Hot-air balloon landing
Tie a balloon to a small basket or mug with the elf inside, floating above the table.
You need: balloon, small basket
first-timereturning
Elf on the Shelf · arrival
Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas
Day one sets the tone for the whole season. Make the arrival feel like an event, with a letter, a little treat and a big entrance.
Quick answer
Popular Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas: the elf arriving in a hot-air balloon (a basket under a balloon), parachuting in with a napkin, a North Pole breakfast with red and green pancakes, arriving in a box 'mailed' from the North Pole, or sleeping off jet lag in a tissue box. Always add an arrival letter introducing the elf's name and rules.
Parachute drop
Tie a napkin or bandana corners to the elf with string and hang it from a light like it's floating down.
You need: napkin, string
returning
North Pole breakfast
Red and green pancakes or cereal with the elf at the table and a welcome letter.
You need: food colouring
breakfastfirst-time
Special delivery box
Elf in a shoebox with 'North Pole Express' written on it and packing paper spilling out.
You need: shoebox
first-time
Sleeping off jet lag
Elf asleep in a tissue box with a 'Do not disturb' sign.
You need: tissue box
returning
Arrived with suitcase
Elf with a tiny 'suitcase' (a matchbox or small gift box) and passport stamped 'North Pole'.
You need: matchbox
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Snowy footprints
Flour footprints from the window to the elf.
You need: flour
first-time
Welcome back banner
Elf hanging a paper banner: 'I'm back!'
You need: paper, string
returning
Santa's video message
Elf next to a tablet playing a free 'message from Santa' style video.
You need: tablet
first-time
Hot cocoa welcome
Elf with a mug of cocoa mix and marshmallows: 'Warm up with me tonight!'
You need: cocoa
breakfast
Elf-sized door
A paper door taped to the skirting board with the elf just stepping out.
You need: paper, tape
first-time
Christmas book stack
Elf brings a new Christmas book to read together that night.
You need: book
first-timereturning
Name reveal
Elf with a scroll: 'My name is ___!' Kids can help name a new elf.
You need: paper
first-time
Unpacked the decorations
Elf sitting in the decorations box with tinsel everywhere: decorating day!
You need: decorations
returning
Arrived on the train
Elf riding the toy train or a toy truck into the room.
You need: toy train
returning
What to write in the arrival letter
Keep it short and warm. A good arrival letter covers: the elf's name, that it flies to the North Pole each night, the one rule (don't touch!), and one thing it's excited to see. Example:
Hello! My name is Jingle and Santa sent me to spend December with you. Every night I fly back to the North Pole to tell Santa about your day. Please don't touch me or I might lose my magic. I can't wait to see how kind and funny you are. Love, Jingle
Frequently asked questions
When does the Elf on the Shelf arrive?
Most families have the elf arrive on 1 December, or the day after Thanksgiving in the US. Some start on the first Sunday of Advent. Any date works as long as you're consistent each year.
How do I introduce the elf for the first time?
Many families read the original book on the first night, then the elf appears the next morning with an arrival letter and a small treat.