42 Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas that everyone will love. These Elf on the Shelf return ideas for arrival will be a hit with the family.
Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas
The arrival of your scout Elf return week is a chance to get the whole family into the holiday mood. Everyone will make wonderful memories together and kids will love these activities.
How Does Elf on the Shelf Work?
During the holiday season, an adorable Elf arrives into a home to act as a special scout elf after thanksgiving. It is traditional to name the elf and introduce him to the family’s holiday celebrations after the elf’s arrival.
Throughout the day, it sits quietly in the corner and keeps an eye on the kids’ activities. When night falls, the elf flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa. When the kids wake up, they always find the elf in a new spot around the house often into mischief.
Best Elf on the Shelf Arrival 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 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.
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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!
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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!
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4. Special Delivery
This classic Christmas set is guaranteed to be a welcome addition.
Elf on the Shelf Special Delivery
Our Special Delivery Elf Set is great for any shelf, mantle, and countertop.
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5. 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.
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6. Candy Hunt
They are free to explore the house in search of the treats on their own.
Elf on the Shelf Candy Hunt
The Elf on the Shelf® Candy Hunt is the perfect way to add some fun to your holiday season!
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7. 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!
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8. Little Elf Five Senses Christmas Book
It’s a wonderful way for loved ones to come together.
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.
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9. DIY Luggage
DIY Elf luggage can be used to have conversations, play games, or tell stories.
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.
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10. 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!
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11. Elf on the Shelf Cheat Sheet
This Elf Cheat Sheet may help you come up with fun and engaging activities.
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.
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12. 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.
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13. 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?
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14. Goodbye Letters
Goodbye Letters might be a fun way to end the Elf on the Shelf tradition with your kids.
Elf Goodbye Letters
An Elf Goodbye Letter is the perfect way to say goodbye to your Elf on the Shelf.
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15. 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.
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16. 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.
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17. 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.
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18. Flying Elf Static Electricity Balloon Challenge
The Flying Elf Static Electricity Balloon Challenge is both entertaining and educational.
Flying Elf Static Electricity Balloon Challenge
This flying elf static electricity balloon STEAM challenge is super easy to set up and a great elf engineer activity for your Elf on the Shelf to bring!
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19. 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.
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20. 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.
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21. 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!
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22. 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.
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23. 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.
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24. 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.
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25. 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.
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26. Elf On The Shelf Mini Pancake Breakfast
Mini Pancake Breakfast is so easy to make with just a little creativity.
Elf on the Shelf Mini Pancake Breakfast
These elf-sized pancakes can be made with your favorite pancake mix, and the tiny plates are made from an empty yogurt cup!
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27. 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!
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28. 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.
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29. 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.
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30. 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!
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31. 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.
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32. 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!
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33. 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.
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34. 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.
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35. 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.
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36. Elf on the Shelf Cookie Cake
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.
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37. 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.
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38. 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!
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39. 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!
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40. 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.
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41. 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.
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42. 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.
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