They’re back.
Or perhaps they’re arriving for the very first time.
Either way, we’d resist starting December with an elf parachuting through a balloon arch while 400 paper snowflakes fall from the ceiling.
You’ve got another 23 nights to go.
Start small. Our easy Elf on the Shelf ideas cover the other 23.
When does the Elf on the Shelf arrive?
Many families begin around 1 December, but yours doesn’t have to.
If December has already started, your elf is simply late.
Perhaps there was snow.
Perhaps they missed the sleigh.
Perhaps North Pole administration isn’t what it used to be.
Easy Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas
The two-minute arrival
Sit the elf somewhere obvious with:
I’m back! Did you miss me?
Done.
The Dinkum welcoming committee
Arrange a few Dinkum friends around the new arrival.
A Dress Me Dinky is particularly well suited to elf-scale socialising.
The suitcase arrival
Give the elf a tiny bag or bundle as though they’ve just completed an exhausting international journey.
Special delivery
Put the elf in a cardboard box labelled:
SPECIAL DELIVERY: NORTH POLE
The doll-pram taxi
Apparently there are no taxis from the North Pole.
Put the elf into a doll pram with a Dinkum waiting to collect them.
Also Read:
More printables, if the arrival letter goes down well.
Elf on the Shelf arrival letter: free printable
DOWNLOAD DINKUM-DESIGNED PRINTABLE
First-day ideas for a brand-new elf
Let your child:
- Choose a name
- Introduce the elf to their toys
- Draw them a picture
- Show them around
- Introduce them to the Dinkums
You don’t need to create all the magic.
Children are rather good at that part.
Also Read:
Free to print, good for the first morning.
If the elf arrives late
Don’t apologise.
Turn it into the story.
A tiny “SORRY I’M LATE” sign and an outrageous explanation is far more memorable than perfect punctuality.
Set the scene for arrival night
Elf on the Shelf arrival FAQs
When should the Elf on the Shelf arrive?
Many families welcome their elf around 1 December, but there's no fixed date. Your elf can arrive whenever your family is ready to begin the fun.
How do you introduce Elf on the Shelf for the first time?
Start with a simple arrival note and let your child choose the elf's name. They can introduce the new visitor to their favourite toys and show them around the house.
What should an Elf on the Shelf arrival letter say?
Keep it short, friendly and a little mysterious. Introduce the elf, explain that they're visiting for Christmas and invite your child to give them a name.
What if our elf arrives late?
A delayed sleigh, an unexpected snowstorm or a mix-up at the North Pole makes a perfectly good explanation. A tiny apology note can turn a late arrival into part of the adventure.
