The holiday season is almost here, which means one very exciting thing:your family’s Scout Elf is getting ready to fly home from the North Pole! Whether your Scout Elf is making a grand entrance or simply sneaking in to surprise the kids, their return marks the start of one of the most magical times of year.

Learn more about Scout Elf Return Week, November 24 – December 1 here.

Do your elves need some fresh elf arrival ideas to kick off your family’s Elf on the Shelf tradition? We’ve rounded up five fun, funny, and festive ways your Scout Elf can announce their return. From cookie-crumbed snack attacks to North Pole snow sprinkles, these elf ideas are sure to bring joy, laughter, and Christmas Spirit to your home.

Fortune Teller: “I Predict a Very Merry Christmas!”

A Scout Elf dressed as a fortune teller faces another Scout Elf who sits at her table
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Your Scout Elf is full of surprises—and this arrival idea proves it! Your elf will show up as a North Pole fortune teller, ready to reveal what’s ahead: a very merry Christmas, of course!

To create the scene:

  • Your Scout Elf will sit behind a small table covered in a sparkly scarf or tissue paper.
  • The printable crystal ball, sign and table decorations set their scene perfectly.
  • They may even write a mini fortune that says, “I predict a season filled with joy, laughter, and lots of cookies!”

This whimsical setup is a fun way to kick off the season and will have kids giggling at their elf’s mysterious new role. Plus, it makes for a photo-ready moment that families can share using #ScoutElfReturn.

Elf-Eber: “Need a Lift? I’m Licensed for Merriment!”

The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf drives a red car with a sign on it that says Eber and holds a caption bubble that says, "Traffic on the Gumpdrop Express was unbelievable."
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Here’s a hilarious spin on a familiar favorite—your Scout Elf as an “Eber” driver! Whether your elf arrives in a toy car, a cardboard sleigh, or a plastic wagon, this setup will get everyone laughing.

How to make it magical:

  • Your elf will sit inside a toy car and add the printable elf Eber signs.
  • The printable captions will add the extra touch of humor! They’ll choose one from four options.
  • They might add the printable receipt and jokingly ask you to pay a tip!

This Elf on the Shelf arrival idea brings together everyday humor and Christmas cheer—perfect for families who love a clever twist on a familiar activity.

Googly-Eyed Shock: “The Dog Was Surprised I’m Back!”

The Elf on the Shelf with googly eyes over his eyes sits next to a picture of a dog which also has googly eyes over its eyes
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If your family has a pet, this arrival idea will be a hit! All your Scout Elf needs are googly eyes and a framed portrait they’ll discover in your home.

How they’ll set the scene:

  • Your elf will find a framed picture in your home of your family’s beloved pet.
  • They’ll add googly eyes on the pet picture, then pose beside it with googly eyes over their own.
  • They may even add a small sign: “The dog was surprised I’m back!”

This silly setup is quick, easy, and guaranteed to make kids laugh out loud. It’s the perfect mix of adorable and absurd, reminding everyone that Scout Elves love your pets…and a good giggle…as much as they love spreading Christmas Spirit.

Snowy Scout Elf Carrier: Straight from the North Pole

The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf girl sits in the elf carrier with North Pole snow sprinkled around it
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Sometimes, your Scout Elf doesn’t just arrive—they deliver magic straight from the North Pole! For this heart-warming elf arrival idea, set up a “Scout Elf Carrier” sprinkled with North Pole snow.

Here’s how they’ll set the scene:

  • Your elf will set up the Official Scout Elf Carrier and print out the printable signs.
  • They’ll hang the sign that says, “I brought a bit of the North Pole back with me!”
  • Next, they’ll sprinkle a little of the play snow around and wait to be discovered in the carrier!

This sweet and simple setup adds a touch of wonder to your elf’s return. The Christmas countdown has officially begun, and your elf will be delivering North Pole cheer all season long.

Cookie Break: “Long Trip. I’m Famished!”

The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf sits next to a cookie jar with cookie in hand, ready to eat
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Your Scout Elf is back with a cozy cookie-themed arrival that’s as funny as it is festive. Even elves get hungry after their long flight from the North Pole!

To bring this idea to life, they’ll:

  • Sit next to a plate of cookies or a cookie jar.
  • They’ll hold a cookie, inevitably scattering a few crumbs around.
  • They may even leave a sign that says, “Long trip. I’m famished!”
  • For extra fun, they can leave out breakfast-appropriate cookies for kids to eat when they discover their elf.

This arrival idea is especially fun for families who love to bake. Kids will love imagining their Scout Elf sneaking a snack before saying hello.

Tips for Perfect Elf Arrivals

Whether your Scout Elf goes for silly, sweet, or spectacular, a great arrival sets the tone for the entire season! Here are a couple of quick tips to share with busy elves:

  • Add a note: it helps make the moment personal and memorable.
  • Use simple props from around the house, like craft supplies, toys, or holiday decorations.

Ready for Your Scout Elf’s Return?

These Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas are easy for elves and packed with Christmas cheer. Whether your elf is predicting a merry future, driving the “Eber,” or sneaking a cookie, they’re sure to bring laughter and magic to your family’s holiday season.

Don’t forget to share your own elf arrival ideas with us on social media using #ScoutElfReturn. Santa and the elves love seeing how families welcome their Scout Elves home!

Find more elf arrival ideas in our elf ideas gallery!