Are you ready for it? It’s one of the most exciting days of the year – when your Elf arrives! I’ve got 10 tips to get you ready for Elf season and over 30 of the BEST Elf Arrival Ideas to make it the best December yet!
This post may contain affiliate links. By purchasing through these links, I may make a commission. Thank you for your support.
My girls look forward to their elf, Criddle, arriving every year. They talk about her all throughout the year, even. She has actually even shown up at my daughter’s birthday too!
But her Christmas arrival is by far, their most excited day of the entire season – even more so than Christmas morning!
In this post, I’ve got everything you need to get ready for the biggest day of the year AND the BEST Elf Arrival Ideas you can find!
First things first – if you don’t have an Elf just yet, there’s still plenty of time to get one. You can find Elf at Target or even Amazon. [<— Amazon usually has the best deal, especially with free 2 Day Prime Shipping]
If your kiddos get curious about the Elf being in a box with a book like mine did when they were younger, I explain it in a way that the elf doesn’t receive it’s elf magic until you take them home and you name him or her!
Need Elf name ideas? This list has over 100 names to help you choose!
I have no idea what caused them to love their elf so much. I’ve never been one to plan elaborate scenes, but I’m telling you – Criddle is still their absolute favorite Christmas tradition at 9 and 11 years old.
When does Elf Arrive?
According to the official Elf on the Shelf book, elves are supposed to arrive the morning after Thanksgiving. Our elf has always arrived on the Friday morning after Thanksgiving. But I have heard of others starting on December 1st.
How Should Elf Arrive?
It’s totally up to YOU! But if you are really wanting to make your elf arrival super special, keep reading! I have a ton of Elf arrival ideas that will make the day super special.
The BEST Elf Arrival Ideas
Our elf is pretty lazy, which is why I have a whole post of quick elf ideas, but she does usually write a letter sharing her excitement of being back with the girls. I hand write small notes, but there are tons of free Elf printables that you can also use.
I love this adorable Elf arrival letter for the elf’s first day back! And here’s a few more Elf arrival ideas too.
Hosting an Elf Breakfast is always a great arrival idea also. We actually usually do a North Pole Breakfast on a random weekend, but it would definitely be a big way to come back!
I wrote a blog post all about Elf Breakfast Ideas plus how to make these adorable Christmas Tree Cinnamon Rolls!
Plan Elf Ideas, Games, and FREE Printables
One of the first things you really need to plan is… how active is your elf going to be.
It’s no secret that our elf Criddle is L-A-Z-Y like me! I just know that I am not up to planning elaborate scenes, so she never has.
If you are, GREAT and if you’re not, GREAT too! There’s no shame in this Elf game.
But I have found that using free printables and easy Elf games are a great way to make even the laziest of elves a little more fun. Most that I share are simply print and go… and they are all FREE!
One of our favorites is this Candy Cane Hunt and printing an extra Christmas BINGO card for our elf!
Buy an Elf Kit
If you’re looking for even more ideas or you are up for have a little more active elf, consider buying an Elf Kit.
You’ve probably seen some of these floating around instagram and Etsy. There are a ton to choose from, but here are a few that I think are super fun:
- Elf Activity Kit – 24 Props [Etsy]
- Ultimate Elf Kit – 30 Days of Mischief [Etsy]
- Official Elf on the Shelf Kit [Amazon]
Looking to save money? I’m LOVING these ideas on how to make your own kit with Dollar Tree supplies!
Bonus Tip: The Elf is even more fun with pets! Check out this post about having an Elf pet.
The official pets are sold separately, but you could always just “adopt” a special animal and give them to your elf as a pet! Then celebrate with these adorable Elf Puppy Cupcakes!
Elf Questions from Kids
With your Elf’s arrival, you’re bound to get some questions from your kiddos.
I feel like the official book answers a lot of questions your kids might have about their elf and it’s magic. It lays out simple “rules” and how things are going to work when he/she is in town for the month of December.
Probably one of the most frequently asked questions about the elf by most kids is… “Why did our Elf not move last night?” OOPS!
Luckily, here’s a list of reasons why your elf might not have moved to have you prepared:
- You were naughty!
- You woke up too early.
- You went to bed too late.
- He/She is tired from all that flying!
- The dog was on guard last night.
Find even more ideas on why the elf didn’t move here.
But if your kids are like mine, they are bound to ask even more questions. Especially now that my kids are getting older – at 9 and 11, they both still believe in Santa Claus.
I’ve been careful at how I answer questions always talking about the spirit of Santa, the Elf, and Christmas.
I’ve been fully prepared for the point blank – “Is our Elf real?” and “Is Santa real?” questions for a couple years now, thanks to having this book on my closet shelf. It’s written so beautifully about the Christmas spirit of giving and love that I feel adequately prepared when I have to answer the real question.
But until that question arises, be prepared for “How did she know?!” or “How does she get here every night?” This list of Elf rules [free printable] is a great one to use as it goes back to some things shared in the book.
Plan Your Elf’s Goodbye
Just like it’s important to have all the best Elf Arrival Ideas, the Elf Goodbye is just as special.
When December 24th finally arrives, it’s time for your elf to say goodbye. It’s a good idea to go ahead and have a plan for your Elf Goodbye.
Our elf usually leaves a note saying goodbye and how much she’ll miss the girls. Here are 21 super fun goodbye ideas from the Play Party Plan blog.
Where to Store Your Elf Until Next Year
This is my BIGGEST tip in this post and I saved it for last – so glad you’re still reading! After all the plans for the whole month of December and even though you are tired of your elf moving every night, don’t just toss it in with your Christmas decor!
Believe me, you’ll be wondering which Christmas tote it’s in come next Thanksgiving night! Have a special spot where you store your Elf all year and remember it!
Put it somewhere that little eyes and hands won’t find it and you’ll be so thankful you did!
That’s it – those are my Top 10 Tips on getting ready with ALL the Elf arrival ideas. If you plan and think ahead, these tradition really can be so much fun and less stressful than some people make it out to be!