Frugal Coupon Living

Stretching Your Pennies, Saving Your Dollars

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Home
    • Home Page
    • About Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living
    • Contact
  • Shop
    • Printable Shop
    • Etsy Store
    • Shipping Policy
  • Games
  • Printables
    • All Printables
    • Free Printables Library
    • Elf on the Shelf Printables Library
  • Recipes
  • Deals
  • Crafts & DIY
  • Seasonal
    • Father’s Day
    • Summer
    • Back to School
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Black Friday & Cyber Monday
    • Elf on the Shelf
    • Christmas
    • New Year’s Eve
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Spring
    • Easter
    • April Fools Day
    • Mother’s Day
    • All Seasonal
  • Elf on the Shelf
    • Elf on The Shelf Explained
    • Free Elf on the Shelf Printables
    • Holiday Sale! The Elf Printables Shop
    • Newest Elf on the Shelf Ideas
    • Huge Elf on the Shelf List of Ideas – Over 500 Elf Ideas!
    • Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas
    • Quarantine Elf on the Shelf Printables
    • Elf Stop Motion App
    • Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt
    • How to Stuff a Balloon with Elf on the Shelf
    • How to Trap Elf on the Shelf in the TV
    • Elf on the Shelf Last Night Ideas

Goodbye Elf on the Shelf | 18+ Creative Last Night Ideas

This post may contain affiliate links or ads. Read my privacy policy and disclosure policy here.

December 24, 2022 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living Filed Under: Elf on the Shelf Ideas, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Social Media 21 Comments

published date: December 23, 2020
modified datt: December 24,2022

2525 shares
  • Facebook1
  • Twitter

What do you do with the Elf on the Shelf on Christmas Eve?– It’s time to say “Goodbye, Elf on the Shelf!” Your Elf is headed to the North Pole. We’ve rounded up over eighteen creative ways to say goodbye to your friend from the North Pole on their last night, including a goodbye letter from Elf on the Shelf, an Elf retirement letter, Christmas Eve Elf on the Shelf Ideas, and more!

Even if you’ve just begun the Elf on the Shelf tradition, you might already be wondering how to see your North Pole friend off once Christmas is over. If you have been with us for a long time, you know we do Elf on the Shelf Ideas all November and December long. Since we are the Elf on the Shelf experts, we have spent lots of time finding the best Goodbye Elf on the Shelf ideas. From the moment your Elf on the Shelf comes through the door, it can be a daunting task to come up with and execute creative ideas for Elf to keep the kids happy. So, we put together a list chock-full of ideas for Elf on the Shelf to say good-bye so your last night doesn’t have to be an extra source of stress! Read on to discover a free printable Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter, Christmas Eve Elf on the Shelf ideas, Elf on the Shelf saying goodbye ideas, and lots more!

Tip: 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!

departure elf on the shelf last night

When Does Elf on the Shelf Leave?

“When does Elf on the Shelf go home?” New to the Elf on the Shelf Tradition? Are you wondering when the right time for Elf on the Shelf to pack up and leave is? The truth is, the Goodbye Elf on the Shelf tradition varies from family to family. Some families opt to say “Goodbye, Elf on the Shelf” on Christmas Eve so the Elf can get back to the North Pole before Christmas Day. Other families prefer for Elf to be present on Christmas morning when everyone is opening gifts, then make their departure later that same evening.

For most families, however, Elf leaves the night Christmas Eve when Santa drops off the Christmas gifts. That gives your Elf a chance to hop in the big red sack and take a ride home with Santa back to the North Pole. So, for most members of the Elf Moving Committee, you will create your very last Elf idea on December 23rd and set up your Goodbye Elf on the Shelf idea to be discovered the following day. Your kids will say their final goodbyes on Christmas Eve. When your children wake Christmas morning, your Elf will be gone. They will be sad, but you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you have a whole year before Elf on the Shelf returns!

