Free Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter Printables
These free Elf on the Shelf arrival letter printables are an easy way to welcome your Elf back for December. There are five different designs to choose from, including letters for a returning Elf and multiple elves.
We leave ours out with the Elf on the first morning, usually around December 1. If you’re planning your Elf’s return in advance, you can use our time calculator to see how many days until Christmas.
Each letter has a different design and message, so you can choose the one that works best for your family’s Elf tradition.
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What’s Included in the Elf Arrival Letter Printables
The set includes five printable Elf arrival letters, with different designs and messages depending on how your Elf is arriving.
There are options for a boy or girl Elf, an “I’m Back” letter for a returning Elf, and a “We’re Back” design for families with multiple elves. Simply choose your favorite, print it, and leave it with your Elf ready for the kids to find.
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Elf Welcome Letter
The first designs are traditional welcome letters from the Head Elf. They announce that your child’s favorite Elf is coming to spend December with them and include a reminder of the Elf rules.
There are different designs to choose from, so you can pick the one that best suits your Elf setup.
I’m Back Elf Arrival Letter
If your Elf has visited before, the “I’m Back” arrival letter is a fun way to announce their return for another December.
The letter welcomes the child to another Christmas with their Elf, includes a reminder about the rules, and asks whether they’ll be able to find the Elf’s hiding place each morning.
We’re Back Elf Letter
Have more than one Elf? The “We’re Back” letter is designed for two returning elves and gives them a shared arrival message for the start of December.
Each version has different Elf artwork and wording, so you can choose the letter that works best for your family.
If you’re looking for something extra special, the official Elf letter set also doubles as a keepsake ornament.
You could also pair the arrival letter with a North Pole Breakfast for a bigger first-day setup.
Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas
Looking for another way to welcome your Elf back? These arrival ideas are easy to set up alongside one of the printable letters:
- Elf door under construction – Put this out a few days before your Elf arrives, with construction signs, a crane, and a printable door. Then replace it with the finished Elf door when your Elf returns.
- Elf door -Set up a miniature door against a wall or baseboard so it looks like your Elf has their own entrance from the North Pole.
- Plane ride arrival – Have your Elf arrive in a mini airplane with their arrival letter waiting alongside them.
- Balloon ride – Bring your Elf in with a festive balloon ride for an easy first-day setup.
- Letter outfit – Dress your Elf in an envelope costume and use it to deliver their arrival letter on the first morning.
You can use any of these with the printable letters above, or simply leave your chosen letter beside your Elf for an easy December 1 arrival.
Running late this year? Our Elf on the Shelf late arrival letter gives you a ready-made explanation if your Elf doesn’t arrive on time.
More Free Elf on the Shelf Printables
Keep the Elf fun going throughout December with these free printables:
Elf notes – Leave a quick message from your Elf on mornings when you need an easy setup.
Elf hats – Print and add these Elf hats to family photos for a quick Christmas activity.
Elf goodbye letters – Use one of these printable letters when it’s time for your Elf to return to the North Pole.
Elf rules – A printable reminder of the Elf rules, particularly useful for kids meeting their Elf for the first time.
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Last Updated on 27 September 2026 by Clare Brown
