Best Elf on the Shelf Leaving Ideas
If you’re searching for Elf on the Shelf leaving ideas that feel fun and meaningful, I’ve gathered some of our favorites from over a decade of Elf visits.
Saying goodbye doesn’t have to be sad, it can be a sweet moment filled with a little mischief, a few surprises, and maybe even a final note from your Elf.
These ideas have helped us wrap up the season with laughter and memories the kids still talk about the next year.
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When Does the Elf on the Shelf Leave?
The Elf on the Shelf usually heads back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, after weeks of fun, mischief, and reporting to Santa.
Once Father Christmas finishes delivering gifts, he swings by to collect the elves for a much-needed rest before next season.
It’s always a bittersweet moment, but the magic doesn’t end, your Elf will be back around December 1st, ready to kick off another year of holiday traditions and surprises.
Elf on the Shelf Departure Ideas
After weeks of mischief and magic, the Elf’s final day is the perfect chance to make one more memory.
Whether you go big with decorations and treats or keep it simple with a sweet note, these Elf on the Shelf leaving ideas can turn the goodbye into a fun little tradition your kids will look forward to year after year.
Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter
Add a special touch of magic to your Elf’s final day with our free Elf on the Shelf goodbye letters. These letters are a sweet way to wrap up your Elf’s visit, giving the kids a final note they’ll likely hang onto year after year.
You can choose between two versions: one letter from a single Elf, and another from multiple Elves if your family has more than one.
Whether it’s your child’s first year with the Elf or you’ve been welcoming them back for years, these letters add a heartwarming conclusion to their seasonal mischief.
Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
Turn your Elf’s last day into an exciting adventure with our Elf on the Shelf hide and seek riddles!
Instead of just saying goodbye, send your kids on a fun treasure hunt around the house to discover hidden surprises left by the Elf.
Hide the clues in creative spots, under the Christmas tree, near the stocking, or even with the Christmas Eve box. It’s a wonderful way to build excitement before Santa arrives and a perfect final activity for your Elf to engage the kids one last time.
This scavenger hunt will leave them with smiles and memories until the Elf returns next year.
Editable Elf Departure Letter
For a personalized touch, this editable elf departure letter allows you to customize your Elf’s final message.
Add their name, personalize notes, and leave it near the Christmas lights or even the hot chocolate station on Christmas morning. It’s a fun keepsake and a tradition you can revisit year after year.
Elf Goodbye Puzzle
Create a lasting keepsake with the Elf goodbye puzzle. This sentimental farewell activity comes with a festive message, like “I’ll miss you so much!”
Kids can complete the puzzle together before heading to bed on Christmas Eve, adding one final Christmas craft to the holiday celebrations.
Elf Says Goodbye Through the Mirror
Take the farewell to a whole new level with this magical idea where your Elf “disappears” through a mirror or window.
Using a simple trick with shaving cream, create the illusion that the Elf has slipped away back to the North Pole through a magical portal.
This fun and quick idea is sure to delight the kids and adds a touch of mystery to the Elf’s departure, keeping the holiday spirit alive until next year.
The Night Before Christmas Book
One of our favorite ways to wrap up the Elf’s visit is with a cozy bedtime story. The Elf on the Shelf’s Night Before Christmas makes a sweet parting gift and sets the tone for a calm, festive Christmas Eve.
We like to read it together before bed, letting the story bring the Elf’s adventure to a gentle close just as Santa gets ready to arrive. If you’re looking for more Christmas or elf-themed books, we’ve gathered some of our favorites in a handy list.
Elf on the Shelf Donates Toy Letter
Saying goodbye is a little easier when it’s tied to something meaningful. One way we’ve done this is by having our Elf leave a toy donation letter, encouraging the kids to choose a few gently used toys to give away before Santa arrives.
It’s become a small but powerful tradition, helping clear space, teach generosity, and make the Elf’s final visit feel extra thoughtful. We usually leave the toys in a bag under the tree, ready for Santa’s elves to collect on Christmas Eve.
Easy Santa Pancakes for the Elf’s Last Day
We like to send our Elf off with a fun breakfast, and these easy Santa pancakes have become a simple tradition. Red and green toppings like strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate chips turn an ordinary morning into something festive.
It’s a playful way to mark the Elf’s last day, especially when paired with a goodbye note or small surprise. Plus, the kids are always more excited to come to the table when there’s a Santa face waiting on their plate.
Last Updated on 29 July 2025 by Clare Brown