⚠️ PARENTS: This post contains details about Elf on the Shelf arrival ideas and printables. If your little ones are nearby, you might want to bookmark this for later!
Starting your elf on the shelf arrival off with something special sets the tone for the entire December tradition. This complete guide includes free arrival letter printables, step-by-step breakfast setup instructions, and creative ideas to make your elf's first morning truly magical.
A Quick Look At This Arrival
- 📋 What's Included: Arrival letters, breakfast party printables, pennants & decorations
- ⏲️ Setup Time: 15-30 minutes (or 5 minutes for simple version)
- 🎄 When to Use: First morning of elf season (December 1st or your chosen start date)
- 🎁 Effort Level: You choose -simple letter only or full breakfast party
- 💭 Top Tip: Set up the night before so it's ready when kids wake up!
Why You'll Love This Elf Arrival
- Makes the first morning memorable -Your elf's arrival becomes a special celebration.
- Free matching printables -Everything coordinates beautifully with a cohesive design.
- Flexible effort levels -Go simple with just a letter, or create a full breakfast party.
- Multiple letter options -Choose the version that fits your family (new elf, returning elf, multiple elves).
- Kid-friendly food ideas - Easy breakfast items kids will actually eat and enjoy.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look At This Arrival
- Why You'll Love This Elf Arrival
- What's Included in Your Free Elf Arrival Kit
- How to Set Up the Elf Arrival Breakfast
- Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter Options
- Elf Arrival Breakfast Food Ideas
- Simple vs. Elaborate Elf Arrival Options
- Get Your Free Elf Arrival Printables
- More Elf on the Shelf Ideas
- More Christmas Ideas
- Frequently Asked Questions
The elf on the shelf arrival letter is the perfect way to welcome your elf and explain the tradition to kids who might be new to it, or welcome back a beloved friend for returning elves. When you pair it with a special North Pole breakfast, you're creating a memory that kicks off the entire season with joy and excitement instead of just finding the elf sitting somewhere random.
This arrival breakfast works beautifully whether you're starting the tradition for the first time, welcoming back your elf after a year away, or even if you have multiple elves arriving. The printables include options for all these scenarios, and the breakfast setup can be as simple or elaborate as you want to make it. You're in control of how much time and effort you invest.
Tip: Don't have time to do the big breakfast Dec 1st? Save it for the weekend, and just use the letter and props that first morning.
Maybe you're also planning other special holiday moments this December -a Christmas tea party with friends, a Christmas cookie baking party with the kids, or setting up your holiday decorations. This elf arrival breakfast is the perfect way to kick off all those seasonal celebrations.
And if you need more elf ideas for the rest of December, our complete collection of 32+ elf on the shelf free printables has you covered for the entire season.
What's Included in Your Free Elf Arrival Kit
When you download the free elf on the shelf arrival letter printables from our resource library, here's everything you'll get:
Arrival Letters:
- Welcome letter for NEW elves (explaining the tradition)
- Welcome back letter for RETURNING elves
- Welcome letter for MULTIPLE elves
Breakfast Party Decorations:
- 3-piece North Pole centerpiece
- "Ho Ho Ho" banner with individual pennant flags
- Bottled water wraps
- Paper straw flags
- Cupcake/food picks
- Large and small decorative pennants
- Welcome breakfast sign
Optional Props:
- Mini suitcase (if your elf arrives with luggage from the North Pole instead)
Everything has a matching design so your arrival looks polished and coordinated without any extra work on your part. You can use all the elements for a full party setup, or just use the arrival letter by itself for a simpler approach.
How to Set Up the Elf Arrival Breakfast
Step 1: Print Your Arrival Letter and Decorations
Print the elf on the shelf arrival letter that fits your situation (new elf, returning elf, or multiple elves). Print on regular copy paper or card stock.
For the breakfast decorations, print the centerpiece, banner, water wraps, straw flags, cupcake picks, and pennants on card stock for the best results. Regular paper will work too, but card stock gives everything a sturdier, more professional look.
Step 2: Assemble the North Pole Centerpiece
The centerpiece is made of three pieces that you tape together from the back to create a standing display.
