“I remember leaving the office and thinking, ‘That was not great.’”
It’s already November, which means it’s time to start bringing back the Elf on the Shelf tradition.
While some families won’t see Scout Elf return until December, other families are lucky enough for an early arrival as soon as the first week of November — and the LumiStella Company recognizes this.
In fact, that’s why they’ve changed Scout Elf Return Week to Scout Elf Return Month.
That means, starting in 2025, Scout Elves will start leaving the North Pole and arriving in families’ homes anywhere from Nov. 3 to Dec. 1 — giving you and your kids plenty of time to take part in the fun.
And the first order of business is welcoming your Scout Elf back from what’ll be a long trip.
There are an endless number of ways to do this — just check social media, if you don’t believe me — and there’s no real right or wrong way to go about it, so long as your kids know not to touch them!
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But don’t worry. We’ll break down some of the best Elf on the Shelf return ideas we could think of.
From early arrivals to late check-ins, we’ve rounded up fun, festive and downright magical ways to make your Scout Elf’s grand return unforgettable — whether you’re using official Polar Props or DIY setups.
Elf on the Shelf return ideas using Polar Props
If you're looking to take your Scout Elf's arrival to the next level, Polar Props are where it's at.
These official accessories sold by The LumiStella Company are designed to make your elf's return feel like a full-blown event — and honestly, they do a lot of the heavy lifting for you.
That means no more scrambling for DIY materials or winging it at the last minute.
Just set up the prop, position your elf and watch your kids' faces light up.
Whether your Scout Elf is traveling in style or making a grand entrance through their very own door, these props add an extra layer of magic that's hard to beat. Plus, they're reusable year after year.
Here are some of the best Elf on the Shelf return ideas using Polar Props.
5. Peppermint blimp ride
Your Scout Elf didn’t just travel from the North Pole — they flew in style!
The Peppermint Blimp allows your elf to take the sweetest route possible. I mean, just picture your elf soaring through the candy-cane clouds, sleigh in tow, powered by peppermint swirls and Christmas cheer.
You can hang the blimp from the ceiling or set it up like it just made a soft landing after a long flight from Santa’s workshop. Add a little “flight log” note nearby (“Turbulent candy cane winds, but made it safely!”) for an extra touch of fun.
4. Pizza or gingerbread truck
Looks like Santa’s workshop has gone full-on DoorDash mode!
Instead of a blimp, you can have your Scout Elf arrive in a Gingerbread Truck or Polar Pizza Truck — fresh from the North Pole. Just don’t forget to set up a little scene to bring the arrival full-circle.
That could mean a batch of gingerbread cookies or a pizza party to mark Scout Elf’s official return.
3. Walking through the elf door
Sometimes the best entrances are the tiniest ones — and that’s where the Magical Elf Door comes in.
Set it up beside your Christmas tree, near a window or along the baseboard so it looks like your Scout Elf has their own secret portal straight to the North Pole. And don’t forget the glitter and footprints!
You can even leave a note that says, “This is my special doorway to Santa’s workshop — I’ll use it every night to report back!”
2. Scout Elf takes flight
Your Scout Elf has officially earned their pilot’s wings!
Set up the Scout Elf Airplane so it looks like they’ve just landed after a long flight from the North Pole — maybe with a little “runway” made of white paper or cotton “snow.”
Add a handwritten note stamped with “North Pole Air Mail” or a mini boarding pass for an extra dose of realism.
You can even scatter a few cotton “clouds” around the plane or hang it from the ceiling mid-flight so it looks like your elf is still soaring in.
1. Scout Elf luggage and passport
After a long journey, your Scout Elf has finally arrived — luggage, passport, and neck pillow in tow!
Set up the travel props beside your elf like they’ve just stepped off Santa’s sleigh flight, ready to start their holiday “layover” at your house.
You can tuck the tiny passport under their arm, place the suitcase nearby, and maybe even scatter a few “travel tags” that say places like “Reindeer Runway” or “Candy Cane Customs.”
Leave a note that says something like, “Whew! Three connecting sleighs, one snowstorm delay, and I’m finally here!” It’s a hilarious way to show that your elf’s journey wasn’t just magical — it was first-class.
Elf on the Shelf return ideas using DIY props
Not everyone wants to drop extra cash on official props — and that's totally fair.
Between gifts, decorations, holiday meals and everything else that comes with the season, expenses can add up fast. And the last thing most parents need is another item on their shopping list.
