29 Fun And Creative Elf On The Shelf Return Ideas

The Elf on the Shelf tradition is a beloved holiday activity that brings joy and excitement to families each year.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about how your elf will make their grand return.

29 Return of Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Here are 29 fun and creative ideas to inspire you!

Parachuting Elf 

Have your elf parachute into the room using a homemade parachute made from a plastic bag and string.

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Balloon Ride 

Attach your elf to a bunch of helium balloons and let them float down to greet the kids.

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Zip Line Adventure 

Set up a mini zip line across the room using string and have your elf glide in for a grand entrance.

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Hot Cocoa Bath 

Place your elf in a bowl of marshmallows with a note saying they’re warming up after their journey from the North Pole.

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Elf Pizza Party 

Create a tiny pizza using felt and paper, and set up a pizza party scene with your elf and some toy friends.

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Snowball Fight 

Arrange a mini snowball fight with cotton balls and some small action figures or stuffed animals.

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Elf in a Box 

Have your elf pop out of a wrapped gift box, ready to start the holiday fun.

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Cookie Baking 

Set up a mini kitchen scene with your elf holding a rolling pin and some cookie cutters, ready to bake holiday treats.

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Scavenger Hunt 

Leave clues around the house that lead to the discovery of your elf in a fun hiding spot.

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North Pole Arrival 

Create a North Pole sign and place your elf next to it, surrounded by fake snow and tiny presents.

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Superhero Elf 

Dress your elf in a superhero cape and mask, ready to save the day.

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Elf Spa Day 

Set up a relaxing spa scene with your elf lounging in a cotton ball bubble bath.

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Christmas Tree Decorating 

Have your elf caught in the act of decorating the Christmas tree with ornaments and lights.

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Elf Art Studio 

Set up a mini art studio with your elf painting a holiday scene on a tiny canvas.

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Gingerbread House 

Place your elf next to a gingerbread house, either pre-made or in the process of being built.

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Holiday Movie Night 

Create a cozy movie night scene with your elf holding a mini popcorn bag and sitting in front of a tiny screen showing a holiday classic.

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Elf Music Concert 

Arrange a mini concert with your elf playing a small instrument or singing into a tiny microphone.

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Snow Angel Elf 

Lay your elf on a bed of flour or sugar, making snow angels.

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Elf Science Experiment 

Set up a mini science lab with your elf conducting a holiday-themed experiment.

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Elf Game Night 

Arrange a game night scene with your elf playing a board game with some toy friends.

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Elf S’mores 

Create a mini campfire scene with your elf roasting marshmallows for s’mores.

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Elf Selfie Station 

Set up a photo booth with holiday props and have your elf snapping selfies.

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Elf Reading Time 

Place your elf with a tiny book, reading a holiday story.

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Elf in a Candy Jar 

Fill a jar with holiday candy and have your elf peeking out from inside.

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Rock Climbing Elf

Create a climbing wall with colorful tape and have your elf scaling it.

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Skiing Elf 

Make tiny skis from popsicle sticks and have your elf skiing down a snowy hill made of cotton.

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Ice Skating Elf 

Use a small mirror as an ice rink and have your elf ice skating.

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Elf Bakery 

Set up a mini bakery with your elf making holiday cookies and treats.

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Elf Magic Show 

Create a magic show scene with your elf performing tricks for an audience of toys.

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Wrapping Up

Each of these ideas adds a touch of magic and creativity to the return of your Elf on the Shelf, making the holiday season even more special for your family. 

Have fun bringing your elf back in style and creating lasting memories!

What are your favorite Elf on the Shelf return ideas? Share them in the comments below!