Your Elf on the Shelf is coming back soon!
And the easiest way to create a magical Elf arrival in minutes is with a simple Elf on the Shelf arrival letter.
That’s why I’ve made these free printable “I’m Back!” Elf arrival letters so your Elf (or elves) can officially announce that they’ve returned for another Christmas full of fun, mischief, and holiday magic.
The kids will be so excited when they wake up and realize their little Christmas friend has returned for another holiday season.
Whether you have one elf, a boy elf, a girl elf or two elves, I’ve got you covered!
Related posts:
- 150 Elf On The Shelf Arrival Ideas Kids Will Love
- 50 Last Minute Elf On The Shelf Ideas
- 24 Elf On The Shelf Notes (Printable, Letter Board & Last-Minute Ideas)
- 125 Christmas Jokes To Use In Your Elf Antics
- 100+ Best Christmas Movies For Kids By Age & Rating

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information, read my full disclosure here.
Free Printable Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter
This classic Elf on the Shelf arrival letter is perfect if you want a simple, festive way to announce that your Elf is back.
The letter has a cheerful Christmas design with a happy Elf, candy-cane border, presents, snowflakes, and a big “Guess What? I’m Back!” (or “We’re Back!”) message at the top.
The letter says:
Hello, my friend!
I’m (We’re) so excited to be back at your home for another magical Christmas season!
I’ve (We’ve) missed you all so much and can’t wait to see all the fun, kindness and holiday cheer you’ll bring this year!
I’ll (We’ll) be watching, listening and reporting back to Santa each night. So be sure to be on your best behavior (and have lots of fun)!
Let the Christmas magic begin!
Love,
There’s a blank line at the bottom so you can write your Elf’s name before leaving it for your kids.
Why Kids Love an “I’m Back!” Elf Letter
The first day your Elf returns is already exciting, but a little note makes the arrival feel even more special.
Instead of your kids simply finding their Elf sitting somewhere in the house, they get a personal message from their Christmas friend telling them how happy the Elf is to be back.
It also gives you a really easy way to kick off your family’s Elf tradition without needing a complicated setup.
How to Use the Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter
Simply print the arrival letter on standard 8.5” x 11” paper and write your Elf’s name on the signature line.
Then leave the letter with your Elf on the morning your kids are supposed to discover that the Elf has returned.
Just choose the arrival letter that’s best for your elf 👇
(These letters are 100% free to print for personal use only. You may not use, sell or re-design for commercial purposes.)
Boy Elf Arrival Letter

Girl Elf Arrival Letter

Two Elves Arrival Letter

Personalize the Letter With Your Elf’s Name
One of my favorite parts of an Elf arrival letter is adding the Elf’s name.
If your Elf is already part of your family’s Christmas tradition, using their familiar name makes the letter feel much more personal.
For example:
Love, Sparkle
or
Love, Peppermint & Prank
That tiny personal touch can make a printable letter feel like something your Elf actually brought home from the North Pole.
If your elf or elves still need names, you can find tons of fun ideas in the posts below. 👇
- 120 Matching Elf on the Shelf Names (Perfect Pairs for Your Elves)
- 100 Naughty vs. Nice Elf on the Shelf Names (Funny Elf Duos)
- 300 Elf on the Shelf Names: Cute, Funny & Unique Ideas
More Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas
Looking for a fun way to pair your arrival letter with an actual Elf setup?
Set your elf and the arrival letter next to an open early gift that the kids can use during the month of December to make the season more fun.
Here are some fantastic ideas: 25 Things Kids Can Open Early That Aren’t Toys
OR
Check out this ultimate list I made of 150 Elf on the Shelf Arrival Ideas with ideas for all kinds of Elf returns, from super simple setups to funny and creative scenes.
Whether you want your Elf to arrive with Christmas treats, hide in the Christmas tree, bring a special surprise, or simply show up with a sweet note, you’ll find plenty of ideas to help you plan the first day.
And don’t feel like you need to recreate the most complicated Elf setup you see online. Pick something that works for your family and your schedule.
The goal is simply to make that first morning feel a little more magical.
Make This Year’s Elf Arrival Extra Special
I hope these sweet Elf on the Shelf letters make your holiday a little bit easier and a lot of fun!
Sometimes all it takes is a familiar little Elf, a festive letter, and the excitement of knowing that Christmas is finally getting started.
So print your Elf on the Shelf arrival letter, add your Elf’s name, and get ready for the inevitable excitement when your kids realize:
The Elf is back!
Let the Christmas magic begin.
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