After all, you probably already have everything you need sitting around the house.
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Plus, a little creativity goes a long way — and you’ll feel a little more accomplished by your success.
With that said, here are some adorable DIY Elf on the Shelf return ideas that won't cost you a dime, but will still have your kids talking about Scout Elf’s grand entrance all season long.
10. Elf on the Shelf arrival parade
@jessica_popely Elf arrival parade 🎄🧑🎄🥹 so perfect for any age! Head to my bio for the link to this free printable arrival letter I made! Cannot get over how cute this turned out! SUPER easy and you can easily use the toys/things you have laying around the house! SAVE for Dec 1st & follow me for more holiday ideas! 🤍 #elf #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elfarrival #kidschristmas #christmastraditions #christmas ♬ white xmas - Sabrina Carpenter
This one's perfect if your kids have a lot of toy cars and trucks laying around.
Set up a special “Elf on the Shelf Return Parade” with your Scout Elf leading the way and include some of your child’s favorite stuffed animals. It’ll instantly turn their arrival into a full-blown celebration.
Plus, you're using toys they already play with — like their elf came back just to join in on the fun.
9. Scout Elf builds a balloon Christmas tree
@.bbrrianna Night 1 elf on the shelf arrival night! My supplies for my original arrival idea didnt come in time so I had to improvise. Still turned out cute even though I couldnt fill the tree all the way up with the balloons with out them all busting out 😩 the girls ended up loving it thought and running throuch allcthe balloons and were soooo excited to see their elves!! #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfarrival #elfarrivalballoons #elfarrivalday #elfarrivals #elfontheshelfchallenge #christmas #december #fyp #foryoupage❤️❤️ ♬ original sound - Brianna
This is a great idea if you have some balloons and streamers laying around.
Have your Scout Elf "build" a makeshift Christmas tree out of streamers and balloons — maybe they're getting an early start on decorating or just couldn't wait to bring some holiday cheer.
It's a playful way to show that your elf is ready to kick off the season. And your kids will get a kick out of seeing what their elf managed to pull off while they were sleeping.
8. Elf on the Shelf is playing hide and seek
@brookebadger4 Magic the elf is back for another year of fun & of course a little mischief 🫣😂 #elfontheshelf #kidsoftiktok #christmas #elfontheshelfideas #toddlersoftiktok #mason #theelfisback ♬ original sound - Brooke Badger
Turn your Scout Elf's return into an interactive game of hide and seek.
All you need to do is place a bunch of plastic cups upside down on the floor and place your Scout Elf under one of them. Your kids will have to lift each cup to find where their elf is hiding.
It's simple, it's engaging, and it gets them involved right from the start instead of just spotting their elf in one place. Plus, who doesn’t love a game of hide and seek?!
7. Hanging in front of the window
You can make this idea come to life with a can of “snow spray.”
Have your Scout Elf hang from the ceiling in front of a window and use the spray to write a welcome message — something like "I'm back!" or "Did you miss me?" It can be as short or long as you’d like.
It's eye-catching, it feels magical and your kids will love the idea that their elf left them a special note. Plus, it's easy to clean up when you're ready to switch things up.
6. Tiny footprints in the snow
@a.supermoms.hacks #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elfontheshelfchallenge #christmas #momhacks ♬ Chrismas - Upbeat Music
Flour makes the perfect snow trail for your Scout Elf.
Just sprinkle some of it on the floor or counter and add tiny footprints that lead to your Scout Elf. For extra fun, you can position the elf in the middle of a snow angel with a little welcome note nearby.
Just be ready for a bit of cleanup — but honestly, it's worth it for the reaction you'll get.
5. Donate toys to make room for new ones
This one is very easy and doubles as a teaching moment for the kids.
Simply position your Scout Elf next to a box (or laundry basket) and leave a note telling the kids that they can start the holiday season off by placing unwanted toys in the box to be donated to children in need.
It’s a great way to get rid of extra toys and make room for new ones from Santa Claus!
4. Flying in with a gift bag
This one's as simple as it gets — and it looks impressive.
Hang a gift bag (upside down) from the ceiling and attach your Scout Elf’s hands to the handles of the gift bag, as if they used it to fly into the room. All you need is a couple gift bags and some tape, that’s it!
It's unexpected, it's visually fun and you're using gift bags you probably already have stashed away. Your kids will be amazed that their elf found such a creative way to make their entrance.
