Frugal Coupon Living

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!

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.

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!

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

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 Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.