- Print all three centerpiece pieces on card stock
- Cut them out carefully along the edges
- Lay them face-down and tape the three pieces together from the back, creating one long connected piece
- Cut gentle curves along the top edge to create a snowy, natural look
- Optional: Add white glitter to some of the snow sections using white glue for extra sparkle
Pro tip: Let any glitter dry completely (at least 2 hours) before setting up, or you'll have glitter everywhere.
To display the centerpiece, stand it up by bending it slightly so it creates a gentle arc across your table. You can also tape the back edges to small boxes or cans to help it stand if needed. Add small faux Christmas trees and faux snow around the base to create a complete North Pole scene.
Step 3: Create the "Ho Ho Ho" Banner
The banner pennants spell out "Ho Ho Ho" and look adorable strung above your breakfast table.
- Print the banner pennants on card stock (you'll need multiples of some letters)
- Cut out each pennant flag carefully
- Use a hole punch to create holes in the top two corners of each pennant
- Optional: Decorate the edges with glitter or leave them plain
- String the pennants onto ribbon or twine, spelling "Ho Ho Ho"
- Tie the ends and hang above your table or across a wall
The banner adds so much festive cheer and really makes it feel like a special celebration rather than just a regular breakfast.
Step 4: Prepare Bottled Water and Straws
These little touches make store-bought items feel special and coordinated.
For bottled water:
- Print the water bottle wraps (you'll need one per bottle)
- Cut them out
- Wrap each label around a bottle of water and tape closed at the back
- The wraps fit standard 16-20oz water bottles perfectly
For the straw flags:
- Print the straw flags on card stock
- Cut them out
- Tape or glue each flag to a paper straw
- Tie the straws to your water bottles with ribbon or twine for an extra cute touch
Kids love having their own special "North Pole water" and it makes even plain water feel exciting.
Step 5: Make Cupcake/Food Picks
These adorable picks can go in any breakfast food - cinnamon rolls, muffins, donuts, fruit cups, you name it.
- Print the cupcake picks on card stock
- Cut out each circular design
- Hot glue each circle to a toothpick or lollipop stick
- Optional: Add a small ribbon bow to each pick for extra flair
- Insert into your breakfast foods
The picks turn ordinary breakfast items into something that looks bakery-quality and party-ready.
Step 6: Create Decorative Pennants
The kit includes larger decorative pennants that you can place around your table or have your elf hold.
- Print your chosen pennants on card stock
- Cut them out carefully
- Hot glue each pennant to a wooden dowel or skewer
- Optional: Tie ribbon to the top of each pennant
- Optional: Add glitter to the designs
Place these pennants in small vases, cups, or have your elf hold one. They add height and visual interest to your table setup.
Step 7: Position Your Elf with the Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter
This is the moment! Place your elf in the center of the breakfast setup, holding or sitting next to the elf on the shelf arrival letter.
Position the elf so the letter is clearly visible and easy for kids to find and read. You can pose the elf:
- Sitting at the table with the letter propped in front
- Holding the letter with both arms
- Standing next to the letter with decorative pennants nearby
- Sitting on top of the centerpiece
- Arriving with the mini suitcase prop next to the letter
Make sure the elf is the first thing kids see when they come to the breakfast table.
Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter Options
We've created three different elf on the shelf arrival letter versions so you can choose the one that fits your family perfectly.
New Elf Welcome Letter
Use this if your family is starting the Elf on the Shelf tradition for the first time this year. This letter explains who the elf is, why they're visiting, and how the tradition works. It sets expectations gently for kids who've never had an elf before.
What it covers:
- Introduction of the elf
- Explanation that the elf reports to Santa each night
- The "no touching" rule explained kindly
- What kids can expect throughout December
- Excitement about watching and celebrating together
Returning Elf Welcome Back Letter
Use this when your elf is coming back after being at the North Pole for a year. This letter acknowledges that the elf missed the family and is excited to return for another season of fun.
What it covers:
- Excitement about being back
- Mention of missing the family during the year
- Reminder of how the tradition works
- Anticipation for the season ahead
- Personal touches about what the elf is looking forward to
Multiple Elves Welcome Letter
Use this if you have more than one elf arriving (common for families with multiple children). This letter explains that Santa sent helpers this year and introduces all the elves together.