3. Came back with a special treat
Have your Scout Elf mark their return by bringing a sweet surprise for the kids.
Set up a box of donuts with a message written on the inside of the lid, or leave out some cookies, a bag of candy, hot chocolate packets, or even a plate of pancakes with a little note from your elf.
It's a simple gesture that makes their arrival feel extra thoughtful, and your kids will love that their elf came bearing gifts — even if it's just a small treat to kick off the season.
2. Doorbell camera video arrival
@whitneeeyyyyym Elfie's baaaack 😂 #fyp #elfontheshelf #elf #viralvideo #lol #elfie #elfitup #ringdoorbell #ring #elfontheshelfideas #elfideas #christmas #holidays #funnychristmas #funnyvideo #securitycamera #kidsoftiktok #christmascountdown #christmastiktok ♬ Dark Christmas - Ceejay Beats
This one’s pure magic — and totally free if you already have a video doorbell.
Record a short clip of your Scout Elf “arriving” at your front door, then show your kids the footage the next morning. Or you can hold the elf in front of the camera while a parent rings the bell.
It’s simple, creative, and guarantees one of those wide-eyed, can’t-stop-smiling reactions every parent lives for during the holidays. Add some extra flare to the video with a jingle bell noise.
1. Hot air balloon entrance
@sandysvilla He’s back! So perfect for any age! Cant get over how cute it turned out! Save for your Elf’s arrival & follow for more elf ideas🤍 #elf #elfontheshelf #elfontheshelfideas #elfarrival #kidschristmas #christmastraditions #christmas ♬ original sound - Nate
Give your Scout Elf a grand entrance by sending them in on a homemade hot air balloon!
All you need is a balloon, a small paper cup (or takeout container) and some string or ribbon. Tie the balloon to the “basket,” place your elf inside and hang the whole setup from the ceiling.
It’s whimsical, it’s festive, and it adds a touch of storybook magic to your elf’s return. Plus, it’s super easy to pull together with supplies you already have around the house — no trip to the store required!
Elf on the Shelf return ideas for an early arrival
First up are a few ideas for those who like to get the tradition started early.
If your kids have been dropping hints about how much they miss their Scout Elf — or maybe even asking when they'll be back — an early arrival might be just what you need.
After all, it's been nearly a whole year since they've seen Scout Elf, and that's a long time in kid years!
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The good news? There are plenty of ways to encourage an early visit from the North Pole.
Whether it's writing a heartfelt Elf on the Shelf return letter, creating a cozy landing spot or showing extra good behavior, these return of Elf on the Shelf ideas can help persuade your Scout Elf to make the trip a little sooner than usual.
5. Have your child write a letter to Santa
If your little one can’t wait any longer for their Scout Elf to return, this is the perfect way to kick things off.
Have your child write a letter to Santa — not just about their Christmas wish list, but to tell him how much they’ve missed their Scout Elf. You can even include a drawing or a little handmade card for extra charm.
Leave the letter somewhere special, like beside the Christmas tree or near the Elf Door, and hint that Santa’s helpers might stop by to pick it up. The next morning, your elf can “arrive early.”
Just don’t forget to include a letter written by Santa explaining the Scout Elf’s early arrival.
It’s sweet, sentimental and sets the stage for an early return that feels completely earned — because sometimes, all it takes is a little holiday spirit (and a heartfelt note) to get the magic started.
4. Throw Scout Elf a return party
Why wait for Christmas to celebrate when you can throw a welcome-back bash for your Scout Elf?
Set up a mini party scene complete with streamers, confetti and a few balloons or cupcake liners turned into “party hats.” Your elf can sit front and center with a tiny note that says, “I couldn’t miss my own party!”
You can take it a step further by baking cookies together or setting out a few “Elf-sized treats.”
Let your kids help decorate the space and get in on the fun — it’s a great way to build anticipation and make the return feel like a true event.
Whether it’s big or small, a Scout Elf Return Party is a guaranteed way to make your elf’s comeback feel extra festive (and give your family another reason to celebrate the season).
3. Create a magical landing zone
If your Scout Elf is making an early return flight from the North Pole, they’ll need a proper place to land!
Transform a cozy corner of your home into a “Magical Landing Zone” using cotton ball snow, twinkle lights and a little “North Pole runway” made from white paper or felt.
Add a tiny sign that says “Authorized Sleigh Parking Only” for an extra whimsical touch.
