Elves can be messy little house guests! If your kids are counting down the days until your elf arrives, and you are just not quite ready (or you want to build the anticipation) a few carefully crafted mysterious messes will have everyone searching for their little friends!

If it’s the first time with your Elf or you just want a funny Elf on the Shelf arrival idea, then have Elf arrive in a gift bag filled with tinsel. You could hide some candy at the bottom of the bag if you like for extra fun. The next fun elf on shelf arrival ideas option is an elf-themed scavenger hunt. This might be a new favorite tradition for your elf on the shelf return every year. Elf Scavenger HuntThe gift doesn’t have to be large and it doesn’t have to be wrapped. It can be small like candy. The kids will be excited no matter what it is. The elf has came – but where is he hiding? This is also a good reminder that your elf is always watching (even when you can’t see him!) This mischievous little Elf usually arrives on 1 December (or around Thanksgiving, for our friends across the pond). Then, every day in December, once the little ones are in bed, parents place the Elf in different locations throughout the house, popping up somewhere new for kids to discover in the morning. The return of your Elf on the Shelf is a special event, full of mystery and wonder. It’s the start of your Elf’s adventures in December, so you want to make it memorable.

Let your elf arrive in STYLE this Christmas with a fun Elf sized motorcycle! You can grab this one from etsy– or choose any small barbie/action figure sized motorcycle that you may already have on hand! 29. Elf Pizza Party For older kids, you could put together a longer message for them to read aloud, bringing Christmas greetings from the North Pole, and prehaps a reminder about the most important rule - not to touch the Elf or he'll lose his magic! Or alternatively write a Santa letter with our free printable From the Desk of Santa letterhead paper to easily create a Christmasy letter. Elf on the Shelf Return Ideas

What do you think? Which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments below! Happy Holidays everyone! Maybe, your Elf on the Shelf arrival will bring with it a random act of kindness as a Secret Santa. And don’t worry, they are not all elaborate. I have easy elf ideas and some can be done at the last minute! Grabbing an envelope from the post office and writing the words on front are all that you will need. Your kids will be delighted to find their elf arriving in such a fun way! 8. Flying Down on More Balloons via Mama Cheaps Something about balloons and these magical little elves just go together. Imagine the surprise on your little one’s faces when they wake up to find their elf floating across the room tied to a beautiful balloon bouquet! 9. With a North Pole Breakfast