What it covers:
- Introduction of multiple elves
- Why Santa sent more than one helper
- How all the elves will work together
- The same tradition rules apply
- Excitement about the adventure ahead
Elf Arrival Breakfast Food Ideas
The beauty of this elf on the shelf arrival breakfast is that the food can be as simple or homemade as you want. Here are our tested ideas that kids love:
Easy Cinnamon Rolls (Our Favorite)
We use refrigerated cinnamon rolls from the grocery store because they're quick, delicious, and kids love them. Here's how to make them special:
- Bake the cinnamon rolls according to package directions
- Let them cool just slightly (still warm but not burning hot)
- Drizzle with the included icing
- Add Christmas sprinkles on top while the icing is still wet
- Insert the cupcake picks into each roll
Time: 15 minutes total Result: Looks impressive, tastes delicious, minimal effort
The combination of warm cinnamon rolls with festive sprinkles and cute picks makes these feel like a special treat, not just regular breakfast.
Santa Hat Strawberries
These are ADORABLE and surprisingly easy to make:
- Wash and dry fresh strawberries (leave the green tops on)
- Cut a regular-sized marshmallow in half horizontally
- Place one strawberry (point up) on each marshmallow half
- Top with a mini marshmallow as the pom-pom
- To make the mini marshmallow stick, cut a tiny bit off the bottom to create a flat surface
Time: 10 minutes for a dozen Result: Kids go crazy for these and they photograph beautifully
These look like little Santa hats and add a healthy element to the breakfast without kids even realizing they're eating fruit.
Hot Chocolate Bar
Set up a simple hot chocolate station:
- Hot chocolate in a slow cooker or thermal carafe
- Mini marshmallows in a bowl
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate chips
- Candy canes for stirring
- Your water bottles with the printable wraps
Kids can customize their own hot chocolate and it feels interactive and special.
North Pole Cereal
The easiest option of all:
Buy Elf on the Shelf branded cereal (available at most grocery stores in December) and pour it into festive bowls. Add the cupcake picks sticking out of the bowls. Done!
Time: 2 minutes Result: Kids love seeing elf-themed cereal and it requires zero cooking
Other Quick Ideas:
- Donut holes with cupcake picks inserted
- Bagels with cream cheese and sprinkles
- Yogurt parfaits in clear cups with fruit and granola
- Pancakes (make ahead and reheat) with festive syrup
- Fruit kabobs with the cupcake picks as skewers
The key is to choose foods your kids actually like to eat. A beautiful breakfast they won't touch defeats the purpose!
Simple vs. Elaborate Elf Arrival Options
Not everyone has time for a full breakfast party setup, and that's completely okay. Here are your options based on how much time you have:
5-Minute Simple Arrival
What to do:
- Print the elf on the shelf arrival letter only
- Place your elf on the kitchen table holding the letter
- That's it!
Alternative: Have your elf arrive with the mini suitcase prop and letter at the door or on a shelf, as if they just traveled from the North Pole.
Time: 5 minutes Result: Your kids still get the magic of the arrival letter and finding the elf
This is perfect for busy families, people who aren't morning people, or anyone who just wants to keep things low-key. The letter alone creates excitement and sets up the tradition beautifully.
15-Minute Medium Arrival
What to do:
- Print the arrival letter
- Print 2-3 pennants for the elf to hold
- Set out store-bought donuts or cereal with cupcake picks
- Place elf with letter and pennants at the table
Time: 15 minutes Result: Looks special but doesn't require elaborate setup
This gives you the visual impact of a decorated breakfast without the full party treatment. It's a nice middle ground.
30-Minute Full Breakfast Party
What to do:
- Print all elements (letter, centerpiece, banner, wraps, picks, pennants)
- Assemble all decorations
- Prepare breakfast foods (even if store-bought, make them pretty)
- Set up complete North Pole scene with elf as centerpiece
Time: 30 minutes (plus any advance prep) Result: Instagram-worthy, magazine-quality arrival that kids will remember
This is for people who love creating special moments and have the time to invest in a bigger setup. It's absolutely worth it if you can swing it - the kids' faces when they see everything will be priceless.
