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Elf on the Shelf Letters (Arrival & Departure)
At Just Family Fun, we know that the holiday season is a magical time for families, but let’s be real—when it comes to the Elf on the Shelf, the struggle is real! As your little elf observes your kids’ antics from their cozy perch, you might find yourself dreading the nightly ritual of moving that mischievous little sprite. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with our delightful collection of elf on the shelf letters that’ll make your life a whole lot easier (and a lot more fun!).
With our editable elf letters, you can whip up arrival and departure letters for one, two, or even three kids in no time. Each letter can be customized to feature your child’s name and whether your elf is on the nice or naughty list—because let’s face it, we all know that sometimes a little mischief is necessary!
And if you forget to move your elf (who hasn’t?), our Elf Excuses letters are here to save the day! With 24 creative Elf on the Shelf ideas, each accompanied by a cheeky letter from the elf, you’ll be the hero of the holiday season.
So get ready to embrace the chaos and enjoy the laughs with our elf letter templates and free printable elf on the shelf notes. Your kids will love these magical letters, and you’ll love how easy they make this tradition!
1 Kid - Elf on the Shelf Arrival and Departure Letters
For families with just one child, our 1-kid Elf on the Shelf letter packages make this holiday tradition extra special! We’ve created three different sets, each containing both an arrival and departure letter. Choose from three fun elf personalities—Cheeky, Friendly, or Mischief—to match your family’s vibe. Every letter can be easily personalized with your child’s name using any PDF editor, adding a magical, personal touch that makes the elf feel even more real. Whether your elf is sweet, sneaky, or somewhere in between, these elf letter templates are perfect for making this Christmas memorable!
2 Kid's - Elf on the Shelf Arrival and Departure Letters
For families with two kids, our 2-kid Elf on the Shelf letter sets are designed to double the holiday magic! Each package includes both an arrival and departure letter, with three playful elf personalities to choose from—Happy, Cheerful, or Naughty. Whether your elves are spreading joy, pulling lighthearted pranks, or sharing a little mischievous fun, these letters are perfect for creating a memorable experience for siblings. Plus, each letter can be easily personalized with your children’s names using any PDF editor, making the holiday magic feel just for them. Get ready to make this Christmas extra special!
3 Kid's - Elf on the Shelf Arrival and Departure Letters
Families with three kids will love our 3-kid Elf on the Shelf letter sets, designed to triple the holiday fun! Each set includes both an arrival and departure letter, with three unique elf personalities—Kind, Sneaky, and Forgetful. Whether your elves are leaving sweet messages, pulling off sneaky surprises, or humorously “forgetting” their tasks, these letters add a special touch for siblings to enjoy together. Easily personalize each letter with your children’s names using any PDF editor, making every note feel extra magical. This holiday season, bring on the laughter, surprises, and delightful elf mischief!
Elf on the Shelf Return Letter Templates
Welcome back, elves! Our Elf on the Shelf return letters are perfect for reintroducing those familiar little friends who have come back from the North Pole. We’ve created three special versions—one each for families with one, two, or three kids—so your elf can make a warm and memorable return. These letters let your children know their elf has missed them and is ready for a new season of holiday magic, mischief, and fun. With customizable names and personal touches, these return letters help start off your family’s elf tradition on a familiar and exciting note!
Elf Excuses Letters
Even the most magical parents sometimes forget to move the Elf on the Shelf—or simply run out of time. That’s where our Elf Excuses Letters come to the rescue! These clever notes are perfect for covering those “oops” moments with believable reasons straight from the North Pole. Choose from fun excuses like “technical difficulties,” “a special mission,” “stuck in a snowstorm,” or even “holiday research.”
With these ready-to-go excuse letters, you can keep the magic alive without scrambling. We recommend printing a few in advance, so you’re always prepared for those unexpected elf mishaps. Your kids will never suspect a thing!
24 Elf on the Shelf Ideas & Letters
Need some inspiration to keep the Elf on the Shelf magic going all season long? We’ve got you covered with 24 creative, fun, and easy Elf on the Shelf ideas that will bring endless excitement to your home. Each idea comes with its own letter from the elf, adding an extra special touch that makes every setup feel unique and personal.
