42 Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas that everyone will love. These Elf on the Shelf return ideas will be a hit with the entire family.

42 Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas that everyone will love. These new ideas are so funny and clever. Anyone can do these easy ideas for first time elves or returning elves including free letters and printables. #oncecrazymom #elfontheshelfarrivalideas #elfontheshelf

The arrival of your Elf on the Shelf is a chance to get the whole family into the holiday mood. Everyone will make wonderful memories together and kids will love these activities. We have the best ideas and also love the Cutest Elf on the Shelf Accessories and 55 Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Why We Love These Ideas

These favorite elf on the shelf ideas will capture your children’s imaginations. From arrival letters and free printables, there are so many fun ideas for elf on the shelf first day of arrival ideas. We have also included last minute elf arrival ideas for Moms.

1. Elf On The Shelf Accessories

Elf on the Shelf accessories are items that can be used for decorating with scout elves with ideas for elf on the shelf arrival as well.

Elf on the Shelf Accessories
Everyone knows you must have Elf on the shelf accessories and we have the ones you need the most.
Elf on the Shelf Accessories

2. Elf Plane Banners

Elf plane Banners help kids remember important dates and events.

Elf Plane Banners
Look toward the sky to see your Scout Elf flying in with an airplane message just for you!
Elf Plane Banners

3. Shortbread Elf On The Shelf Cookies

Elves love cookies and making them is a delightful activity for kids.

Elf on the Shelf Cookies
These darling little elf on the shelf cookies are easy to make, miniature shortbread cookies that are bite sized little pops of joy!
Elf on the Shelf Cookies

4. Breakfast Ideas

This yummy breakfast is a festive holiday tradition and you can also add a candy cane.

Elf on the Shelf Breakfast
These Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls make the perfect breakfast for Christmas morning. They also are a great idea for Elf on the Shelf Breakfast mornings.
Elf on the Shelf Breakfast

5. Buddy The Elf Pasta

This pasta is simple, easy to make, and will be enjoyed by all.

Buddy the Elf Pasta
Buddy the Elf Pasta; inspired by the movie ‘Elf’, a recipe and taste test of everyone’s favourite cotton-headed-ninnymuggins’ breakfast pasta! 
Buddy the Elf Pasta

6. Little Elf Five Senses Christmas Book

It’s a wonderful way for loved ones to come together and start the countdown for the special delivery.

Little Elf Five Senses Christmas Book
That makes Christmas the perfect time to teach or review the five senses and our Little Elf Christmas book is a great resource for doing just that.
Little Elf Five Senses Christmas Book

7. DIY Luggage

DIY Elf luggage can be used to have conversations, play games, or tell stories with the grand entrance. 

DIY Elf on the Shelf Luggage
I had this idea of making DIY Elf on the Shelf luggage and having Josie appear on our way home from our trip in our car.
DIY Elf on the Shelf Luggage

8. Elf Display Banner

Elf Display Banner is a wonderful choice for those in search of a cheery Christmas display.

Elf Display Banner
Head your 'Elf on the Shelf' display with this lovely themed banner! 
Elf Display Banner

9. Elf On The Shelf Cheat Sheet

This Elf Cheat Sheet may help you come up with fun and engaging activities for your scout elf return week. You will be a happy mom with these ideas!

Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet
Enter: the Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet, a calendar of ideas for your Elf to keep themselves busy all month long. 
Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet

10. Books About Elves

Books About Elves can give readers a glimpse of a new, beautiful world.

Books about Elves
The legend of elves dates back to medieval times and is a good reminder that helping hands make hard work easy.
Books about Elves

11. Gift Wrap Swing

Wrapping paper, thread, and a compact cardboard box are all you need for this project.

Elf Gift Wrap Swing
How cute is this Elf Gift Wrap Swing idea?
Elf Gift Wrap Swing

12. Goodbye Letters

Goodbye Letters might be a fun way to end the Elf on the Shelf tradition with your kids. My family enjoys this Christmas tradition.

Elf Goodbye Letters
An Elf Goodbye Letter is the perfect way to say goodbye to your Elf on the Shelf.
Elf Goodbye Letters

13. Polar Paper Snowball Fight

The Polar Paper Snowball Fight is another wonderful approach to celebrating the holiday spirit. 

