These Elf on the Shelf Return Letters are an easy and fun way for you to have your Elf on the Shelf come this season! Whether your Elf is coming for the first time or returning to you family, I’ve got you covered! I offer pre-written letters and a blank letter if you prefer to write your own letter! All three are on a cute red and green Christmas themed letterhead!
ELF WELCOME LETTER
Today I’m making your Elf on the Shelf tradition a lot less effort and even more magical. In this blog post, I’ve put together a bunch of super cute and super easy Elf welcome letter templates. Whether you’re welcoming a new elf or celebrating the return of an old friend, I’ve got you covered. These templates are not just adorable, but they’re also a breeze to use – think less time stressing and more time enjoying the holiday magic. I’ve got ready-to-go letters for you to use and also instructions on how to write and customize a letter if you want to write it yourself! I’m all about making your festive season a lot easier!
HOW TO HAVE YOUR ELF DELIVER THE ELF ARRIVAL LETTER
Delivering the Elf on the Shelf’s welcome letter in a creative way can add an extra layer of excitement and magic to the holiday tradition. I’ve got a lot of ideas in this post sharing The Best Ways to Say Hello and Goodbye to your Elf. Here are a few additional fun ideas, some are very simple and others take a little work to prepare:
- Balloon Delivery: Attach the letter to a helium balloon and place the Elf holding the string. The balloon could be holiday-themed, adding a visually festive touch. When the children wake up, they’ll find the Elf “floating” in with their special message.
- Frozen Delivery: If you live in a colder climate, you could partially freeze the letter in a block of ice (in a waterproof bag), making it seem like it came straight from the icy North Pole. The Elf can be positioned near it, perhaps with a tiny ice pick or hammer.
- Treasure Hunt: Create a small treasure hunt with clues leading to the Elf and the letter. Each clue can be a riddle or a simple task, making the discovery of the letter a fun and engaging activity for the morning.
- Breakfast Surprise: Tuck the letter under a special holiday breakfast plate or inside a napkin ring. When the kids sit down to eat, they’ll discover the Elf’s letter as a breakfast surprise.
- Miniature Mailbox: Set up a mailbox near the Elf, with the letter inside as if it has been mailed directly from the North Pole.
- Storybook Scene: Create a little scene using children’s books, where the Elf is “reading” the letter to other toy figures or stuffed animals. This setup can spark imagination and encourage kids to read the letter with the same enthusiasm.
FIRST TIME ELF ARRIVAL LETTER
Get ready for a dash of holiday magic! If you’re new to the Elf on the Shelf tradition, you’re in for a treat. This Elf Welcome Letter is perfect for first-timers. It stands out by creatively introducing the Elf’s magical world and mission from Santa. Kids will learn fun elf traditions and rules, like the magical no-touching rule, in an engaging way. More than just a welcome note, it’s a fun, imaginative start to your holiday adventure with your new elf buddy. Let’s spread the festive joy!
To download this first time Elf letter, click the button below.
Please remember, this free printable is for personal use only. Do not sell or redistribute it.
ELF ON THE SHELF I’M BACK LETTER DOWNLOAD
If your family is reuniting with your elf this holiday season, this return letter they bring is a special treat. This letter is a delightful update from their North Pole adventures, filled with whimsical tales and festive facts that are sure to captivate your kids. Unlike a first-time introduction, this returning letter reinforces the bond between your elf and family, sharing new North Pole stories like the Snowbell Trees and Candy Cane Fields. It’s a fun way to get them excited and continue your holiday traditions, all while reminding everyone of the fun and kindness the elf is looking out for.
To download the Welcome Back Elf Letter, click the button below.
Please remember, this free printable is for personal use only. Do not sell or redistribute it.
Before I jump into how to personalize the blank letter template for your Elf’s arrival, I wanted to share a few other fun printables you can have your Elf bring from the North Pole. All of these are free printables and will help simplify your Elf season!
ELF ON THE SHELF LETTER TEMPLATE
If you’re looking to write your own Elf Welcome Letter and want to personalize a blank template then I’ve got a blank letter template for you to use. Download it below the customization information below!
