Elf On The Shelf Arrival Ideas

Looking for ways to make your elf on the shelf arrival fun and exciting? In this post I’ll show you fun – and easy – ways you can make your elf’s arrival a memorable one!

Ideas For Elf On The Shelf Arrival

Here are the best elf on the shelf arrival ideas for this Christmas! From packages to airplanes, hot air balloons to simply “appearing” out of the blue, there are so many cool and cute ways to make your elf arrive from the North Pole.

1. Bursting Out Of A Package

This is a great way for your elf to arrive if your kids enjoy checking the mailbox. By the way, I’ve got some really awesome Elf Arrival Package Labels you can download for FREE to make something like this!

2. “Let The Elf Games Begin” Arrival

This is a cute idea that you could do very subtly and sneakily OR big ‘n’ boisterous. Make elf a sign that says “Let the elf games begin!” (and don’t forget to make it fun and elf-y!)

elf on the shelf announces his arrival with a sign reading "Let the elf games begin!"

3. Elf Airplane Arrival

Make your elf arrive in style – in an airplane! If your kids already have a toy airplane, this one is easy to do. You can use Christmas lights to make a runway. If you don’t have the Christmas lights ready yet, you could also use popcorn, candy, candy canes, pinecones or pine branches, or paper confetti that you make with a hole puncher.

elf on the shelf arrives by airplane with christmas lights runway

4. Elf’s “I’m Back!” Arrival Idea

Let that elf get noticed right away with this less than subtle idea. Make big bold letters that proclaim “I’M BACK!” and add balloons or other party decorations to make elf’s arrival something to celebrate.

Elf on the shelf arrived with balloons from the north pole.

Get 2 easy elf ideas every day until Christmas. Sign up here!

5. USPS Mailer

You probably have some of these official USPS shipping envelopes lying around.

They included the letter inside the package which explains everything the kids need to know about their new elf friend. This is a great way to show elf’s arrival for kids of all ages, but especially younger kids who might not understand the elf rules yet.

Christmas elf arrival idea showing an elf doll jumping out of a USPS mailing envelope labeled "SPECIAL DELIVERY FOR SCARLETT"

⋆ ˚。⋆୨୧˚ Get your Elf On The Shelf Letter – Printable Arrival Letter here! ˚୨୧⋆。˚ ⋆

6. Elf Bursting Out Of A Box – With SNOW!

You can use corn starch or flour to make the fake snow on your elf’s arrival package.

Elf on a shelf arrives by bursting out of a package from Santa Claus at the north pole.

☆*.。.: Download Your Elf Arrival Package Labels – Free Printable! .。.:*☆

7. Elf Arrived – Taped On The Mirror

I love how this one is a bit rough around the edges – just an elf doll taped to a mirror with electrical tape, with the simple words “I’m BACK” painted onto the mirror. Why make it difficult when it’s so easy to be funny just like this! 😀

Elf arrived back in the home by simply being taped on to a mirror with the writing "I'm Back!"

8. Elf Isolation House

Brittanie from Simplistically Living was kind enough to share her cool elf arrival idea – an Elf Isolation House! She used a Cricut machine to make the lettering on the glass jar. Love this idea – it’s perfect for this era!

♬♩♪♩ See how to make an Elf Isolation House here! (outgoing link) ♩♪♩♬

an elf on the shelf doll inside a glass container, wearing a face mask and the jar is labeled "Elf Isolation Jar, Quarantine Day 1"