Is Elf leaving for good? Grab this Elf on the Shelf Retirement Letter. It has a sweet note about all the fun Elf has had over the years with your family.

Elf on the Shelf Retirement Letter

What do you do on the last day of Elf on a Shelf?

The last day of Elf on the Shelf can take a few forms. First, you can keep it easy with an elf Printable like a Christmas Eve scavenger hunt or good-bye letter.  You also can make it very simple by placing the Elf on a shelf and asking for a huge with a note. You see, Elf doesn’t need magic to return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. He goes with Santa.

If you want to make it more challenging or do something totally exciting, insert Elf in a Balloon or have a huge Christmas Eve breakfast presented. Instead of for the arrival, you could even make your very own Elf on the Shelf parade back to the North Pole.

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Scavenger Hunt

Looking to make your Elf on the Shelf last day extra special? Make your Goodbye Elf on the Shelf activity an adventure for your kids. You can download and print this Christmas Scavenger Hunt and use with or without an Elf on the Shelf Doll.

This Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt is a fun way to find stockings Christmas morning. You can also do it on Christmas Eve and lead the kids towards finding a special Christmas Eve Box. This set includes 22 clues for tons of scavenger fun. Choose the route and clues that work well for your home and family!

Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt for Christmas

Elf on the Shelf Postcard

Your kids don’t have to lose touch with Elf, even though they are leaving! Let them keep in contact with Elf on the Shelf with these adorable postcards.

After saying “Goodbye, Elf on the Shelf”, make sure to send a postcard from elf’s travel over the 10+ months he is not with you. The fun lasts all year long!

We have a postcard for you to send from Elf visiting the North Pole (perhaps right after his return back with Santa), Elf visiting the beach (now that he has time to relax) and even send an Elf Back to School note in August/September when the kids return to school! They will love checking in with their North Pole friend before they get started with school for the year.

Elf Post Card Coupon Code

We have an exclusive coupon code. Save 25% off your Elf postcard bundle with code POSTAL. Send your child a postcard a few times throughout the year so saying goodbye isn’t hard!

Shop Elf on the Shelf Postcard Set

Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Goodbye Letter from Elf on the Shelf + Gift – Elf brings a disposable camera and letter. Elf lets you make new memories after he’s gone! | Eighteen25

It’s time to say goodbye – Tape Elf to your clock and include a Goodbye Elf on the Shelf letter that reads, “Time to say good-bye!” | Frugal Coupon Living

Elf is all packed up and heading back to the North Pole! This one is great if Elf isn’t catching a ride back on Santa’s sleigh. Put his accessories in the backseat. | A Little Bit Funky

Before Elf goes, have Elf bring cookies for Santa. If your child prefers to make cookies for Santa themselves, the Elf can bring cookie mix or ingredients instead. | Frugal Coupon Living

Another last night idea for Elf: This Goodbye letter from Elf on the Shelf includes a printable letter and hidden candy. Yum! | Pocketful of Paint

Have Elf bring a new Christmas book to read on Christmas Eve (we highly recommend Humphrey’s First Christmas!) | Frugal Coupon Living

Elf on the Shelf Last Day Ideas

See You Next Year! Make your own goodbye letter from Elf on the Shelf with a pair of scissors and a magazine. Cut out the letters you need, and voila! | Frugal Coupon Living

Goodbye Elf on the Shelf packs his bags. Make Elf’s suitcases out of jewelry boxes and a pipe cleaner for the handle. So cute! | Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats

See our full list of Elf Suitcase Ideas and an Elf on the Shelf Suitcase Printable.