Imagine your kids’ delight when they find the elf relaxing with a spa day, complete with tiny towels and a cucumber eye mask! Or, set up a cozy elf movie night, where your elf “watches” their favorite holiday film with popcorn ready to go. For a bit of elf mischief, place the elf in a jar with a playful note about how they ended up there overnight.
From silly scenes to kind-hearted gestures, these ideas are designed to surprise and delight your kids each morning. With a whole month’s worth of elf antics ready to go, you’ll be set to make this a holiday season they’ll never forget!
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Snowy Surprise
Create a snowy scene for your Elf using cotton balls or white pillows. Arrange the cotton balls in a fun way, like a mini snowman or snow fort. You could also place small holiday-themed toys around for added fun. This cozy winter scene will delight your kids and spark their imagination!
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf in a Jar
Place your Elf inside a clear jar with some festive decorations like tinsel, glitter, or faux snow at the bottom. Add a small note that says, “I’ve been caught! I’m stuck in my jar until I can find my way out!” This fun setup will spark your child’s curiosity and laughter!
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Movie Night Magic
Set up your Elf with a cozy movie night scene! Arrange a small bowl of popcorn, a few holiday-themed treats, and a note that says, “Ready for a movie marathon!” You can even place a tiny toy or stuffed animal beside the Elf to join in the fun. This idea creates a festive atmosphere and encourages family bonding!
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf Breakfast Surprise
Create a whimsical breakfast setup featuring your Elf “cooking” pancakes or cereal. Use small plates and bowls, and sprinkle a few chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles around. Add a note that says, “I whipped up a breakfast surprise just for you!” This playful scene encourages your kids to start their day with a smile!
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Book Adventure
Set up your Elf surrounded by a selection of holiday-themed books. You can position the Elf as if it’s reading one, with a little note that says, “I found some magical stories to share with you!” This encourages your children to read and enjoy the festive tales together, fostering a love for books during the holiday season.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf Art Studio
Set up your Elf with some art supplies, like crayons, colored paper, and stickers, as if it’s creating a masterpiece. Place a note beside the Elf that says, “Let’s get creative! What will you make today?” This idea encourages your children to express their creativity and have fun with art!
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Cookie Decorating
Set up your Elf with some pre-baked cookies, icing, and sprinkles, as if it’s ready to decorate for the holidays! You can place a note next to the Elf that says, “Let’s bake and decorate some cookies together!” This idea encourages family bonding and creativity in the kitchen while making delicious holiday treats.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Christmas Tree Helper
Position your Elf hanging from the Christmas tree with a few ornaments in its hands, as if it’s decorating the tree. Include a note that says, “I couldn’t resist helping with the decorations! Let’s make our tree even more magical together!” This playful scene encourages family involvement in holiday traditions and creates a festive atmosphere.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf Spa Day
Create a mini spa setup for your Elf using cotton balls as bath bombs, a tiny towel, and a little sign that says, “Elf Spa Day!” Place your Elf relaxing in a small bowl or cup filled with faux snow or cotton, as if it’s enjoying a spa treatment. This fun scene adds a lighthearted twist to your holiday adventures!
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Gingerbread House Builder
Set up your Elf surrounded by gingerbread house supplies, like graham crackers, icing, and candy decorations. Position the Elf as if it’s in the middle of building a gingerbread house, with a note that says, “Let’s create a sweet masterpiece together!” This idea encourages kids to join in on the fun of holiday baking and creativity.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf in a Snow Globe
Create a snow globe scene with your Elf inside a clear jar or bowl filled with faux snow, glitter, or cotton balls. Add a small holiday figurine or two to complete the scene. Include a note that says, “Welcome to my snow globe! Let’s make some winter magic today!” This idea adds a whimsical touch and sparks your child’s imagination.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf Scavenger Hunt
Set up a scavenger hunt for your kids by placing your Elf in a fun hiding spot with a list of holiday-themed items for them to find around the house. You can include items like a candy cane, a holiday book, or a snowflake ornament. Add a note that says, “Let the scavenger hunt begin! Can you find all the treasures?” This idea encourages exploration and fun!
