Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas (Free Printables)

Elf on the shelf ideas

In our house my kids get VERY excited about the elf arriving. Even now as they get older they feel the elf arriving kicks off December and the holiday cheer.

But when you get a few years into it, you can run into problems finding inspiration about the elf’s grand arrival. I wrote before about my friend Kathryn’s great elf ideas and once again she did not disappoint! Here are a few of her ideas, and even some of mine, on how your elf can make their appearance in a way your kids and the whole family will enjoy!

2020 Quarantine Arrival

There is nothing that screams 2020 like an elf in quarantine! I wasn’t smart enough to plan ahead and put my elf out 14 days BEFORE December 1st, so mine just wears a mask and stays 6 feet away!

Elf arrival ideas

elf arrival ideas

One thing that makes my friends elf ideas so great, is that she thinks of everything… including an elf quarantine checklist. I know she finds most of her ideas for free printables on Pinterest. If you want to give yourself two weeks off in December, here’s a free printable quarantine checklist.

Elf quarantine

Don’t forget to also give them clearance to leave their quarantine!

elf arrival ideas

Prepare for Landing

It’s always fun to incorporate your toys or props with your elf ideas. For this one the elf landed right in her garden, and even helped them do the last of their harvesting!

elf arrival ideas

Bring Holiday Joy

What better way to spread holiday joy than with a Christmas tree. Just check the forecast before you leave your elf out overnight.

Elf Arrival Ideas

Get Dropped Off by Reindeer Friends

This is a great idea and you can use it twice… for arrival and departure!

ekl arrival ideas

Dress it up With a Bow

This is an easy and inexpensive one!

Elf arrival ideas

Under Construction

This is an easy and fun one. You can also incorporate things like a door or chimney that is a direct link to the man in the red suit!

Elf arrival ideas

Although it’s a little less fancy than hers, here is my under construction elf arrival!

elf arrival ideas

 

Need more elf ideas? Check out these easy elf-on-the-shelf ideas or Elf-on-the-shelf breakfast ideas.

Elf on the shelf arrival ideas

Have any great elf on the shelf arrival ideas we didn’t mention above? Share them in the comments.

About the author

Paige McEachren

Paige McEachren worked for 15+ years as a Corporate Communications Manager for world-leading technology and Pharmaceutical companies until she decided to leave the workplace and stay at home to help her two kids navigate life.