Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter

Add a memorable and special touch to your Elf tradition with this Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter. It’s the perfect way to have a whimsical and fun farewell for your elf, bringing a fun ending to the season for your family!

Hello, festive planners and holiday fun-seekers! As you gear up for another exciting Elf on the Shelf season, don’t forget to plan for the grand finale – the elf’s departure. To add a twist of fun to this bittersweet moment, I’ve whipped up a quirky and entertaining ‘Goodbye Letter’ from your elf. This isn’t just any farewell note. It’s a playful and unique roundup of all the holiday antics, with a glimpse into the elf’s post-Christmas escapades at the North Pole (spoiler alert: they’ve got some serious dance moves to show off!). It’s the perfect way to wrap up your elf’s memorable stay and keep the giggles going. So, as you plot out your elf’s adventures this season, be sure to include this hilarious goodbye letter that’ll keep the spirit of Christmas alive and kicking, even as your elf heads back to the snowy North!

If you enjoyed my Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter, I’m thrilled to welcome you back for a similarly fun farewell! I hope your Elf season was filled with joy and laughter. This goodbye letter is designed to wrap up your festive journey as fun as it began!

How to have your Elf say Goodbye

Alright, folks, let’s make saying goodbye to your Elf as fun as their arrival! Below, you’ll find some super creative ideas to use with the free Elf Farewell Letter I’ve put together for you. It’s all about ending the Elf season with a bit of fun and a lot of smiles. I’ve got a lot of ideas in this post sharing The Best Ways to Say Hello and Goodbye to your Elf. I’m also sharing a few other ways below! Check them out and pick your favorite way to wave goodbye to your elf buddy!

1. Balloon Delivery: Attach the letter to a helium balloon and have the elf hold onto it, as if they’re about to float away back to the North Pole.
2. Breakfast Surprise: Place the letter under a clear plate at the breakfast table. When your kids finish their meal, they’ll discover the letter waiting for them.
3. Treasure Hunt: Create a small treasure hunt with clues leading to the letter’s hiding spot. The elf can hold the first clue or be positioned at the final destination with the letter.
4. Elf Mailbox: Craft a tiny mailbox and place it next to the elf. Overnight, the letter appears in the mailbox, as if sent from the North Pole.
5. Snowy Scene: Create a mini snowy scene with cotton balls or fake snow, where the elf is sitting with the letter, adding a wintery touch to the goodbye.
6. Frozen Farewell: Freeze the letter in a block of ice (in a waterproof bag) and have the elf sitting next to it with a small hammer or toy chisel, as if they’re breaking it out of the North Pole’s ice.
7. Storybook Setting: Place the letter inside a Christmas storybook, with the elf bookmarking the page where the letter is hidden.
8. Cookie Crumbs Trail: Create a trail of cookie crumbs leading to the letter, implying the elf had one last snack before saying goodbye.
9. Hanging from the Tree: Hang the letter from a Christmas tree branch with a festive ribbon, as if it’s a special ornament left by the elf.
10. Digital Countdown: If your family enjoys tech, have a digital countdown timer go off, and when it does, the elf is found holding the letter, signaling the end of their stay.
11. Stuffed Animal Delivery: Arrange a group of stuffed animals as if they’re saying goodbye to the elf, who is holding the letter.
12. Photo Frame Reveal: Slip the letter into a photo frame overnight, replacing a family photo temporarily, with the elf sitting beside it.

Goodbye Elf Letter

This letter is filled with amusing tidbits and personal Elf antics straight from our little friend. It even gives a sneak peek into the North Pole’s festive life – think cocoa toasts and an ‘Elf Dance-Off’! I crafted it with the intention of making your kids smile and feel excited for their Elf’s return home. It’s all about celebrating the joyous times spent together and looking forward to their Elf’s return next holiday season. This letter isn’t just a goodbye; it’s a reminder of the magic and fun that awaits them when their Elf comes back!

If you like to personalize holiday letters for your kids, check out this Letter from Santa Printable. It includes a couple different letterheads, plus multiple letter templates from Santa that you can personalize.

To download the Goodbye Elf Letter, click the button below. Remember, this free printable is only for personal use and you must not sell or redistribute it. Thank you for respecting these terms.

Elf on the Shelf Letter Template

For those that like to write their own personalized letters, I’m also offering a free printable that you can personalize in Canva or other editing software. I’ve also come up with a few template letters that leave areas in them that you can add personal information about your family! Choose a template from below or write your own! Then download the blank letter template after the sample letters to put your letter on.

Elf Goodbye Letter Template #1:

Hello [Child’s Name],

Wow, how time flies when you’re having fun! It’s me, [Elf’s Name], and it’s time for me to zip back to the North Pole. Our days together have been packed with laughter and joy, and I’m taking back a sleigh full of memories!

One of my favorite moments was when we [personalized memory, e.g., ‘baked those yummy cookies’]. And I was so proud of you when you [personal achievement or kind act, e.g., ‘shared your toys with your friend’]. You have such a big heart!

