Get these free printable Elf on the Shelf return letters to leave for your kids. After all, who doesn’t love a personalized letter from their favorite elf?
As parents, we all know the magic that comes with the holiday season and having an Elf on the Shelf is just another way to add some joy and excitement into our children’s lives.
It’s no surprise that this tradition has become so popular in recent years, with families all over the world embracing their own elf and creating unique and creative ways to display them each day.
But as much fun as it is for us parents, it’s even more special for our little ones.
That’s why adding a personalized return letter from your child’s elf can make this experience even more magical.
- 20 Hottest Elf on the Shelf Return Letter Ideas
- 1 A Letter from Santa Claus
- 2A Naughty or Nice Report Card
- 3 The Good Deed Reward
- 4 An Apology Letter
- 5 A Note of Encouragement
- 6 A Thank You Note
- 7 A Story About Your Elf’s Arrival
- 8 An Invitation To Join In The Fun
- 9 A List Of Holiday Traditions To Try Out
- 10 An Invitation To Play Games Together
- 12 A New Year’s Resolution For Everyone
- 13 A List Of Ways To Give Back
- 14 A Recipe For Holiday Treats
- 15 A Book Recommendation
- 16 A Christmas Countdown Chain
- 17 Christmas Movie Night
- 18 An Outdoor Adventure List
- 19 Gingerbread House Competition
- 20 A Holiday Lights Tour
20 Hottest Elf on the Shelf Return Letter Ideas
So whether your elf has been up to some mischief or has been a perfect little helper, we’ve got you covered with these 20 hottest Elf on the Shelf return letter ideas.
These free Elf on the Shelf letter template files are for personal use only.
All you need to do is drop your email address in the box below and this instant download will be sent straight to your inbox.
The best thing about these free printables if you can hide each letter in a new location every night.
You won’t have to worry about coming up with new ideas for your elf from now until your elf’s departure on Christmas Day.
1. A Letter from Santa Claus
This letter from Santa Claus himself is sure to be a hit with your kids.
Your kids will love reading Santa’s invitation to help their family get ready for Christmas Eve.
They’ll also be excited to find out what Santa really thinks of their elf’s name.
And getting a gentle reminder to remember the Elf on the Shelf rules never hurts, especially if this is your first year with this tradition.
2. A Naughty or Nice Report Card
If your kids have been on either the naughty or nice list this year, why not have your elf leave a report card for them?
It’s a fun way to encourage good behavior and make your little ones feel extra special for being on the nice list.
And if your children’s behavior hasn’t been the best…then this letter is a good way to encourage them to choose good deeds and show kindness to others.
3. The Good Deed Reward
If you feel your kids have had the best behavior known to your family, then have this letter arrive for your child from the North Pole.
Your elf can bring back a report card from Santa about how well-behaved your child has been this year.
You can even include a small gift to make this experience even sweeter.
4. An Apology Letter
Sometimes it’s hard to say goodbye to our favorite elf.
So, have your Elf on the Shelf arrival letter be their return letter on December 1st!
You can have your elf use this apology letter to the family for being away so long with their matching elf friends.
You’ll find your elf apologized for not being around to help with the holiday preparations, and promise to do better this year.
5. A Note of Encouragement
Your new elf can share this note of encouragement to your family as you prepare for Christmas.
You’ll find words of support and positivity while your family enjoys this season despite any challenges you may be facing right now.
6. A Thank You Note
This fun elf letter is the perfect way to show your children appreciation for welcoming an elf into your home for the first time.
You’ll find this free printable letter with all the other printable Elf on the Shelf return letters when you send these digital files straight to your inbox.
I’m so excited for you to use this elf “I’m back” letter to simplify your Christmas this season.
7. A Story About Your Elf’s Arrival
Maybe your elf traveled to your home on the back of a reindeer or flew in on an airplane.
Or maybe on the back of a dinosaur, your child will never know because this letter will leave your kids giggling and wondering.
This cute letter as a fun Christmas time story of all the exciting adventures they had while away from home.
8. An Invitation To Join In The Fun
Whether you have a boy elf or a girl elf, it doesn’t matter.
This fun Christmas tradition can include an invitation from your elf to join in on all of the holiday fun!
You can hide this letter in just the right place for the kids to find, so they can be part of all the excitement.
Whether your special spot is by the Christmas tree or next to a cup of candy canes, with this invitation, your family can come together and enjoy the magic of Christmas with the help of this lovable elf who has become a part of your holiday traditions.
9. A List Of Holiday Traditions To Try Out
Ready to introduce a fun family tradition or two?
Here are some great options your elf can recommend everyone in your family to try this year!
You’ll find fun activities like:
- Baking cookies
- Going ice skating
- Watching a Christmas movie together
- Reading a holiday book
- Writing letters to Santa
And many more!
Choose one or choose them all.
Your elf will help you make these activities even more special and exciting for your children.
10. An Invitation To Play Games Together
Using this letter is a great way to bond as a family and invite the Christmas spirit into your home.
