I’m Back Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Arrival – Elf is headed back to your home to the North Pole. Eighteen creative Elf on the Shelf Return Ideas to say hello to your elf on their first night. 

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We know many of you are just beginning Elf on the Shelf. If you have been with us for a long time, you know we do Elf on the Shelf Ideas all November and December long.  Before your Elf enters your front door, make sure to plan ahead. November is a great time to get ready for Elf on the Shelf. Get all the supplies you need and check out our Elf on the Shelf Ideas calendar so you are prepared the entire month of December.

If you are forgetful to change your elf, don’t forget our Elf on the Shelf Tip – tried and true, never forget to move your elf again! Also check out our creative last night ideas – ways to say Goodbye Elf on the Shelf.

Elf on the Shelf Return Ideas

If your Elf on the Shelf returns at Thanksgiving, take a look at this Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Thanksgiving.

You can also download our Free Gobble ‘Til You Wobble Elf on the Shelf Thanksgiving Letter Board.

I’m Back Elf on the Shelf Ideas

So oddly enough, our most popular from the full list of I’m Back Elf on the Shelf Ideas is our I’m Back Sign (you can get it on Etsy and use it every year! That was easy!)

Here is a fun story behind the sign. I was on 8 weeks of bed rest with my twins the year I did this Elf on the Shelf I’m Back Idea. That is my master bedroom window and I opened that window every day just to feel like I was outside. It was a miserable time. Also, I was responsible for 54 new creative Elf on the Shelf Ideas so photo shop and ordering Christmas Tradition Elf Accessories and Props on Etsy was my thing!

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Arrival

After you get through your Elf on the Shelf Ideas for arrival, it is all smooth sailing from there. We have a list of creative ideas from Frugal Coupon Living and around the Pinterest community to find the best Elf on the Shelf Ideas for reintroducing Elf into the home.

Has the snow been too much. Is the weather making Elf’s travel difficult. Elf might come via FedEx. | The Lunchbox Memoirs

Give Elf the ultimate Runway Landing with Christmas lights and an airplane! | Pinterest Source

Print your own free Elf on the Shelf welcome note. | A Worthey Read

Up, up and away with this Hot Air Balloon Elf on the Shelf arrival idea. | Frugal Coupon Living

Use your letter board  and write a message – Guess who is back. | Natural Beach Living

Just when you are about to take that next bite of turkey, you notice it. Elf is in the Thanksgiving flower arrangement. | Frugal Coupon Living

First Night Elf on the Shelf Ideas

We you excited about the above first night Elf on the Shelf Ideas – no?! Keep scrolling for more First Day Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Fly in on Santa mail, come in as a Thanksgiving Turkey, arrive down the chimney with a message. More ideas below!

Why come through the front door, the chimney is so much easier. Elf Parachutes in! | Carey Pace

If your Elf comes around Thanksgiving, turn him into a Thanksgiving turkey (the uncooked kind!) | Frugal Coupon Living

Elf on the Shelf express mail from Santa – you remember how to fold a paper airplane, right? | Frugal Coupon Living

Have an Elf on the Shelf welcome breakfast. | Ice Cream off Paper Plates

I’m back! Elf returns with balloons and a message. | Pinterest Source

Special Delivery! Elf Brings the front porch packages. | Frugal Coupon Living

Welcome Elf on the Shelf

We have more ways welcome Elf on the Shelf. Ideas for the yard, using gumdrops, a package and even and Elf door!

You’ve got mail! Elf on the Shelf arrives in a package – just poke a hole and have his/her head poke through. | Instagram Source 

Spell it out with gumdrops or M&Ms (or other candy) – I’m Back!| Frugal Coupon Living

Is it Thanksgiving. Elf and his friend can return as Thanksgiving Pilgrims. | Frugal Coupon Living

If you have a mischievous elf, arrive with the message – Let the games begin! | Source

Spell it out with a yard sign.  Yep, you can buy these! | Card My Yard

You know fairy doors, well they also sell Elf on the Shelf magic doors – have your Elf enter. | Frugal Coupon Living

Free Elf Printables

We love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. A link and password will arrive in your inbox!

Free Elf Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf on the Shelf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook and Pinterest Community

Save these ideas because you will want to stay up to date on these ideas each Christmas season. We do our best to mix up easy and hard Elf on the Shelf Ideas.

Elf on the Shelf Facebook Page

Multiple ideas are added each day to our Elf on the Shelf Ideas Facebook page. This is a great way for you to share your own Elf on the Shelf Ideas and share our ideas to your page. There are some good ones! Be sure to like the page!

Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Boards

We also are in charge of a Elf on the Shelf Ideas Pinterest board. On this board, we have invited other bloggers to share their ideas and free Elf on the Shelf Printables too! Be sure to follow the board!

Our goal, to make Elf easy for you!

Welcoming Elf back? Also see how to EASILY trap Elf on the Shelf in a Balloon (in under 10 minutes!) Pin to Pinterest.

Enjoy this amazing list of Free Elf on the Shelf Printables. Pin to your printable, Christmas, and Elf on the Shelf boards.

Also stay with us all season long as we share our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas! Hundreds of ideas for every night of the week! Pin to Pinterest on your Elf on the Shelf and Christmas boards.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Enjoy these NO BUMMER SUMMER BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR KIDS.


Also access our Free Frugal Coupon Living Printables to help you find joy through embracing the chaos of motherhood more easily!



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