HOW TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR ELF ARRIVAL LETTER
You can customize it using any program you’re comfortable with. But, today I’m going to teach you how to use Canva.com, because it’s free and easily accessed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1: Create a Canva Account
- Go to Canva.com.
- If you don’t already have an account, sign up for free using your email, Google, or Facebook account.
2: Access the Blank Letter Template
- Download the blanket template from this post and save it to your computer.
- Once you’re logged into Canva, upload the blank Elf on the Shelf letter template. You can do this by clicking on the “Create a Design” button and selecting “Upload an image or video.”
- Choose your blank letter template file to upload it to Canva.
3: Personalize the Template
- Once the template is uploaded, click on it to open the design.
- Use the text tool (the ‘T’ icon) to add text to your template. Click on the part of the template where you want to insert text.
- Choose from various fonts, sizes, and colors to personalize your message.
4: Review and Edit
- Take a moment to review your letter. Check for any typos or layout issues.
- Feel free to adjust the text alignment, font size, or add more decorations if needed.
5: Save and Download
- Once you’re happy with your personalized letter, click on the “Share” button in the top right corner.
- Select “Download.” Choose the file format you prefer (PDF, JPG, PNG are common options).
- Save the file to your computer.
6: Print Your Letter
- Open the downloaded file and print it using your home printer.
ADDITIONAL TIPS: If you’re writing the letter for the first time, keep the language festive and friendly. Incorporate elements from the Elf’s world, like mentions of the North Pole or Santa. For returning Elves, you might include references to past holiday seasons or family-specific traditions.
Things to put in a Letter from the Elf on the Shelf
When writing a return letter for your Elf on the Shelf, adding fun and whimsical sentences can really bring the character to life. Here are five examples of playful, Elf-like sentences you might include:
- “Guess who’s back from the North Pole with a sleigh full of giggles and a pocket full of peppermint surprises!”
- “I’ve been practicing my jingle bell juggling and can’t wait to show you my new tricks – just don’t tell Santa, it’s our little secret!”
- “Did you know that I won the ‘Best Elf Hide-and-Seeker’ award? I’m ready to find the most elf-tastic hiding spots in your home this year!”
- “Santa let me borrow his fastest reindeer for my trip back, and we raced the northern wind all the way to your doorstep!”
- “I’ve mastered the art of marshmallow roasting with the Yetis up North, and I’m looking forward to sharing some toasty treats and tales!”
To download the Blank Welcome Back Elf Letter, click the button below.
Please remember, this free printable is for personal use only. Do not sell or redistribute it.
If you like to personalize holiday letters for your kids, check out this Letter from Santa Printable.
THINK AHEAD WITH THIS ELF ON THE SHELF GOODBYE LETTER
Don’t forget to plan ahead with this Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter. Looking for other fun and easy ideas to help your Elf season be simple, but full of fun? Here are some Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas and Elf on the Shelf Free Printables that I’ve shared!
I hope these Elf Welcome Templates have you ready to start Elf Season full of inspiration and ready to dive into the fun. Remember, it’s all about the smiles and magical moments these little Elf friends bring to your family. With the templates and tips in your pocket, you’re all set for a holiday filled with joy and magic.
ELF ARRIVAL FAQ’S
When should the Elf on the Shelf come?
The Elf on the Shelf tradition typically begins on December 1st and continues until Christmas Eve, when the elf returns to the North Pole with Santa Claus. However, some families choose to start the tradition at the end of November, around Thanksgiving, to extend the holiday fun. The key is to choose a start date that fits well with your family’s holiday schedule and traditions.
What are some reasons my Elf was late this year?
If your Elf on the Shelf is arriving a bit later than expected, you can turn it into a fun and imaginative part of the story. Here are some creative reasons why your Elf might have been delayed:
- Snowstorm at the North Pole: The Elf got caught in a big snowstorm and had to wait for Rudolph to guide them out!
- Helping Santa: They were busy helping Santa with some last-minute toy making or checking the Naughty and Nice list.
- Lost in Mail: The Elf decided to travel by mail this year for a new adventure but got a bit delayed with all the holiday packages.