Back at the North Pole, I’ll be busy helping Santa, but I’ll always remember our [specific fun activity or tradition, e.g., ‘Tuesday movie nights’]. I’ve left a little surprise for you [location of the surprise, e.g., ‘in your sock drawer’]. It’s a token of our fun times together.

Keep being your awesome self, and remember, each day is an opportunity to spread happiness and love. I’ll be cheering for you all year and can’t wait to see you again next Christmas.

Stay wonderful and keep smiling!

Big hugs, [Elf’s Name]

P.S. Don’t forget [personal reminder or advice, e.g., ‘to read your new book. I can’t wait to hear all about it!’]

Elf Goodbye Letter Template #2:

Hey there, [Child’s Name]!

It’s your pal, [Elf’s Name], and sadly, it’s time for me to head back to the chilly North Pole. I’ve had an absolute blast with you, and I’m going to miss our daily adventures!

Remember the time we [shared experience or funny incident, e.g., ‘decorated the living room with streamers’]? That was so much fun! And I was really impressed when you showed [positive trait or action, e.g., ‘kindness to your new classmate’]. That’s what the spirit of Christmas is all about.

I’ll be taking part in the annual North Pole [fun activity, e.g., ‘Snowball Olympics’], but I’ll be thinking of you often. Before I leave, I’ve hidden a small goodbye gift [location of the gift, e.g., ‘behind the couch’]. It’s a reminder of our fantastic time together.

Remember, you’re special and capable of amazing things. Keep shining bright, and I’ll be back before you know it to create more memories.

Take care and keep laughing!

Your friend, [Elf’s Name]

P.S. Make sure to [specific encouragement or activity, e.g., ‘keep practicing your soccer skills] You’re a star in the making!

To download the Goodbye Elf Letter, click the button below. Remember, this free printable is only for personal use and you must not sell or redistribute it. Thank you for respecting these terms.

How to Customize a Letter to your Elf

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take the Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter template into Canva for customization. My reasoning for choosing Canva is because it’s free and assessable to everyone. However, feel free to use a different software if you have one you already love.

1. Create/Sign in to Canva: Go to Canva’s website and sign up or log in.

2. Start a New Design: Click “Create a design” and select “A4” or “Letter” size under ‘Documents’.

3. Upload the Template: Click “Uploads” on the left, then “Upload an image or video,” and select your Elf letter template file (which you can download below).

4. Edit the Template: Add the template to your canvas. Use the text tool to insert your personalized text. Adjust the font, size, and color to fit the template’s style.

5. Save and Download: Once customized, click “Share” then “Download” to save your design. Choose PDF, JPG, or PNG format.

6. Print (Optional): Print the downloaded file at home or a local print shop.

To download the Elf on the Shelf Letter Template, click the button below. Please note that this free printable is intended for personal use only and should not be sold or redistributed. Thank you for respecting these terms.

Free Elf Printables

If you’re the planner type, already mapping out your entire season of Elf fun, be sure to explore the other exciting printables I offer. They’re perfect for those who like to stay ahead of the game and add an extra dash of magic to their holiday festivities!

• Secret Message from Santa Printable
• “Elf” Movie Quotes for your Elf
• Christmas Joke Cards for the Elf to bring
• Elf Good Deed Cards
• Elf Secret Missions

Elf on the Shelf Departure FAQ’s

When does the Elf on the Shelf leave?

The Elf on the Shelf typically leaves on Christmas Eve night, heading back to the North Pole with Santa Claus after his sleigh takes off.

How can I make the Elf’s departure special for my kids?

You can make the departure special by having the Elf leave a personalized goodbye letter, create a small farewell party setup, or leave a small parting gift for your children.

What are some ideas for the Elf’s final day?

On the final day, the Elf can be found engaging in a favorite activity, leaving behind a photo album of their antics throughout the season, or preparing a small breakfast surprise.

Can the Elf come back before next Christmas?

Traditionally, the Elf on the Shelf stays at the North Pole throughout the year and only visits during the Christmas season. However, some families choose to have their Elf visit for special occasions. That’s a personal decision for each family.

How do I explain the Elf’s departure to my child?

You can explain that the Elf has to return to the North Pole to help Santa prepare for next Christmas, but they’ll be excited to return next year for more holiday fun.

What should I do with the Elf after Christmas?

After Christmas, you can store the Elf in a safe place where it won’t be disturbed until the next holiday season. Be careful packing it away in the Christmas decor, because kids love to help unpack it each season.

Can I create my own goodbye tradition for the Elf?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and establish your own unique goodbye tradition that fits your family’s style and the spirit of your holiday celebrations.

And that’s a wrap on this year’s Elf on the Shelf fun! As we say goodbye to our little festive buddy, remember all the laughs and good times aren’t just for Christmas. They’re memories that’ll stick with us way longer. So, as you pack away your elf, think about all the fun moments you’ve had and get ready for even more next year. See you next Elf season!