You can even leave out a cup of hot cocoa mix or a few mini marshmallows as a “welcome snack” for when your elf touches down.
2. Encourage good behavior from your child
Good behavior and good deeds go a long way in incentivizing an early arrival from Scout Elf.
Start by mentioning that Santa’s been keeping tabs on who’s on the Nice List — and that sometimes, he sends a Scout Elf early for kids who’ve been showing extra kindness, patience or good manners.
You can even leave a short note “from Santa” that says something like, “I’ve heard great things about you! I’m sending your elf a bit early to keep me updated.”
It’s a simple way to spark excitement and reinforce positive behavior. Plus, when your Scout Elf finally arrives, your child will feel proud knowing they helped make the magic happen by being their best self.
1. Start putting the Christmas decorations up
Nothing says “the holidays are coming” quite like twinkling lights and a Christmas tree.
As your family starts hanging ornaments, setting up stockings or unboxing decorations, mention that your elf can see the holiday spirit growing and might take it as their cue to come back from the North Pole.
It’s a great way to keep the kids engaged when putting decorations up this year.
You can even leave a little note by the decorations that says, “We’re getting ready for you, Scout Elf!” or hang a tiny “Welcome Home” sign where your elf usually appears.
Elf on the Shelf return ideas for a late arrival
Life happens — and sometimes that means your Scout Elf doesn't make it back right on schedule.
Maybe you forgot to dig them out of storage. Maybe it took you a little too long to find them in the attic. Maybe you were away on vacation or simply needed a few extra days to get into the holiday spirit.
Whatever the reason, a late arrival doesn't have to be a disappointment.
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In fact, it’s just another reason to get creative with your storytelling.
Here are a few ways you can explain why your Scout Elf took their time getting back, along with some fun Elf on the Shelf return ideas for arrival to make their fashionably late entrance totally worth the wait.
5. Weather delays at the North Pole
Even elves deal with travel delays — especially when a blizzard hits the North Pole!
You can set up your Scout Elf surrounded by cotton “snow” and a tiny note that says, “Sorry I’m late! The reindeer runways were snowed in!” Maybe even sprinkle a little glitter to look like leftover “frost.”
It’s a cute, believable reason for a delayed return — and it gives your kids a laugh knowing their elf had a very frosty excuse.
4. Santa needed extra help at the workshop
Sometimes the holidays get busy, even for elves. Maybe your Scout Elf had to stay behind and help Santa finish up toy production before heading south.
You can set up a mini “workshop” scene with toy tools, wrapping paper, or a few small gifts. Add a note that says, “Sorry I’m late — Santa needed my help putting the finishing touches on some toys!”
It’s the perfect way to remind kids that elves work hard — and that your Scout Elf wasn’t slacking, just lending Santa an extra pair of hands.
3. Sleigh maintenance issues
Even Santa’s sleigh needs a tune-up once in a while!
Create a fun little scene with your Scout Elf holding a toy wrench or sitting beside a small “Out of Order” sign. Maybe there’s a stuffed reindeer “helping” with repairs.
Add a note like, “Got stuck at the North Pole waiting for a new spark plug — but I’m here now!”
It’s a playful, silly excuse that fits right into the holiday lore.
2. Got lost on the way to your house
Maybe your Scout Elf took the scenic route this year!
Set up a little “travel map” with footprints, arrows, or stickers showing all the places they “visited” before finding your home — like Candy Cane Lane, Reindeer Ridge or Gumdrop Gulch.
Leave a note that says, “I took a few wrong turns, but I finally made it!” It’s an easy, whimsical way to explain their late arrival — and a great setup for a story your kids will love.
1. Got caught in reindeer traffic
Your elf left on time, but Dasher, Dancer and the gang caused a serious sky-lane jam!
Set up your elf sitting on a toy car or reindeer figurine with a note that says, “Rudolph’s GPS glitched again — traffic was backed up all the way past Candy Cane Canyon!”
Add some cotton “clouds” for a cute travel-delay effect.
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No matter how or when your Scout Elf returns, what really matters is the joy it brings to your home.
Whether you go all-out with Polar Props, craft clever DIY scenes or make up a funny story about travel delays at the North Pole, the magic lies in the laughter, wonder and excitement kids feel each morning.
Scout Elf Return Month is the perfect time to start new traditions, spark creativity and remind your family that the holiday season is about imagination, connection and a little sprinkle of Christmas magic.