- Learning New Magic: They were taking extra magic lessons to make this year’s visit even more special.
- Reindeer Training: Assisting in training the young reindeer for their future flights around the world.
- Cookie Quality Control: Doing an important job of taste-testing Mrs. Claus’s new cookie recipes.
- Map Mishap: The Elf got a bit mixed up reading Santa’s old map and took the scenic route!
- Elf Flu: They caught a little case of the ‘Elf Flu’ and needed a bit more rest before making the journey.
Can you have more than one Elf on the Shelf?
Yes, you can definitely have more than one Elf on the Shelf in your home! Many families choose to adopt multiple elves for various reasons. If you’re not up for the idea of a full-time additional Elf, consider having a friend of your Elf pop in for a visit occasionally during the season. It’s a fun twist that can bring new excitement.
If you prefer to have just one Elf and your child is curious about why you don’t have more, a good response is to focus on Santa’s role in the tradition. You could explain, “Santa is the one who assigns Elves to families, and he chose our Elf especially for us. We’re really grateful for the Elf we have, who brings so much joy and magic to our holiday season.” This response helps to maintain the enchanting narrative of the Elf on the Shelf and emphasizes gratitude and the specialness of your family’s own Elf.
Do you need an Elf on the Shelf for each child?
No, you don’t need an Elf on the Shelf for each child. One Elf is enough to bring the holiday magic to the whole family, creating a shared and fun experience for all the children. This approach keeps the tradition simple and manageable. However, if you feel that having an individual Elf for each child would enhance their enjoyment, you can certainly do so. The choice depends on what suits your family best and what will make your holiday season most joyful.
And there we have it – everything you need to kick off the elf season with a bang! I hope these letters and templates make welcoming your Elf on the Shelf a breeze and a blast, whether it’s their first visit or they’re an old friend coming back. Decked out in festive red and green, these letters are sure to bring the holiday spirit right into your home. So, get ready to have some fun, create awesome memories, and watch the magic unfold. Here’s to a fantastic holiday filled with laughter and elf antics. Happy Elfing!
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ELF ON THE SHELF ARRIVAL LETTERS
Instructions
DOWNLOAD ELF LETTER
- From within the blog post, choose which letter you want to use and download it to your computer. There are three letters to choose from: first time elf letter, returning elf letter or a blank letter template.
CUSTOMIZE
- If you chose to use the blank letter template, then it's time to write your Elf Arrival Letter.
- Go to Canva.com. If you don’t already have an account, sign up for free using your email, Google, or Facebook account.
- Once you’re logged into Canva, upload the blank Elf on the Shelf letter template. You can do this by clicking on the “Create a Design” button and selecting “Upload an image or video.”Choose your blank letter template file to upload it to Canva.
- Once the template is uploaded, click on it to open the design. Use the text tool (the ‘T’ icon) to add text to your template. Click on the part of the template where you want to insert text. Choose from various fonts, sizes, and colors to personalize your message.
- Once you’re happy with your personalized letter, click on the “Share” button in the top right corner.Select “Download.” Choose the file format you prefer (PDF, JPG, PNG are common options). Save the file to your computer.
- Open the downloaded file and print it using your home printer.
Notes
THINGS TO PUT IN A LETTER FROM THE ELF ON THE SHELF
When writing a return letter for your Elf on the Shelf, adding fun and whimsical sentences can really bring the character to life. Here are five examples of playful, Elf-like sentences you might include:- “Guess who’s back from the North Pole with a sleigh full of giggles and a pocket full of peppermint surprises!”
- “I’ve been practicing my jingle bell juggling and can’t wait to show you my new tricks – just don’t tell Santa, it’s our little secret!”
- “Did you know that I won the ‘Best Elf Hide-and-Seeker’ award? I’m ready to find the most elf-tastic hiding spots in your home this year!”
- “Santa let me borrow his fastest reindeer for my trip back, and we raced the northern wind all the way to your doorstep!”
- “I’ve mastered the art of marshmallow roasting with the Yetis up North, and I’m looking forward to sharing some toasty treats and tales!”
Jessica Bailey
Okay these are genius!!! I am so grateful!