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17 Fun Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas to End the Holiday Tradition

As Christmas Eve approaches, it’s time to say goodbye to our mischievous little friends—the Elf on the Shelf. 

But why not make their last day extra special with some fun and creative goodbye scenes? 

Elf on the shelf Goodbye Ideas 2024

Whether you’re looking for heartfelt goodbyes or playful setups, here are some ideas to make your elf’s departure a memorable one for the whole family!

Christmas Eve Elf on the Shelf Ideas

1 – Christmas Eve Crates

Two elf dolls sitting inside personalized Christmas Eve crates labeled “Ivy’s” and “Dexter’s” with a decorated Christmas tree in the background.
Photo Credit: chippy_and_tinsel

Two elves sit by personalized Christmas Eve crates filled with holiday goodies. 

A fun tradition to surprise children with gifts the night before Christmas.

2 – One Sleep Left with Lego Fun

Two elves sitting near a fireplace, with a LEGO sign that spells "One Sleep" behind them. A mini candy-striped elf stage is also present.
Photo Credit: jessicarosemuller

The elves enjoy their last night of fun before Christmas, playing with a colorful Lego countdown and resting near the cozy fireplace.

3 – Tangled in Tinsel

An elf doll next to a chalkboard that reads "Christmas is Tomorrow! Yay!" and holding a festive mug that says "Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle."
Photo Credit: toni_with_a_t

An elf gets caught in the holiday spirit (and some festive ribbon), reminding everyone not to get their “tinsel in a tangle” before Christmas.

SEE ALSO:

20 FREE Elf on the Shelf Arrival and Goodbye Letters

4 – Elf with Mince Pies

An elf sitting next to a stack of mince pies on a festive tray, holding a sign that says "It’s Tonight! Ho-Ho-Ho."
Photo Credit: december_withelfonso

An elf waits with a plate of warm mince pies, excited for Christmas to arrive that night, holding a sign saying, “It’s Tonight! Ho-Ho-Ho.”

5 – Cookies and Milk for Santa

Two elves standing by a plate of Christmas cookies and a glass of milk with a glowing Christmas tree in the background.
Photo Credit: fraservalleyfarmltd

Two elves stand ready next to a plate of Christmas cookies and a cup of milk, preparing for Santa’s arrival with all the traditional treats.

6 – Farewell Note from the Elf

An elf leaves a heartfelt letter for the family, saying goodbye until next year while hanging out by the tree with some children’s wish tags.

7 – Goodbye Christmas Eve Box

Two elves sitting on a large Christmas Eve box labeled with a child’s name, with a T-shirt and handwritten letter to Santa placed beside the box.
Photo Credit: the_joys_2

Two elves sit next to a personalized Christmas Eve box and a letter, saying their final goodbyes before heading back to the North Pole.

SEE ALSO:

Creative and Fun Elf Names to Ignite Holiday Magic

Welcome Back! Fun Ideas for Elf on the Shelf Arrivals

Two Elves, Twice the Laughter: Holiday Ideas

Last Day Elf on the Shelf Ideas

8 – Balloon Ride Farewell

An elf doll sitting inside a small DIY balloon basket labeled "North Pole Express," with a reindeer balloon nearby.
Photo Credit: makenzie_athome

An elf sits in a festive cup labeled “North Pole Express,” attached to a bright red balloon, as they prepare for their final journey back to Santa. 

This cute and celebratory scene is perfect for a grand goodbye.

9 – North Pole Express Paper Plane

An elf sitting on a paper airplane labeled "North Pole Express," surrounded by Christmas ornaments and decorations.
Photo Credit: truffles_the_elf

This elf is all set for departure on a handmade paper plane labeled “North Pole Express.” 

The simple yet imaginative idea brings the excitement of flying back to the North Pole right to your Christmas tree.

10 – Snowball Fight Finale

Two elves in a miniature winter scene, playfully surrounded by crumpled tissues, resembling a snowball fight, with small Christmas trees and holiday props.
Photo Credit: elisamoschetta

Two elves enjoy a playful snowball fight before their departure, surrounded by snowballs (crumpled tissues). 

This whimsical winter scene brings joy and laughter to the last day of Elf on the Shelf fun.

11 – Hanging Around Until the New Year

An elf hanging upside down from a bathroom towel bar holding a chalkboard that reads, "I’m hanging around until Jan. 1, 2024."
Photo Credit: toni_with_a_t

An elf dangles from a towel rod, holding a sign that reads, “I’m hanging around until Jan 1!” 

A humorous way to keep the elf around a little longer and extend the festive fun.

12 – Don’t Forget to Cuddle Me Goodbye

An elf sitting in front of a Christmas tree, holding a handwritten sign that says, "Don’t forget to cuddle me before I fly with Santa tonight! I love you to the North Pole and back."
Photo Credit: december_withelfonso

In a heartwarming farewell, this elf holds a hand-written message reminding everyone to give them one last cuddle before they fly back to the North Pole with Santa.

13 – Goodbye from the Elf Door

Two elves sitting by a tiny door and a Christmas tree, with a handwritten message on the wall saying, "Goodbye Jackson and Lilah, have a lovely Christmas, see you next year."
Photo Credit: mrsleahmiles

Two elves wave goodbye at their little elf door, leaving behind a sweet farewell message. 

The tiny details make this goodbye feel personal and special for little ones to read.

14 – A Special Goodbye Letter

An elf sitting with a handwritten farewell note to Vinny and Gianna, saying goodbye and reminding them to be good for next year. There are festive decorations around the elf.
Photo Credit: rcktarm07

Let your elf leave a heartfelt letter for the kids, letting them know it’s time for the elf to leave but promising to be back next year with more cheer.

15 – Farewell from the Wreath

Two elves sitting in a Christmas wreath hung on a door, with a sign at the bottom that reads, "It’s our last day together" and a book titled "The Night Before Christmas."
Photo Credit: mhn_elves

Two elves are perched on a festive wreath with a reindeer friend as they prepare for their final night. 

The setup includes a goodbye gift and the Elf on the Shelf storybook to mark the last day.

16 – It’s a Wrap!

A couch fully wrapped in colorful Christmas gift paper, with a sign in the middle that says, "It’s a wrap!"
Photo Credit: chippy_and_tinsel

A sofa is completely wrapped in festive paper with a sign that says, “It’s a Wrap!” 

This playful setup celebrates the end of the Elf on the Shelf season and wraps up the Christmas magic in style.

17 – Countdown to the Last Day

An elf sitting with a stuffed Grinch and a reindeer, next to a sign that reads, "Countdown to my last day." The scene is cozy with a red blanket and a "JOY" pillow.
Photo Credit: honey_elf_adventures

An elf relaxes with a festive countdown sign next to Grinch and reindeer plush toys. 

The scene sets the tone for the elf’s final day before they head back to the North Pole.

Elf on the shelf Goodbye Ideas 2024

Wrapping Up Goodbye Elf on the Shelf Ideas

And there you have it—some simple and fun ideas to make your Elf on the Shelf’s farewell extra magical.

Whether they’re leaving a heartfelt note, playing one last game, or preparing a special gift, these ideas will surely bring a smile to your kids’ faces.

Until next year, happy Elf on the Shelf season and Merry Christmas!

UNLEASH THE ELF: MORE CRAZY CHRISTMAS ANTICS:

Fun and Safe Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Toddlers

Festive Elf Activities to Brighten Your Classroom

Quick and Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas for Busy Holidays

Laugh-Out-Loud Elf on the Shelf Ideas for the Season

Cute and Creative Elf Ideas to Light Up Your Holidays

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