Goodbye letter and album
A letter plus printed photos of each night's setup in a little booklet.
You need: printed photos
sweet
Elf on the Shelf · goodbye
Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Ideas for the Last Day
The last night should feel like a send-off, not a vanishing act. These Christmas Eve ideas give the season a happy ending.
Quick answer
Good Elf on the Shelf goodbye ideas: a farewell letter and a photo album of the elf's December, a Christmas Eve box with pyjamas and cocoa, the elf packed with a tiny suitcase, reindeer food to sprinkle outside, or the elf riding off on a toy reindeer. Most families say goodbye on Christmas Eve and the elf leaves with Santa that night.
Christmas Eve box
Elf beside a box with new pyjamas, cocoa and a Christmas film.
You need: a box, pyjamas
sweet
Packed suitcase
Elf sitting on a tiny suitcase with a 'North Pole or bust' tag.
You need: small box
funny
Reindeer food
Elf with a bag of oats and sprinkles for the kids to scatter outside.
You need: oats, sprinkles
sweet
Riding a reindeer home
Elf on a soft toy reindeer, scarf flying.
You need: toy reindeer
funny
Hugs for everyone
Elf with paper hearts for each family member, names on each.
You need: paper
sweet
Left the kids a gift
A small book or ornament from the elf to open on Christmas Eve.
You need: small gift
sweet
Selfie with Santa
Print an elf + Santa photo (any Santa figure works) for the fridge.
You need: photo
funny
Set the table for Santa
Elf next to cookies and milk, already 'tasting' one.
You need: cookies, milk
funny
Countdown to next year
Elf with a calendar circled for next December.
You need: calendar
sweet
Made a mess one last time
Elf in a bowl of popcorn, kernels everywhere, with a note 'one last party!'
You need: popcorn
funny
Magic key for Santa
Elf holding a 'magic key' for homes without a chimney.
You need: a key
sweet
Wrote a report card
Elf's funny 'report card' grading each child's December (all A's in kindness).
You need: paper
funny
Sleeping bag for the trip
Elf zipped in a sock sleeping bag, ready for the long flight.
You need: a sock
funny
What to write in the goodbye letter
Thank the kids for a great December, mention one or two moments you loved, and say when you'll be back. Example:
Dear Mia and Leo, what a December! I loved watching you share your sweets and help with the tree. Tonight I fly home with Santa. Be kind, keep laughing and I'll see you next year. Love, Jingle
Frequently asked questions
When does the elf leave?
Traditionally the elf leaves on Christmas Eve night, returning to the North Pole with Santa.
How do you say goodbye to the elf when kids stop believing?
Let older kids become 'elf helpers' and set up scenes for younger siblings. It turns the ending into a promotion.