Make-Ahead Strategy
If you want the full breakfast party but don't want to be up at 5am on arrival day:
A week before:
- Print all printables
- Cut everything out
- Assemble centerpiece, banner, and pennants
- Store in a labeled box or bag
The night before:
- Set up all decorations on the table
- Prep any food you can (cut fruit, set out plates, etc.)
- Have elf and letter ready to place in the morning
Arrival morning:
- Place elf with letter (2 minutes)
- Finish any last food prep (10 minutes)
- Done!
This breaks up the work so it's not overwhelming and you're not exhausted before the tradition even starts.
Get Your Free Elf Arrival Printables
Ready to create a magical elf on the shelf arrival for your family?
Subscribe below for instant access to our Free Resource Library where you'll find:
- All three arrival letter options (new elf, returning elf, multiple elves)
- Complete breakfast party printables (centerpiece, banner, wraps, picks, pennants)
- Mini suitcase prop
- Planning calendar for your whole elf season
- 32+ additional elf ideas with printables for the entire month
Our printables are free to subscribers. Check your email for the password to our Free Resource Library, and search in the Elf On The Shelf section for all the arrival printables.
More Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Looking for ideas beyond the arrival? We've got you covered for the entire December season:
32+ Elf on the Shelf Free Printables - Our complete collection of elf ideas including pizza night, movie night, games, activities, and a goodbye letter for Christmas Eve.
And when it's time to say goodbye, be sure to use our Free Printable Goodbye letter that you can find in the Free Resource Library also.
More Christmas Ideas
Frequently Asked Questions
Most families have their elf arrive on December 1st, but you can choose any date that works for your family. Some start right after Thanksgiving, while others wait until closer to Christmas. There's no wrong answer -just pick a date you can commit to for the rest of December. Use the elf on the shelf arrival letter to explain when and why your elf is visiting.
That's what the new elf welcome letter is for! It gently explains the tradition, who the elf is, and what to expect. Read the elf on the shelf arrival letter together as a family on the first morning so kids understand the rules (especially no touching). The arrival breakfast makes this introduction feel like a celebration rather than just a new rule.
Not at all! The elaborate breakfast party is perfect for the very first year when you're introducing the tradition, or for years when you have the time and energy. In subsequent years, many families scale back to just the welcome back letter or even skip the letter entirely if kids already know the drill. Do what feels right for your family each year.
Absolutely! The North Pole decorations, "Ho Ho Ho" banner, and festive picks work beautifully for any December breakfast or Christmas morning. Many families save them and reuse them for Christmas Day breakfast or other holiday gatherings throughout the month.
Use the letter by itself with whatever breakfast you'd normally make. The elf on the shelf arrival letter creates the magic -the fancy food is just a bonus if you have time. Kids will be excited about finding the elf regardless of what's for breakfast.
Some families do this, others don't. If you want to add that element, you could include a small notepad and pencil next to the arrival letter where kids can leave notes for the elf. But it's not necessary -the elf can communicate through the notes from your printable pack throughout the month, including blank ones. Also there is a letter to Santa template in the printable pack that your kids can use.
Yes! In fact, we recommend it. Set up everything the night before so it's ready when kids wake up. Just make sure your elf is positioned where kids will definitely see it first thing in the morning. The kitchen table is usually the best spot since that's where everyone gathers for breakfast.
No, it's completely optional. The suitcase is a cute visual touch that shows your elf "just arrived" from traveling, but the arrival works perfectly with just the letter. Use the suitcase if you love that detail, skip it if you want to keep things simpler. You can also save the suitcase to use with the goodbye letter on Christmas Eve instead.
If you use these Elf on the Shelf Arrival ideas or any other ideas on my blog please let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting today!
About the Author: Dannyelle Nicolle-Ramjist is a former classroom teacher (B.Ed., York University) and trained celebrant (M.Div., University of Toronto) who has been creating party ideas, seasonal celebrations, and free printables for 15+ years. Her work has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Country Living, Good Housekeeping, and Apartment Therapy. She specializes in making beautiful, meaningful celebrations achievable for busy families.
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