The holiday season is winding down and it’s almost time for The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elves to head back to the North Pole. You may be wondering how your elf will say goodbye. No doubt, they’ll do it with lots of style. After weeks of hilarious antics and heartwarming holiday cheer, they’re sure to end the season on a high note. But if they’re running out of time and need something cute and quick, we’ve rounded up five funny departure ideas sure to leave your family in fits of giggles. Let the fun —and the goodbyes— begin!

Row, Row, Cocoa Boat

The Elf on the Shelf sits in a mug and pretends to row a boat using a striped straw

Row, row, cocoa boat
I’ve had fun this year,
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
bringing lots of cheer!

Materials:

  • Striped paper straw
  • Christmas mug
  • Fake snow

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will create a snowy scene and pond with the fake snow.
  2. Next, they’ll settle inside the mug.
  3. Finally, they’ll pretend they are row, row, rowing back to the North Pole after saying goodbye to you!

For general and specific warnings please click HERE 

It’s Time to Whisk Myself Away

The Elf on the Shelf sits in a utensil container in the kitchen beside a whisk

Whisking you a very merry Christmas and an egg-citing new year!

Materials:

  • Kitchen whisk
  • Utensil container

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will climb up on the kitchen counter and into the utensil container.
  2. They’ll sit beside the whisk, or perhaps hold it in their hands.
  3. Then, they’ll wait to be found before breakfast!

For general and specific warnings please click HERE 

I “Sink” it’s Time to Say Goodbye

The Elf on the Shelf hangs upside down from the faucet over the kitchen sink

“Water” I do all year long without you?

Materials:

  • Kitchen faucet
  • Glue dots for extra gripping power

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will climb up on the kitchen sink and onto the faucet.
  2. Next, with their best gymnastic skills (and maybe some glue dots behind their knees for gripping power), they’ll hang backwards over the sink.
  3. Finally, they’ll wait to be found before they have to say goodbye!

For general and specific warnings please click HERE 

Sno’ Joke, It’s Time to Ski-daddle!

The Elf on the Shelf Scout Elf using striped straws as ski poles and curved candy canes as cross country skis.

I’ve got my cross-country skis and I’m ready to skiiiiiiiii-daddle!

Materials:

  • Striped paper straws
  • Mini candy canes
  • Fake snow
  • Mini snow boots

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will slip on their snow boots.
  2. Next, they’ll attach their boots to mini candy canes to use as skis.
  3. Finally, they’ll practice their ski stance and prepare to return to the North Pole!

For general and specific warnings please click HERE

Don’t Stir Up Trouble While I’m Away!

The Elf on the Shelf stirs a jar of green milk with a straw

I might go stir crazy without you!

Materials:

  • Spoon, straw or peppermint stick for stirring
  • Jar or glass

Instructions:

  1. Your elf will climb up on the kitchen counter and pour milk into the jar or glass.
  2. They’ll sit beside the jar, holding the spoon or straw.
  3. They might mix colorful milk, hot chocolate or a yummy smoothie.
  4. Your elf might even leave a note that says, “Don’t stir up trouble while I’m away!”

For general and specific warnings please click HERE 

For more easy departure ideas, check out this blog!