If you’re looking for some easy and creative elf arrival ideas to try this year then you’re in the right place.
After years of saying that I wouldn’t have an elf we’re now on our fourth year of taking part – my daughter bought an elf and pretty much deposited it on my lap so I was busted! To help other busy parents I’m sharing some elf arrival ideas with realistic, family friendly suggestions you can actually achieve during this hectic time of year.
Whether this is your first year welcoming an elf or you’re searching for new elf arrival ideas to keep the magic going you’ll find loads of inspiration here to help you.
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Elf Arrival Ideas
Before my daughter bought our elf I really wasn’t a fan of the idea. As a mom I felt like the last thing I needed in December was another plate to spin, especially something that I’d need to do so late in the day.
Now that we’ve started it though I love this tradition and while it is a bit of extra work seeing how much my kids have loved it has definitely made it worthwhile.
I will add though that I’ve also said a lot of words under my breath when I’ve got into bed and then realised that I’ve forgot to move the elf again which normally happens at least twice a year.
For me the only thing that works is planning ahead which is why I’ve also shared the exact elf ideas that we’ve done in our home. All as done by me in the five minutes before I go to bed and you can find loads of photos there of exactly what I did too, all real family stuff not perfect influencer on Instagram things. If you’re in need of some inspiration make sure you check that out too.
What is the Elf Tradition and How Does it Work?
An elf visiting during December is a tradition where people have a toy elf that moves each day. Some families just have the elf move, some have the elf do different activities for their child.
When Should Your Elf Arrive?
Traditionally elves arrive on December 1st and stay until their departure on Christmas Eve. They have to get back then to help Santa Claus deliver the presents!
How to Introduce Your Elf for the First Time
If this is your first year with an elf then you might want to set out the rules or boundaries. Ok, I know that sounds a bit crazy but hear me out.
Your elf might want to say that they’ll be moving every day. Don’t want your kids to touch the elf? Let them know.
I put a little note with our elf saying that they’ll be doing something everyday and that they want to have fun with our kids and that they hoped they would join in with their adventures (and a little bit of mischief), that was enough for my two but do what’s right for your children.
As a tip from a mom who is now on her fourth year, if this is your first elf arrival I would try and keep it as basic as you can. Your kids will be excited to meet their elf no matter what and you might not want to raise the bar too high for future years!
10 Creative Elf Arrival Ideas
Chocolate Coins
The first year that our elf Elfie arrived they did so with a note and a packet of chocolate coins. This was their ‘payment’ to my kids for their board and lodging until December 24th, something that my kids very much appreciated.
Donuts
When our elf arrived for the second year I left them with a box of donuts and a note that said ‘Donut worry – I’m back!’
This also meant that my kids got donuts for breakfast which while not being the greatest thing health-wise, was pretty special to them as a once a year treat.
Christmas Elf Breakfast
If you’re someone that loves to cook then why not plan a special North Pole breakfast for your elf’s arrival? This is a lovely idea because it’s something that the whole family can enjoy and it makes a really memorable start to the holiday season.
Decorate your dining table with Christmas decorations and any Christmas crockery or themed paper plates and choose some special foods for your kids. Santa and snowman themed pancakes are a great option as are Christmas tree crumpets if you can get them.
Add a hot chocolate with plenty of whipped cream and maybe put a chocolate advent calendar at each child’s seat too.
Spell It Out
If this is the second or third (or fourth or fifth…) year that you are announcing your elf’s arrival then why not try spelling out the words ‘I’m back’ using food that you have at home?
Some good options could be mini marshmallows, Cheerios, peas or chocolate chips.
Door
There are loads of cute elf doors that you can buy online and they’re a great way to decorate your home and add that little bit of magic to the proceedings.
Just place your door in an obvious place like your sitting room (you’ll probably want it to stay there for the 24 days) and then place your elf in front of it.
I love the doors with accessories like mini Christmas trees and post boxes but then I do get a bit extra about these things!
Transportation
There are loads of different ways that your elf can make their grand entrance either using things that you already own or by buying something to help celebrate the occasion.
Raid your kiddos toybox for toy diggers, tractors and dolls cars that your elf can travel in or grab something like this elf parachute and have them hanging off something as they fly in.
Cardboard Box
Last year for our elf’s arrival I made a DIY delivery from the North Pole. All you need to do is grab a cardboard box and pop your child’s name and address on it. Got extra time? Draw some postage stamps on it from the North Pole or you can print some from Canva as I did.
Using scissors cut a hole in the top of the box and have your elf peaking or climbing out of it.
If you want to go a bit extra (and if I’m honest we love the build up to our elf arriving) then you could have your elf send your child notes in the days leading up to their return saying where they are on their journey.
Bucket List
Make a little bucket list of all the things you’d like to do with your kids this year and then leave it with a note from your elf and a pen so your child can tick them off as you do each one this Christmas.
You can write this yourself but if you have time then typing and then printing it out can make it look really good, it also means that your elf doesn’t have the same handwriting as you (imagine!) and you can add graphics to decorate the list like candy canes and Christmas ornaments.
Mirror Messages
My kids normally enjoy their elf’s antics the most when they’re a little bit cheeky so this is a great one for that.
Pop your elf in front of a mirror and then using an old lipstick that you don’t want any more write a message on it saying ‘Did you miss me?!’
Don’t forget to leave the old lipstick with your elf so they’re caught at the scene of the crime and you can practice your most shocked face.
Paper Aeroplane
Make a paper aeroplane, sit your elf in it and he’s ready to crash land in your front room, in your Christmas tree or wherever your prefer.
Free Elf Printables
On this site you’ll find loads of free Christmas printables to help make your life as easy as possible all through December. I know how busy the festive period can be so we’ve got loads of fun ideas to help you and of course there’s plenty with an elf theme.
Our elf masks are perfect for a quick disguise for your elf. I dressed ours up to hide amongst the kids soft toys!
You’ll find 15 different designs in the PDF file for our elf message boards, so whether you want to find a countdown of how many sleeps you have left or a ‘Santa stop here’ sign you can grab it here. It even includes an ‘I’m back’ sign for your elf’s arrival!
Finally I love our super cute build an elf craft where you can color, cut and paste to make your own elf.
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