Polar Paper Snowball Fight
Incoming! Snowball fights happen daily at the North Pole, and your Scout Elf can’t wait to recreate this popular pastime in your home.
Polar Paper Snowball Fight

14. Advent Calendars

Elf Brings Advent Calendars have the potential to make Christmas even more magical and enchanting. 

Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar
Kids are going to love this because Advent Calendars make the holidays so fun.
Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar

15. Gift Wrapped Elf

Elf on the Shelf Gift Wrapped is a cute and magical way to give gifts or decorate for the holidays.

Elf on the Shelf Gift Wrapped
Your elf will fill your home with joy by gift wrapping everything in the room. 
Elf on the Shelf Gift Wrapped

16. Elf In A Balloon

Elf in a Balloon is an entertaining alternative to the traditional Elf on the Shelf display.

Elf in a Balloon
We’re certain putting an elf inside a balloon was likely not at the top of your list of things to do for 2018—however this is such a fun way to present your elves.
Elf in a Balloon

17. Hot Air Balloon

Hot Air Balloons are a wonderful tradition for building excitement for Christmas morning with the little ones.

Hot Air Balloon
We love this fun idea, Elf flies in a hot air balloon. 
Hot Air Balloon

18. Magic Dust 

Magic Dust is a simple and enjoyable way to let your kids continue to believe in Christmas magic.

Elf on the Shelf Magic Dust
A little “magic dust” and some rest will give your Elf everything he needs to feel better in no time at all! 
Elf on the Shelf Magic Dust

19. Emergency Magical Elf Dust

Emergency Magical Elf Dust will give it a more enchanting and pleasant appearance.

Emergency Magical Elf Dust
All you need is some glitter, a plastic baggie, and my printable! It’s that easy. 
Emergency Magical Elf Dust

20. Christmas Tree

A Tree for your Elf will transform your elf on the shelf into something even more enchanting.

A Tree for Elf on the Shelf
Your kids will LOVE decorating a tree for their Elf on the Shelf.
A Tree for Elf on the Shelf

21. Christmas Tree Outfit

The Christmas Tree Outfit will delight your loved ones with only a little bit of imagination.

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Outfit
So here is another one! Make an Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Outfit with this free template.
Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tree Outfit

22. Elf On The Shelf Cereal Box 

The Elf on the Shelf Cereal Box can create some truly memorable moments for your little one.

Elf on the Shelf Cereal Box
With just a few simple supplies, you can turn those boring old cereal boxes into something special that will really make your elf stand out.
Elf on the Shelf Cereal Box

23. Elf On The Shelf Welcome Breakfast

The Elf on the Shelf Welcome Breakfast is an ideal opportunity to show off your imagination.

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Breakfast
It welcomes back the tradition and gets everyone excited!
Elf on the Shelf Welcome Breakfast

24. Elf-Sized Cookies 

Elf Sized Cookies are a delightful and merry way to welcome in the Christmas season.

Elf Sized Cookies
These elf sized cookies perfect for bringing some fun and cheer in the form of a bite sized cookie.
Elf Sized Cookies

25. Printable Elf Hat Christmas Cruise Door Decorations

Printable Elf Cruise Door Decorations are simple to make.

Printable Elf Hat Christmas Cruise Door Decorations
Thus today I want to share this cute set of Printable Elf Hat Christmas Cruise Door Decorations.
Printable Elf Hat Christmas Cruise Door Decorations

26. Scavenger Hunt

A Scavenger Hunt will be enjoyed by all with only a little bit of preparation.

Scavenger Hunt
These free printable scavenger hunt clues will keep your kids entertained, plus it’s super easy to set up!
Scavenger Hunt

27. Elf Return Letter

The Elf Return Letter is a wonderful opportunity for parents to instill in their kids the value of helping others.

Elf Return Letter
This custom Elf on a Shelf arrival letter looks like it came straight from the North Pole.
Elf Return Letter

28. Elf On The Shelf Hot Chocolate 

Elf On The Shelf Hot Chocolate is a great choice for a festive way to enjoy hot chocolate this holiday season. 

Elf on the Shelf Hot Chocolate
Help your elf bring a special gift straight from the North Pole with this Elf On The Shelf Hot Chocolate Gift Idea!
Elf on the Shelf Hot Chocolate

29. Elf Door

Elf Door is a fun way of enhancing the wonder of the winter holidays.

