5 Super Cute Free Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter Printables

Start your holiday season with our Elf on the Shelf arrival letter printable and set the tone for festive fun.

This letter offers a magical way to welcome your elf back into the home, kicking off all the excitement of December.

For over a decade, our family has delighted in creative Elf on the Shelf activities, and despite my son now knowing the secret, the tradition lives on.

Whether it’s placing elves in tricky spots or enjoying holiday breakfasts, these activities have become a cherished part of our holiday routine.

elf on the shelf arrival letter printables

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Elf arrival letter

When your elf makes their grand entrance—typically on December 1st—they bring along a magical Elf on the Shelf arrival message.

This year, I’ve created five unique templates for you to choose from. Each template can be personalized with your child’s name to make the experience even more special.

You’ll receive all five templates upon download, offering fun variations. Two of them say:

As you have been so good this year, I have agreed that your favorite Elf can come and spend December with you again!

Remember the rules, if you touch your Elf they can’t fly back to Santa to tell him how well you are behaving.

When they come back every morning they have been told to find a much harder place to land. Last year you found them far too easily!

You are going to have such a wonderful Christmas this year, as long as you stay on Santa’s good list. You are currently at the top of the list!

Much love

Head Elf

These printables help extend the fun if you’re running behind, our Elf on the Shelf sorry I’m late letter can keep the magic intact.

The other three templates feature the following:

I am back!

I’m so happy to be spending December with you and your wonderful family.

I missed you this year, but I have been keeping an eye on you from the North Pole.

Remember the rules, if you touch me I can’t fly back to Santa to tell him how good you are.

Where will I be landing when I come back every morning? Do you think you will be able to find me?

We are going to have so much fun, the other Elves are jealous I am spending it with you.

Each letter comes with a different elf design—one features a boy elf, another a girl, and the third for multiple elves. Pick whichever fits your family best.

Need a customized letter? Check out Etsy’s personalized Elf on the Shelf arrival notes, or grab the official version, which includes ideas to transform letters into keepsake ornaments.

For an extra special touch, have the elves bring the welcome letter along with a North Pole Breakfast to kick off the season.

Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas

Make this year’s elf arrival unforgettable with some of our favorite Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas! These creative setups will spark excitement and ensure your little ones start their December with joy:

Elf door under construction printable: Set the stage early by placing a “work-in-progress” elf door the night before, with mini construction signs hinting at the elf’s arrival.
Elf door: If you don’t have a chimney, no worries! Create a magical elf door for your elf to enter through—it’s the perfect gateway to holiday fun.
Elf plane ride arrival: Let your elf soar into the season on a paper or toy plane. This dramatic entrance will have kids buzzing about how the elf flew all the way from the North Pole.
Balloon ride adventure: Elevate the fun by having the elf arrive in style, drifting in on a festive balloon. Whether as an arrival or mid-season antic, this one’s a hit!
Elf letter outfit: Add a personal touch with a special elf letter outfit—an envelope with cutouts for the elf’s head and arms. It’s a quirky way for your elf to pop in with a message.

These ideas make your elf’s return more engaging, adding a bit of surprise and creativity to the season. Pick one or mix and match to keep everyone wondering what the elf will do next!

Additional free Elf on the Shelf printables

Have even more fun with the Elf with some additional ideas:

Free printable Elf on the Shelf notes are charming little messages from your mischievous elf that can be hidden around your home, naturally adding excitement and wonder to your children’s daily search for their magical visitor.
Add Elf on the Shelf hat printables to your family photos for a fun Elf antic.
Find creative inspiration for your elf’s departure with Elf on the Shelf leaving ideas, naturally ensuring a memorable and heartwarming farewell for your magical visitor as the holiday season comes to a close.
Our free Elf on the Shelf rules printable are a great way to remind the kids of the special magic rules.