Take a photo of Elf hugging your child goodbye while they are fast asleep on Christmas Eve. | Amy on Pinterest

Try this Elf on the Shelf goodbye hug letter for a sweet last moment. Leave a note on the mirror with a request for a hug before bed. | Stephanie on Pinterest

Touching is okay, just this once! You can let the kids kiss their Elf goodbye. After all, there’s no magic necessary to return to the house! | Balancing Home

Sniff sniff, I’m sad I have to leave. Surround your Elf on the Shelf doll with tissues and a sweet note. | Trina on Pinterest

Goodbye Elf on the Shelf - Elf is headed to the North Pole. Eighteen creative a ways to say goodbye to your elf on their last night. #FrugalCouponLiving #ElfontheShelf Click to Tweet

Elf on the Shelf Saying Goodbye Ideas

If your Elf is especially silly, let him thank your kids for being in good spirits this year and tell them you will see them next year. | Leslie on Pinterest

It’s the end of Elf’s journey at your house. Here’s Elf approaching the finish line! | A Small Snippet

I love this one — have Elf vanish through a mirror or a glass door, leaving a mysterious note behind. | Frugal Coupon Living

Let Elf deliver Christmas Eve pajamas for your kids to wear on Christmas Eve night and Christmas Morning! | Elf on the Shelf

“Dear Santa, I’m Coming Home Tonight!” Have Elf send a quick email to Santa on the computer. He can even mention that your kids made it to the “Nice” list. | Busy Kids Happy Mom

Let the kids have Christmas breakfast with the Elf before he heads back to the North Pole! | Catch My Party

Looking for Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas? Check out our Elf on the Shelf Door Ideas. You can make a door for Elf’s arrival and for Elf’s departure. Some cute ideas come with Christmas lights, white picket fences and evergreen wreaths. Make Elf’s journey back home as festive as possible. This magic door can be how Elf returns to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus every night!


One final idea for you: Try this The End is Near Goodbye Elf on the Shelf idea this year! Pin to Pinterest.

Don’t forget to say hello! Check out all of our Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas. 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? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Themed Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, New Year, Valentine’s Day, Easter & more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next party.

Last Updated on December 24, 2022 by Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living

Comments

  1. andy cason says

    September 26, 2020 at 4:13 PM

    dear santa clus today is andy cason birthday your friend andy

    Reply
    • Ashley at Frugal Coupon Living says

      September 27, 2020 at 3:24 PM

      Andy Cason, Happy birthday. I can’t wait to see you. Your friend, Elf

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Elf on the Shelf Postcard Free Printable says:
    June 8, 2019 at 2:13 PM

    […] sure you say good-bye. Look at these creative Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest your Elf on the Shelf and Christmas Pinterest […]

    Reply
  2. Back to School Elf on the Shelf Postcard says:
    July 12, 2019 at 3:56 PM

    […] sure you say good-bye. Look at these creative Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest your Elf on the Shelf and Christmas Pinterest […]

    Reply
  3. Elf on the Shelf Ideas | Reindeer Flu Prescription Instant Download says:
    September 16, 2019 at 11:44 AM

    […] sure you say good-bye. Look at these creative Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest your Elf on the Shelf and Christmas Pinterest […]

    Reply
  4. Elf on the Shelf Ideas | Elf Tee Suitcase says:
    September 20, 2019 at 1:23 PM

    […] you don’t want the t-shirts and only want a suitcase (a suitcase makes a great Good-Bye Last Night Elf on the Shelf Idea), Amazon has plenty of petite doll house suitcases that can be used with your Elf on the Shelf […]

    Reply
  5. Elf on the Shelf Ideas | Elf is Back through a Secret Elf Door says:
    September 20, 2019 at 1:46 PM

    […] forget our Elf on the Shelf Departure Ideas – Creative Ways to Say Good-bye  to Elf on the Last Night. Save to Pinterest for when you are just too tired to come up with an […]

    Reply
  6. Elf on the Shelf Ideas | Elf Returns with an I'm Back Sign says:
    September 20, 2019 at 2:19 PM

    […] also all of our Elf on the Shelf Good-bye Ideas for the Last Night and Day. Pin these to Pinterest to save because you will be too tired to come up with creative ideas […]

    Reply
  7. Elf on the Shelf Ideas | Elf Says Good-bye! says:
    October 13, 2019 at 3:38 PM