Elf Door
So, we’ve had a look in the official Elf Handbook to learn how the magic really works and uncover the secrets behind the Christmas Elf door. 
Elf Door

30. Elf On The Shelf Hiding Spots

Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spots can be done without a lot of hassle due to these simple locations.

Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spot
If you're looking for easy Elf on the Shelf ideas then it doesn't get much easier than these hiding spots.
Elf on the Shelf Hiding Spot

31. Elf On The Shelf Printable Kindness Cards

Elf on the Shelf Printable Kindness Cards are so quick and simple to make that you’ll love them. 

Elf on the Shelf Printable Kindness Cards
Elves don’t have to be naughty this idea is meant to help your kids be mindful of others and serve others during Christmas time.
Elf on the Shelf Printable Kindness Cards

Cookie cakes inspired by the Elf on the Shelf are a popular holiday dessert.

Elf on the Shelf Cookie Cake
The festive cookie cake features Santa’s helpers, Scout Elves, with fans’ choice of batter, including the classic Original Chocolate Chip Cookie, and customizable border icing color options.
Elf on the Shelf Cookie Cake

33. Elf On The Shelf Cereal Cookies

Cereal cookies are a great way to spread cheer any time of year.

Elf on the Shelf Cereal Cookies
Elf on the Shelf Cereal Cookies are prepared with a delicious sugar cookie base which has finely crushed cereal incorporated into the batter.
Elf on the Shelf Cereal Cookies

34. Elf Riding a Sleigh Dropping Chocolate Cookies

Elf Riding a Sleigh Dropping Chocolate Cookies is easy to make.

Elf Riding a Sleigh Dropping Chocolate Cookies
Festive treats are loved by all, big and small! So why not have your Elf spread some festive cheer by bringing your kids’ favourite kind!
Elf Riding a Sleigh Dropping Chocolate Cookies

35. North Pole Breakfast

North Pole Breakfast is an ideal option if you’re searching for a lighthearted way to start the day.

North Pole Breakfast
A North Pole Breakfast™ is a special breakfast celebration that brings a touch of the North Pole into your home at Christmastime!
North Pole Breakfast

36. Buddy The Elf Christmas Decorations

Buddy the Elf Christmas Decorations are a great option if you want to add a touch of seasonal cheer.

Buddy the Elf Christmas Decorations
Today we're going to explore a dining table, Christmas tree, and side table decked out Elf style, inspired by the movie.
Buddy the Elf Christmas Decorations

37. Buddy The Elf Bark

Buddy the Elf Bark is a simple recipe that may be made by anyone with little to no baking experience.

Buddy the Elf Bark
Drawing inspiration from one of our favorite holiday movies, this Buddy the Elf dessert incorporates ramen noodles with chocolate, candy and everyone's favorite—marshmallows.
Buddy the Elf Bark

38. The Kindness Elves

A pair of miniature elves known as the Kindness Elves are used to inspire good deeds in children.

Kindness Elves
Create a new tradition for Christmas with The Kindness Elves, an alternative to the popular Elf on the Shelf idea, and place the focus instead on positive, character-building activities for kids.
Kindness Elves

39. Hot Cocoa Arrival

Enjoy a sweet and festive drink while bringing back your Elf for the season. Everyone loves hot cocoa.

Craving Hot Cocoa
With a little mischief and marshmallows, these elves welcome the season with hot chocolate.
Craving Hot Cocoa

40. Streamer Surprise

Leave a big impact for very little expense with this fun and creative idea with streamers.

Streamer Suprise
Turn inexpensive streamers into a fun Christmas tree and Elf arrival.
Streamer Suprise

41. Cocoa Party And Printables

Throw a party everyone will love with hot chocolate. The printables make it extra festive!

Cocoa Party
Welcome the season with a party packed with hot chocolate and more!
Cocoa Party

42. Cupcake Welcome Party

You can’t go wrong with cupcakes and this idea is a sweet surprise!

Cupcake Party
These fun cupcakes are loaded with sprinkles and more for a festive and tasty treat.
Cupcake Party

More Fun Christmas Ideas

Which of these fun ideas do you want to try? Leave a comment and let me know!

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