Elf on the Shelf Idea: DIY Holiday Ornaments
Set up your Elf with some crafting supplies, like clear ornaments, paint, and glitter, as if it’s ready to make DIY holiday ornaments. Include a note that says, “Let’s get crafty and make some beautiful ornaments for our tree!” This idea inspires creativity and brings the family together to create personalized decorations.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf’s Holiday Baking Challenge
Set up your Elf with a mini baking station featuring cookie cutters, flour, and a small mixing bowl, as if it’s preparing for a baking challenge. Add a note that says, “I’m ready to bake some holiday treats! Are you up for the challenge?” This idea encourages family fun in the kitchen and holiday baking traditions.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf’s Wonderland
Create a winter wonderland scene with your Elf using cotton balls for snow, small figurines like reindeer or snowmen, and some twinkling lights. Position your Elf in the middle of the scene with a note that says, “Welcome to my winter wonderland! Let’s create some snowy magic today!” This idea adds a whimsical touch and inspires imaginative play.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf’s Game Night
Set up your Elf surrounded by board games or card games, as if it’s ready for a game night. You can include a note that says, “I’ve brought some games to play! Who’s ready for a fun game night?” This idea encourages family bonding and laughter, making it a great way to spend time together during the holiday season.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf's Holiday Dance Party
Set up your Elf in a fun pose with tiny musical instruments or colorful streamers, as if it’s ready to host a holiday dance party. Add a note that says, “Let’s dance and celebrate the season! Get ready to groove!” This idea invites kids to let loose, have fun, and enjoy music together.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf’s Snowball Fight
Set up your Elf with a few cotton balls or small white pom-poms as snowballs, and place it in a playful pose as if it’s about to throw one. Include a note that says, “I’m ready for a snowball fight! Who’s up for some fun?” This idea encourages kids to engage in a playful activity, bringing a sense of joy and laughter.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf’s DIY Gift-Making Station
Set up your Elf with craft supplies like wrapping paper, ribbons, scissors, and small boxes, as if it’s preparing to create handmade gifts. Position the Elf with a few “finished” gifts nearby. Include a note that says, “Let’s make some special gifts for friends and family! Who’s ready to get crafty?” This idea encourages creativity and the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf’s Holiday Puzzle Challenge
Set up your Elf with a jigsaw puzzle featuring a festive scene, and place a few completed pieces around it. Add a note that says, “I’ve brought a holiday puzzle for us to complete together! Let’s see if we can solve it as a team!” This idea promotes family bonding and problem-solving while having fun.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf’s Holiday Countdown Calendar
Create a countdown calendar with your Elf, using small bags or envelopes filled with treats, stickers, or notes for each day leading up to the holidays. Position your Elf beside the calendar with a note that says, “Let’s count down to the big day together! Each day brings a new surprise!” This idea adds excitement and anticipation for the holidays.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf’s Candy Cane Hunt
Set up your Elf in a playful pose with a few candy canes hidden around the house. Include a note that says, “I’ve hidden some candy canes for you to find! How many can you discover today?” This idea encourages a fun scavenger hunt that adds excitement to the holiday season.
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf’s Flour Snow Angels
Create a scene where your Elf is lying in a pile of flour, making “snow angels.” Sprinkle flour on a baking sheet or a flat surface, and position the Elf with arms spread out and a little flour around to mimic snow. Include a note that says, “I’ve been having fun making snow angels! Let’s pretend it’s a winter wonderland!”
Elf on the Shelf Idea: Elf’s Hot Cocoa Stand
Set up your Elf with a mini hot cocoa stand using a small table, mugs, and a few packets of hot cocoa mix. Position the Elf as if it’s ready to serve delicious hot cocoa topped with mini marshmallows and sprinkles. Include a note that says, “Warm up with a cozy cup of hot cocoa! Let’s enjoy some together to celebrate the holiday season!”
Have a Happy Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, these Elf on the Shelf letters are sure to add an extra layer of magic and joy to your family traditions. Whether you have one child or several, our editable letters and creative ideas will help you navigate the delightful, yet sometimes chaotic, world of elf antics.
With the arrival of your elf, you can embrace the fun of each new day filled with surprises and laughter. From heartfelt letters to cheeky excuses and imaginative setups, your family will create memories that last a lifetime.
So grab your favorite hot cocoa, settle in for some quality time, and let the magic unfold. Here’s to a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, love, and a little bit of elf mischief!
Happy Holidays from Just Family Fun!