and add the note that says “Just floating in from The North Pole”. That’s it. You’re done.
9. “I’m Back” Cake or Cookie Message
Do your kids have a sweet tooth? Or are you always looking for an excuse to grab a cookie cake from your local grocery store? Then this may be your favorite of all of the Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas! Just grab a cookie cake or decorated sheet cake from the bakery. Have them write “I’m Back” on it using icing. And set up your Elf near the cake! You get an easy elf arrival idea AND a delicious dessert – win win!
10. The Elf Gets Stuck Outside
Tape the Elf on the Shelf on the outside of a window with his arms and legs spread out, like he’s scaling the window to try and find an opening. Add the free printable notes that say “I’m back” and “Let me in!”. Easy arrival idea that takes less than 3 minutes!
11. Sitting in a Wreath
If you have a wreath on your door or wall, position your elf climbing up it or sitting in the middle. Add the “I’m back” sign, or turn it into a necklace so you don’t have to fiddle with positioning the elf’s hands just right. It looks intentional and takes almost no effort.
12. Easy Elf Arrival Letter
This Elf on the Shelf welcome back idea is super flexible – just set up any quick scene that you want, and add a free printable elf arrival letter. I’ve got 4 different letter templates you can choose from, print out, and you’re done!
13. Snack After a Long Flight
Arrange some powdered donuts or a piece of toast, a glass of milk, and your elf at the table. Add the note: “Needed a snack after my long flight!”
14. Door Hanger Welcome
Hang your elf on a doorknob (bedroom door, bathroom door, wherever) with a note that says “Reporting for duty!” You can use a tiny ribbon or just tuck them in the handle. Done in 30 seconds.
Free Printable Notes for the Elf Arrival Ideas
Most of these easy Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas only require a few basic supplies and a printable note – and I did my best to make these SUPER easy for you, so I created a one page print out of all of the elf arrival notes. Just click the link below to download, print, and set up your scene in less than 5 minutes!
Download The Printable!
Click below to download your FREE Printable Notes for the Elf Arrival!
Hope these easy elf arrival ideas help you kick off elf season with a little less stress! And be sure to PIN this post for later:
