13 Clever Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter Ideas (& FREE Printables!)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year (for parents, that is). It is time for Elf on the Shelf to return to the North Pole. While I do truly enjoy coming up with festive ways for the kids to be entertained by our elf, sometimes the stress of the “magic” is a bit much during this crazy holiday season. Luckily, we are at the point where all of our hard work is almost over.

But, how do you end the magic without your kids being sad? Here are 13 clever Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter templates and a few Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Ideas to make the transition a little easier.

13 Fun & Clever Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter Ideas

elf on the shelf printable goodbye letter — Customize Here!

Goodbye For Now Elf on the Shelf Letter

The most classic way to say goodbye to your Elf (until next year) is to have them leave a personalized letter detailing all their fun memories with your kiddo through the holiday season. There are plenty of templates online for this or if you’re crafty you can make one up yourself.

Here are some FREE Printable Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter Templates!

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Pasta La Vista, Baby!

Nothing wrong with a simple goodbye until next Christmas season. Find some letter pasta (cereal is an option too!) and spell out your Elf on the Shelf goodbye message from your Elf to the family.

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Elf on the Shelf Return Letter — Credit Pinterest

Reindeer Food

Your Elf can do one last good deed before heading back to the North Pole. Have them leave out a recipe to make some reindeer food which can be left out with the cookies on Christmas Eve.

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Elf on the shelf goodbye ideas — Credit The Nerds Wife

‘Vanishing’ Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Message

You can have the Elf leave as magically as they arrive. Check out this printable outline, which you can use to make an outline out of any mirror or window in your house. Don’t forget to leave a little goodbye message in the fog as well.

Get the Printable Here!

Make a Goodbye Video

Embrace the digital age by creating a special “Video Goodbye” from the Elf. Record a heartwarming video message in which the Elf reflects on the joyful moments shared during the holiday season and expresses gratitude for the fun times. The video can include a montage of pictures or scenes of where the Elf was found each day, adding a personalized touch.

This digital keepsake can be cherished and revisited by children in the years to come, serving as a modern, engaging way to bid farewell to their festive companion. This approach not only adds a unique twist to the goodbye but also integrates technology into holiday traditions, making it especially appealing to the tech-savvy younger generation.

Elf on the Shelf Ideas — Credit Pinterest

Epic Mischief Letter

Sometimes you just have to go out with a bang. Pick the funniest most creative option out of all the Elf ideas that you have seen and go for it on the last morning. We personally love him floating away in a makeshift hot air balloon made of underwear, of course.

Check it Out Here!

Interactive Goodbye

Enhance the magic of the Elf on the Shelf’s farewell with an interactive goodbye. This can be a playful scavenger hunt designed by the Elf, leaving clues and small treats around the house, leading to a final goodbye letter.

This fun activity not only makes the goodbye memorable but also engages children in a joyful and active search, turning the farewell into a festive adventure. It’s a perfect way to blend the excitement of the holidays with a heartwarming conclusion to the Elf’s visit.

Elf and a Suitcase

If your Elf is headed out of town, they will obviously need a suitcase right? This goodbye option can be as elaborate or as simple as you would like. It is easy to make suitcases out of old jewelry boxes and pipe cleaners.

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Goodbye Hugs & Kisses

This is a sweet Elf on the Shelf goodbye printable letter that we used last year and our kids still talk about it today. It is so hard for little ones to resist touching the Elf the whole Christmas season. Leave a letter that tells them for this one day Santa has lifted the magic and is allowing them to give the Elf a hug and a kiss goodbye.

Check it Out Here!

elf on the shelf goodbye letter — Credit A Spotted Pony

Elf Memory Book

Your kids have so much fun waking up and finding their Elf each day, and they might miss him a bit once he is gone. This family came up with a great idea to remember the Elf all year long; an Elf yearbook!

Check it Out Here!

Elf’s Journey Map

Create an enchanting “Elf’s Journey Map” to visually depict the Elf’s return to the North Pole. This can be a craft project where children can help plot the Elf’s journey on a map, with imaginative stops along the way.

Each day leading up to Christmas, add new details or locations to the map, like a stop at Candy Cane Lane or a detour through the Starry Skies. This activity not only fuels children’s imagination but also provides a gentle and engaging way to count down the final days of the Elf’s stay, building anticipation for his return next year.

Christmas PJs and the Cookie Plate

elf on the shelf goodbye letters — Credit buildingyourstory.com

Christmas Pjs and a setting for Santa’s cookies and milk are Christmas Eve essentials. Your Elf can set both out to be found before their departure.

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Goodbye Forever Letter

We are sad to admit that the Elf’s days with your family will end at some point. Your little ones will begin to outgrow the magic or you’ll find yourself too busy to keep up the elaborate scheme. Whatever the case, don’t just cut him out cold turkey. Give everyone the goodbye they deserve to keep the memories alive.

We absolutely adore this example of a forever goodbye letter from your elf on Good Housekeeping. It explains all the lessons your child can take from what seemed like funny mischief and leaves the Elf as a keepsake for your child’s future.

Check it Out Here!

Saying goodbye to your Elf on the Shelf can be a memorable and engaging experience for both you and your kiddos. Through creative approaches like an interactive scavenger hunt, a whimsical Elf’s Journey Map, and a heartfelt Digital Goodbye video, families can transform this annual farewell into a delightful and meaningful tradition.

These ideas not only preserve the magic of the Elf’s visit but also foster a sense of closure and anticipation for future holiday seasons!

Do you have other Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter Ideas? Let us know in the comments, we are always looking for more ideas.