Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Letters (4 Designed Sets to Download)
Luci McQuitty HindmarshIf your Elf needs to announce their arrival for the first time, announce their return visit, introduce a second Elf into the household or say goodbye on Christmas Eve, I have the perfect ready-to-go printable letter for you.
In case you're new to this whole thing: Elf on the Shelf is a scout who visits from the North Pole each December to keep an eye on things for Santa. Every night, they fly back to report. Every morning, they're somewhere new in your house.
The letters make it feel real for your kids. They're holding actual proof that this tiny visitor came specifically to their house, knows their name/s, and has things to say to them.
That's the bit that makes their eyes go wide.
You'll find four complete sets of letters below. Each set includes everything you need:
- a first-time arrival letter
- an "I'm back" letter for returning Elves
- a letter for when your Elf brings a friend
- a goodbye letter for Christmas Eve.
Each set has a different design, so you can pick whichever style you prefer (or use different ones each year).
Download them, print them, and you're sorted. No writing in Elf-sized handwriting at midnight. No panic about what your Elf should actually say.
Just letters that do the job and make the whole thing feel more real for your kids.
Why letters work so well
Your Elf can move to a new spot each morning without saying anything. That's fine.
But a letter makes it personal.
It's proof (in your child's mind) that this Elf knows who they are. That they've been watching. That they came here on purpose.
The arrival letter sets the scene for the whole month. It explains who the Elf is, why they're here, and what'll happen next.
The "I'm back" letter works for families whose Elf returns each year. It's the reunion moment.
The "I'm here with a friend" letter covers you if you've added a second Elf (or if your Elf's brought a reindeer, snowman, or whatever other North Pole character you've acquired).
And the goodbye letter gives you a proper ending. Your Elf doesn't just disappear. They leave a note explaining they'll see everyone next year.
Kids keep these letters. They read them multiple times. Some families save them year after year.
That's how you know they matter.
What you're getting
Four complete sets of Elf letters, each with a different design.
Every set includes:
- An arrival letter for first-time Elf visits
- A return letter for when your Elf comes back
- A friend introduction letter for second Elves
- A goodbye letter for Christmas Eve
All you do is download the set you want, print the letters you need, and leave them with your Elf.
Some parents personalise them by adding their child's name in pen. Some leave them as they are. Both work.
You can print the same set every year, or switch it up with a different design each December.
Free Elf Calendar: Grab our Free Elf On The Shelf Calendar. There's a pre-filled calendar with suggested daily activities and ideas, plus a blank calendar.
How to use these letters
Download the PDF that contains all four sets and print whichever set you like best.
For arrival day (usually 1st December), leave the arrival or return letter next to your Elf in their first spot.
On Christmas Eve, leave the goodbye letter with a small treat or next to a family photo.
That's it.
How To Download Your Free Letter Set
Browse the letter designs below and then use the subscribe form to grab your set.
The Four Elf On The Shelf Letter Sets
Here's what each set looks like, so you can pick your favourite.
Cute-E-Pie Elf Letter Set
Festive Lights Letter Set
Candy Cane Christmas Elf Letters
Official Stripe Elf Christmas Letters
Download Your Free Letters Set
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