10 Adorable Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letters

Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that your kids can enjoy year after year. We have been doing it for close to 10 years now! The tradition is centered around the idea of Scout Elves who fly back to the North Pole to make reports to Santa each night, elves come with a storybook that details their job. However, parents can add to the magic by using an Elf on the Shelf welcome letter each year, too.

Whether it’s your first year with your Elf on the Shelf and you are still in the midst of coming up with a name for them, or if you’ve had a Scout Elf in your home for years, below you’ll find ten Elf on the Shelf welcome letters to help you create some extra Christmas magic for your kiddos.

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter For First-Timers

Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letters — Don’t forget to name your Scout Elf!

Dear (Kids’ Names),

How does Santa know if you’re good or bad?

Does he call or text your Mom or Dad?

Is he watching you both day and night?

Does he follow close and keep you in sight?

No, Santa has help to keep an eye on you.

He assigned an Elf to stick to you like glue.

Every morning when you wake, try to spy

From what hiding place I’ll be keeping an eye.

I’ll watch to see if you follow and obey,

All the rules and things your parents say.

I’ll gather the info and make my report,

And head to the North Pole each night via the airport.

I tell Santa about the things you’ve done,

I won’t forget any – not a single one.

Some things make him happy and some make him cry,

Then I’m back to your house before the sun hits the sky.

So, there you have it, that’s how it’s done.

It’s the elves that help the North Pole run.

Before we get started, there are two rules to know:

First, if you touch me, I lose my magic and must go.

Second, I need a name and it must come from you,

So, get started thinking of your favorite one or two.

Remember to be good and spread holiday cheer,

And Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

You can find more cute first time Elf on the shelf Welcome letters from Etsy here.

***Check out Amazing Elf on the Shelf Kits to help you easily plan every day of your elf’s journey***

Short and Sweet Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letters

Add a stamp of approval from the North Pole.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

I’ve missed you this year, but I’m back to play!

I’ll be staying again until Christmas Day.

I’m looking forward to reporting to Santa each night,

And I hope there will be only kindness and love in sight.

Don’t forget not to touch me, or my magic I’ll lose.

I’ll try not to get in too much trouble while you snooze!

Hello from your Elf!

I flew here all the way from the North Pole,

And, oh, how I have missed your family this year!

I’ll be reporting back to Santa each night,

So be sure to be on your best behavior.

Also, remember not to touch me so I don’t lose my magic!

Be a good helper for your parents and be kind to others.

I can’t wait to see all the good you do this month!

Check out more cute options for the kiddos on Etsy!

Funny Elf on the Shelf Arrival Letter

Add some laughs to your Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letters.

Dear (Kids’ Names),

You are now under Elf Surveillance!

That’s right, I’m back! And I’ve missed you so much!

Here’s a reminder of how this works:

I am here to watch and listen,

And see what Santa might be missin’.

Please don’t forget the rules of we Elves,

We can’t talk to you and you must keep your hands to yourselves.

We had so much fun last Christmas season

But don’t forget I’m here for a reason!

Be on your BEST behavior and always think twice

About whether you’re being naughty or nice!

Now… let’s have some fun!

Xoxo,

To add some laughs to your Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letters, you can find some Elf Joke inserts here.

Heart-Warming Arrival Letters

Ho, Ho, Ho!

I’m back from the North Pole and so excited to spend the holiday season with you! I’ve really missed our fun!

First, though, since Santa and I know how kind you are, we are hoping you’ll fill a box with toys you don’t play with anymore. That way, we can donate them to other kids who would love trying them out. Can you help?

Thank you for your holiday kindness! I can’t wait to spend the month with you!

Love,

(Elf’s name)

Hello from your Favorite Scout Elf!

Christmas is such a magical time of year,

And I’m grateful to spend it with you here.

I’ll be watching over you each day and night,

And reporting to Santa if things aren’t right.

Always try to be your very best,

And Santa and I will do the rest.

We know that you are kind and good,

And that you always try to behave like you should.

Christmas is a special season,

And why am I here? YOU are the reason!

Love,

(Elf’s name)

Creative Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letters

Make it customizable and watch the Holiday magic happen.

Guess who’s back? It’s Elf again!

I’m back all month, so tell your friends.

So much fun is planned this year,

Lots of surprises to bring you cheer.

Please think back to last year,

When your trusty Elf kept watch in your atmosphere.

This year, Elf wants all good news –

Because Santa does not want the blues!

Do your best to behave each day,

And on Christmas Eve, you may see Santa’s sleigh!

Give your word you’ll do your best,

And we know Santa will be so impressed!

Look who’s back! That’s right – it’s me!

Now, let’s all decorate your Christmas tree!

I’ll watch as you spread the holiday cheer,

And I’m sure to be grinning from ear to ear!

You can find more adorable and customizable Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letters on Etsy!

Letter From Santa About Your Scout Elf’s Arrival

Greetings from the North Pole!

It’s the most wonderful time of year, and things are extra busy here right now! The elves are working overtime building the most amazing toys.

This Christmas season, I am sending one of my best elves to your home. He will watch and listen and help me make sure my Nice List is correct. Having an elf at your house is lots of fun but there are a few things I must ask you to remember:

First, when your elf arrives, be sure to give him a name. This is very important!

Second, while your elf will not talk to you, he can hear everything you say. Elves are great listeners, so please remember to be kind.

Third, after you go to sleep each night, your elf will use magic to return to the North Pole and give me an Official Elf Report about whether you’ve been naughty or nice that day.

Fourth, you must never touch an elf! They are cute and cuddly and love children, but they cannot be touched or they will lose their magic! I do understand that “accidents” sometimes happen, but please do your very best to follow the “no touching” rule.

Finally, on Christmas Eve, your special visitor will return to the North Pole to give me a final report before I make my toy deliveries. Don’t be sad – he will be back again next year!

Now, remember to obey your parents, make good choices, share, be kind… and I’m sure I’ll see your name on my Nice List this year!

Yours Truly,

Santa Claus

Hello again, kids!

Another year has passed and (Elf’s name) is so excited to see you again! He’s been secretly checking in on you from time to time throughout the year, and he’s excited for another game of hide and seek!

Remember, (Elf’s name) is sent to be my little helper. He will let me know if you’ve been good or bad. So, please do your best to be good! Listen to your parents and teachers, and always look for ways to help those who need an extra hand.

(Elf’s Name) will be waiting for you to find him each morning, so have fun seeking him out! I hope he doesn’t get into too much trouble while he’s with you! You know (Elf’s Name) likes to play tricks and be silly!

Merry Christmas! I’ll be visiting you all soon!

Love,

Santa

No matter what type of Elf on the Shelf welcome letters you choose, it’s sure to add an extra dose of magic to your kids’ holiday season. So, choose a letter that suits your kiddos best and get ready to be welcome your Scout Elf for the month of December!

Have any other great Elf on the Shelf Welcome Letter Ideas? Let us know in the comments!