25 Best Elf on the Shelf Return Ideas to Welcome Back Your Favorite Mischief Maker
Who's ready for a very silly surprise?
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If your family isn't already in on the fabulous Elf on the Shelf bandwagon, you're going to want to hop on it stat! These mischief makers are more than a cute Christmas decoration. They have a helpful job: to quietly watch over your kids in the days leading up to Christmas, reporting their "naughty" or "nice" behavior to Santa. You can't find a cuter, or more hilarious, holiday houseguest. Plus, they make the sweetest Christmas tradition to get everyone in the festive mindset.
While there are plenty of funny Elf on the Shelf ideas to use throughout the month, you'll need a few clever Elf on the Shelf return ideas to properly kick off the season. After all, setting out Christmas cookies might work just fine for Santa himself, but Scout Elves expect a little more... well, fanfare. They're not just coming for one day, after all—they're planning to stay for a month!
Here, you'll find Elf on the Shelf return ideas that will delight even the most seasoned Elf hosts. After choosing the best from our favorite Elf on the Shelf names, and helping to outfit them in jolly Elf on the Shelf clothes, it's time to get to work! Whether you ask your Elf to enter your home by air or by foot, we've got ideas to keep you—er, your Elves—busy all December long. In fact, there's even an option on our list for those who like to get the Christmas season started early... on Thanksgiving Day! It's time to dust off your shelves, prepare for some mischief, and roll out the red carpet for your Elf (and yes, we mean that literally!).
Special Delivery Return Idea
How cute are those little letter outfits? Just ask the kids to check the mailbox for an exciting December delivery as these mischievous Scout Elves arrived from the North Pole via Santa mail.
Swinging By Return Idea
This printable reads "just swinging in to keep a watchful eye." Stick it on your window, along with the little guy who just swung by to say hi. To do that, you'll just need a suction cup and paper clips.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Wreath Return Idea
Signal the return of your Scout Elf as soon as you put up your holiday wreath with this funny setup. Airing the Elf's adorably tiny dirty laundry will remind everyone what they're here for: to determine if you've been naughty or nice!
Get the tutorial at Artsy Fartsy Mama.
Gift Return Idea
Surprise! It's a cute gift box idea! Your kids will love the fact that they get to open a present before Christmas begins—and they'll love what's inside even more. Pair this one with a new Elf outfit to really seal the deal. It's a present, after all!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Happy 'Hula-Days' Return Idea
Surprising the kids with a winter getaway? Announce the trip with an Elf who's ready to hang ten. Even sans vacation, kiddos will be absolutely delighted by a surfer Scout Elf wishing them a happy "Hula-Days."
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Text from Santa Return Idea
"Hi Santa!" reads the silly note on this Elf's phone screen. "I have arrived safely and I'm so excited to see my family again. I missed them so much!"
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Floss Return Idea
Just imagine the look of delight on your kids' faces when they stumble upon their Elf in this hilarious scene. They'll hardly know how to react!
Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.
Peppermint Candies Return Idea
Few things feel more "Christmas" than peppermint! With this idea, your kids will be treated to the return of their favorite mischief-maker and a slew of candies.
Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.
'Doughnut' Worry
Whether you spell it "doughnut" or "donut," you're bound to agree that there are few things cuter than this return idea—especially if your kids have a sweet tooth. Best of all, it comes with a free printable!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Secret Message Return Idea
A message from Santa himself? Yup, we're pretty sure it doesn't get cooler than that—and your kids will agree.
Get the tutorial at Over the Big Moon.
Cruising Back to Business
Your Elf will be cruising back into your home in style with the help of a similarly hilarious backdrop. Of course, if you don't have time to fashion a vibrant scene like this one, you can always use a small toy car instead.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Peek-a-Boo
Help your Scout Elves hide in plain sight with this silly bathroom-based idea. Googly eyes and construction paper make it easy.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Hidden in the Wreath
Make your gorgeous wreath the star of your Elf's return by inviting him to nestle into its branches. He's going to have to enter through the front door, anyway!
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Special Delivery Elf Return Idea
Gifts are supposed to come in boxes, aren't they? Well, your Elf is the best gift of all—so he deserves his very own cardboard sanctuary!
Get the tutorial at Eighteen 25.
Elf Return Letter
Isn't this sweet? Introduce your kids to your Elf—and to his entire mission of spreading kindness—with this simple letter.
Get the tutorial at Living Locurto.
Thanksgiving Turkey Elf
Who knew Turkey Day could get even better? If you're one of the families who enjoys welcome back their Elf as soon as Thanksgiving Day arrives, you'll love this holiday-ready idea.
Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.
Coming in for a Landing
When Elves don't come in the front door, they arrive by air. (Naturally!) Construct a mini hot air balloon to make their arrival that much smoother.
Get the tutorial at The Elf on the Shelf.
High-Flying
Some Elves are more adventurous than others. Here, a hang-gliding Elf makes for a fabulous and totally unexpected surprise at the beginning of the month.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Sweet Elf Return Idea
As if an Elf would show up empty-handed! Show your Elf this photo to politely hint that you, too, would like a hostess gif this year.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
Welcome Back Breakfast
Plan a welcome back breakfast for your Scout Elf this year! It's the least you can do for such an honored guest. Snowflake napkins, a frosty blue tablecloth, and other cute details add to the fun.
Get the tutorial at Elf on the Shelf.
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