    […] forget, we have a large number of Ways to Say Good-Bye to Elf on the Shelf. Save these last night elf ideas to […]

    Reply
  8. I'm Back - Say Hello! Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Arrival and His Return says:
    November 1, 2019 at 12:41 PM

    […] 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. […]

    Reply
  9. How to Stuff a Balloon with Elf on the Shelf - Easiest, Funniest Elf Idea says:
    November 13, 2019 at 1:46 PM

    […] Don’t forget our Last Night Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Saying Good-bye. […]

    Reply
  10. Register Elf on the Shelf + Elf on the Shelf Adoption Certificate says:
    November 22, 2019 at 12:49 PM

    […] At Christmas Even night, Elf leaves. We let our kids hug Elf. Since Elf is heading back to the North Pole, he can loose some magic with a human hug since he doesn’t’ have a round-trip journey that night. Look at all of our ways Elf on the Shelf Says Good-Bye on the Last Night. […]

    Reply
  11. How to Make Elf on the Shelf Bendable - 5 Minute Tutorial says:
    November 28, 2019 at 7:50 PM

    […] sure you say good-bye. Look at these creative Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest your Elf on the Shelf and Christmas Pinterest […]

    Reply
  12. Free Elf on the Shelf Printables says:
    December 2, 2019 at 9:32 PM

    […] give up at the very end. Take a look at these  Ways to Say Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas.  Pin to Pinterest on your Elf on the Shelf and Christmas […]

    Reply
  13. Elf on the Shelf Ideas | Bathroom Santa in the Mirror Craft says:
    December 10, 2019 at 12:32 PM

    […] See more Goodbye Elf on the Shelf ideas (18 creative ideas.). […]

    Reply
  14. Last Night Elf on the Shelf Ideas | See You Next Year Mirror Message says:
    December 18, 2019 at 12:40 PM

    […] are coming to a close with our daily Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Last month we shared with you 18+ last night Elf on the Shelf Ideas. We wanted to highlight a few of those over the next few […]

    Reply
  15. Baby Elf on the Shelf - An Elf Named Violet says:
    September 23, 2020 at 10:40 AM

    […] sure you say good-bye. Look at these creative Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest your Elf on the Shelf and Christmas Pinterest […]

    Reply
  16. YOUR Elf on the Shelf Ideas says:
    September 27, 2020 at 3:03 PM

    […] sure you say good-bye. Look at these creative Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas. Pin to Pinterest your Elf on the Shelf and Christmas Pinterest […]

    Reply
  17. 2020 Elf on the Shelf Quarantine Ideas | Pandemic Elf Printables says:
    November 1, 2020 at 1:57 PM

    […] You can see more Last Day Elf on the Shelf Departure Ideas for Christmas Eve. […]

    Reply
  18. Elf on the Shelf Book Only Plus Mini Elf on the Shelf Book & Minature Doll says:
    November 15, 2020 at 2:52 PM

    […] the Shelf rule must be followed – do not touch Elf. The story ends on Christmas Day with the Elf on the Shelf leaving to stay with Santa for the rest of the year until the following Christmas […]

    Reply
  19. Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt for Christmas - Rhyming Clues & Riddles says:
    December 23, 2020 at 9:46 AM

    […] You can also do this Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt as a Christmas Eve Tradition or Last Night Elf on the Shelf Idea Departure Idea. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Search
  • Social
  • Categories
  • Archives
Search
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Browse By Category
Browse by Date
I am a wife, mother, daughter, blogger, teacher, friend – a woman of many different hats. My delights are my husband, my five kids, reading, shopping, and spending time with friends and family. I am a Florida girl transferred to the heart of the DC-Metro area. I'm glad you're here! Learn more about Ashley.

Daily Deals – Don’t Miss One!

March 2023
S M T W T F S
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728293031  
« Feb    

Copyright © 2023 Frugal Coupon Living | CCPA Policy | Privacy Policy | Disclosure | Disclaimer | Terms of Use | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Email Sign Up