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20 Free Elf on the Shelf Arrival & Goodbye Letters!

The holiday season is a time filled with magic, wonder, and… little mischievous elves!

If you’re part of the Elf on the Shelf tradition, you know how much joy (and sometimes mischief) these adorable little elves bring to your family every year.

One of the most exciting parts for kids is the elf’s grand arrival and bittersweet goodbye.

And what better way to make these moments extra special than with fun, creative letters?

In this post, we’re thrilled to offer 20 free, ready-to-download Elf Arrival and Goodbye Letters to help you bring your Elf on the Shelf tradition to life this year.

These letters will add that magical touch, whether it’s your elf’s first visit or they’re saying farewell until next Christmas.

Before we check out these downloads, let’s take a quick look at how the Elf on the Shelf tradition began!

Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure at the bottom of this page.

A Brief History of the Elf on the Shelf Tradition

The Elf on the Shelf tradition started back in 2005 when the book “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition,” written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, hit shelves.

The story introduces the concept of a “scout elf” who is sent by Santa to monitor children’s behavior.

Each night, the elf returns to the North Pole to report whether the kids have been naughty or nice.

By morning, the elf magically appears in a new spot, and kids get a kick out of discovering where their elf will be next!

Over the years, this fun tradition has spread across homes all over the world.

Parents have embraced it as a playful and magical way to encourage good behavior during the holiday season.

It’s not just about watching over the kids, though—it’s also a great way to spark creativity and excitement as families come up with new adventures and antics for their elves each day.

How to Download and Use These Elf Letters

Using our free Elf Arrival and Goodbye Letters is as easy as unwrapping a Christmas present! Here’s how you can quickly download and get started:

  1. Choose Your Letter: Scroll down to the selection of 20 festive letter designs. We’ve got a mix of styles, from vintage to modern, so you can pick the one that fits your elf’s and family’s personality.
  1. Click to Download: Printing your Elf on the Shelf letters is super easy! No need to sign up—just click the “Download PDF” link under the image you want. It’ll open in a new tab, and you can click the printer icon to print right away. You can also download the file to save for later or send it to a professional printer.
  1. Print It Out: Once downloaded, print your letter on any regular or decorative paper. Each letter is formatted to standard U.S. letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), so it’s ready to fit most printers without any adjustments.
  1. Place It for the Kids to Find: Put the letter where your elf arrives or departs— see our Elf on the shelf Arrival and Goodbye ideas.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • A computer, tablet, or smartphone to download the letters.
  • A printer with enough ink for bright, cheerful colors.
  • Paper (regular printer paper or, for extra flair, some holiday-themed or colored paper).
  • (Optional) A cute envelope to make it feel more like real elf mail.

20 Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Letters

1 – Classic Whimsical Elf Design

These designs capture the essence of Christmas fun and excitement, making it perfect for a child who delights in the playful side of the season.

The letter is simple but colorful, making it great for families who want to keep the elf experience joyful and magical without too much fuss.

2 – For Boys and Girls of Color – Black Elf

These letters feature a beautifully illustrated Black elf, ensuring that children of color feel represented in their holiday traditions. 

For families who want their children to see themselves reflected in the holiday magic, these letters adds a personal and thoughtful touch, helping to foster a sense of inclusion.

3 – Vintage, Classic Christmas Charm Elf Letters

These letters have a vintage-inspired design, featuring softer colors and traditional holiday motifs like candy canes and snowflakes, and classic fonts.

Ideal for families who appreciate the nostalgia of classic Christmas decor, this letter adds an extra touch of warmth and tradition to the Elf on the Shelf experience.

RELATED:

Creative and Goofy Elf on the Shelf Names

Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas to Spark the Holiday Tradition

Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas for a Memorable Send-off

4 – Modern and Trendy Elf Design

A modern, minimalistic design with neutral colors and clean lines makes this letter stand out. 

The use of trendy fonts and crisp graphics creates a fun and stylish look that feels fresh and contemporary, perfect for families who enjoy a modern twist on Christmas traditions.

Perfect for moms who love to stay on-trend with their holiday decor, this letter is a great way to make the elf’s presence feel sleek and stylish.

5 – Cute and Charming Elf Letters

This design features the cutest illustrations that are perfect for younger kids. 

The fonts and images are playful, creating a sense of fun and excitement, while the elf character looks extra cute and friendly.

Moms with younger children will appreciate the adorable and lighthearted style of this letter.

Wrapping Up Elf on The Shelf Letters

The Elf on the Shelf tradition adds a touch of magic to the holiday season, and these free, downloadable Elf Arrival and Goodbye Letters make it even more special. 

With a range of styles—from playful to elegant and inclusive—there’s something for every family. 

Pick your favorites, print them out, and let the elf fun begin!

These letters will help create joyful memories and bring a little extra holiday magic to your home. 

Happy holidays and enjoy the elf adventures!

Creative Elf on the Shelf Ideas for your Holiday Tradition:

Simple Elf on the Shelf Ideas to Save You Time

Fresh Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Trendy Mischief

Elf on the Shelf Ideas to Make the Kids Laugh Out Loud

Toddler-Friendly Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Students

Twice the Elves, Twice the Mischief Funny Ideas

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