Your elf can recommend fun games to play with your kids, like:
- A holiday scavenger hunt
- Making a Christmas craft together
- Playing a festive board game
- Having a snowball fight (using cotton balls)
- Or even just having a dance party to some holiday music!
The possibilities are endless and your elf will be there to watch all the fun.
11. Dear Elf Letter
Before you bid a final fond farewell to your elf, your kids can send their own letter expressing their gratitude.
The letter will remind them of all the fun things they’ve done together and how much they love their elf.
12. A New Year’s Resolution For Everyone
Okay, this is a sneaky way to encourage your kids to develop some good habits.
They likely love your family’s scout elf and don’t want him/her to leave and wait until next year to see them again.
But when you use one of these cute letters you can encourage your child to pick a New Year’s resolution.
This could be anything from eating healthier food , exercising more frequently , being kind to their siblings, or even something fun like reading a new book every month.
Your elf can also suggest that everyone in the family makes their own resolutions, making it a fun and positive bonding experience for all.
13. A List Of Ways To Give Back
My family and I participate in a giving initiative called Light the World every year.
This helps our family keep Christmas service focused and encourages our children to find ways to give back to our community.
You can use this printable arrival letter as a way of encouraging your children to think about ways they can give back and make a difference during the holiday season.
Some ideas could be donating toys to less fortunate children, or writing letters of appreciation to some community helpers.
Your elf can even suggest ways for the whole family to give back together, making it a heartwarming and meaningful experience.
14. A Recipe For Holiday Treats
You don’t have to wait until the next Christmas season to have your little guy or gal elf encourage a bit of holiday fun in your home.
Have your elf friends leave the ingredients for a delicious treat your family can bake together.
You and your children can make anything from marshmallow snowflakes to sugar cookies in holiday shapes.
This activity will not only bring the family together, but also create some delicious memories.
15. A Book Recommendation
If there’s a Christmas book you’re wanting to read with your children, then use this letter for your elf’s return.
You can hide your elf in a new place, such as your bookshelf or under the Christmas tree, and include a new holiday book for your family to enjoy together.
This will not only add some variety to your elf’s activities, but also encourage reading and quality family time.
16. A Christmas Countdown Chain
My family did a Christmas countdown chain last year and my kids loved it!
If you’d rather not worry about glue splotches and tiny green and red paper all over your kitchen floor, I understand.
Instead of doing a countdown chain you can gift your kids one of many advent calendars available online.
You’ll find a family focused advent calendar in our shop you can use with your other Elf on the Shelf printables.
17. Christmas Movie Night
Snuggle up with a fuzzy blanket and your favorite people to watch a family-friendly holiday movie.
The best part is your elf can make the movie recommendations, so you’re off the hook for choosing!
Make this time of the year extra special by having your elf leave some hot cocoa and popcorn supplies for you to enjoy during the movie.
This is a simple yet fun activity that will bring the family together and create lasting memories.
18. An Outdoor Adventure List
Some of my favorite childhood memories involve being outside and playing with my siblings in the snow.
There’s something magical about red noses and cold toes when you’re a kid.
If you’re ready to get your kids off their phones and tablets and outside in the snow, then get ready for some Elf on the Shelf fun with this letter.
Your mischievous little elf will suggest fun outdoor activities like sledding, ice skating, building a snowman, going on a walk, and more.
Everyone can get outside for a few minutes and enjoy nature during this time of year.
19. Gingerbread House Competition
Out of all your elf’s arrival letters, this free letter with your child’s name on the top will quickly become your family’s favorite tradition.
Pair off into teams or compete against each other for the ultimate gingerbread house competition.
Everyone can make their display and each person (or Santa) can vote on which one they think looks best.
You can give out prizes at the end, or if someone’s house falls apart, just put a dinosaur toy in the middle of the mess.
20. A Holiday Lights Tour
As a final Elf on the Shelf tradition, your elf can suggest going on a holiday lights tour in the neighborhood to see the beautiful decorations.
This is a great way for kids to appreciate the spirit of giving and spreading joy during the holiday season.
They can also take this time to think about their elf’s first visit and the departure letter they want to write for their elf this year.
From mischievous elves to diligent helpers, we know your family’s Elf on the Shelf will be looking out for your children this holiday season.
And what better way to kick off the festivities than with a personalized letter from our friends far north?
With 20 ideas to choose from, you’re sure to find one that brings a smile to your child’s face.
Don’t forget to download this free printable pack so you can craft these return letters yourself and get ready for some major elfing fun this Christmas.
So what are you waiting for?
Download the free printable letters for your scout elves to use.
You’ll be making your Christmas even more magical with our Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas.
Merry Christmas, friend.
Micah Klug is a wife, homeschooling mother to five children, and author. She teaches time-tested solutions to help parents remember what matters most in life, including strengthening their home, faith, and family relationships. To learn how a child who grew up in an authoritarian home is now creating an environment of peace and joy in her own home visit this page. If you want to contact Micah, send her an email here or email [email protected].
