As leaves turn golden and pumpkin patches begin to bloom, the North Pole is buzzing with excitement. October marks a very special time for Scout Elves—it’s the final stretch of preparation before their magical journeys begin. And while your elf is still at the North Pole putting finishing touches on December plans, this is the perfect month for families to help behind the scenes.
Unlike August, which was for thinking and dreaming up elf possibilities, and September, which was for organizing and planning, October is all about creativity, imagination, and starting to stir the magic, gently, warmly, and just enough to build anticipation. Think crafts, tiny surprises, cozy traditions, and even the chance of a sneak peek visit.
Here are 10 magical things your family can do in October to support your Scout Elf as they prepare to return—while keeping the wonder alive for everyone, young and old.
Watch for a Surprise Halloween Visit
Don’t be surprised if your elf makes an early, unexpected visit this month! While they haven’t officially returned yet, some elves love to “pop in” around Halloween—leaving behind a note, a tiny trick, or even a candy corn trail just to remind your family they’re thinking of you. It might be just a hint… or a full-on elf-o-lantern moment.
If your elf doesn’t appear? Don’t worry. That just means they’re hard at work getting ready for a spectacular season ahead.
Make a Costume Your Elf Might Like
October is the perfect time for family craft days. And what better way to spend time together than making your own Halloween outfit. Scout Elves have a favorite! Can you guess what it is?
If your elf visits for Halloween, they might even hope to tag along in the Scout Elf Carrier as you trick-or-treat. It’s the Santa-approved, safest way for your elf to get to see all the goblins and ghouls you’ll encounter on Hallow’s Eve!
Tuck a Note Somewhere Your Elf Might Discover It
Whether your elf is coming to visit for Halloween or not, you and your child can take time to send them a letter, letting them know just how excited you are for their upcoming visit. Encourage your child to ask questions, share a favorite memory, or tell a story about something that has happened since they last saw their elf.
You never know: your Scout Elf just might swing by to leave your family a note too!
Create a “Holiday Cheer List” as a Family
One of the best ways to help your elf plan their time in your home is by sharing what you’re excited about this season. Sit down with your family and make a list of favorite traditions—baking cookies, tree decorating, hot cocoa nights, or helping others.
Scout Elves love to read these lists (even when they haven’t arrived for the season yet!) and often use them as inspiration for scenes, notes, or surprises once the season begins.
Make or Pick Out a Wearable for Your Elf
If you’re planning to leave a gift for your elf this year, like a new outfit, accessory, or tool, October is the perfect time to choose it. Popular styles often sell out, and elves always appreciate a little help looking their holiday best.
Hang the outfit on a mini hanger, wrap it in gift wrap, or tuck it away where your elf might find it after they arrive.
Decorate a Spot for Your Elf’s Return
While your Scout Elf will move day to day once December begins, many families love to create a special landing zone for the return. It could be a cozy corner, a snowy windowsill, or a bookshelf transformed into a tiny North Pole suite.
Decorating this spot ahead of time is a fun activity for kids, and it shows your elf that your family is ready and waiting with love.
If you feel like something a little more grandiose is your Scout Elf’s style, you can still help DIY a landing spot for your elf with The Elf on the Shelf DIY Elf Cottage, available exclusively at Michaels. It’s spacious but cozy with enough room for Scout Elves to invite along their Elf Mates friends!
Have a “Practice Kindness Day”
Elves are always on the lookout for kind behavior. Plan a day this month where your family goes out of their way to be thoughtful by writing a thank-you card, helping a neighbor, or surprising a sibling with something sweet. If you live where lots of leaves fall, you can help your neighbor by teaming up to rake their leaves. (And bonus! The kids will love jumping in the leaf piles.)
Scout Elves love their Elf Mates neighbors from The Elf on the Shelf Santaverse who always share the best kindness ideas. In fact, they’re Santa’s Champions of Kindness! Check out the Elf Mates’ 25 ways to show kindness throughout the rest of the year.
Your Scout Elf knows that kindness counts, and though they may not be watching from the mantel just yet, the North Pole keeps close tabs on early cheerfulness!
Try a Cozy Recipe Your Elf Might Love
Believe it or not, Scout Elves love a good snack, especially if it’s sweet, cozy, or comes with sprinkles. From cocoa and cookies to sausage balls and snowball-inspired treats, elves are known to nibble when no one’s looking… and they even wrote an entire recipe book about it! (The Elf on the Shelf Family Cookbook, in case you want a copy to inspire your own elves.)
Try baking something special this month—a batch of sugar cookies, no-bake reindeer bites, or your family’s favorite fall recipe. Or better yet, mix up some dough to keep in the freezer so that you’re ready to bake up yumminess in November and December!
Start Collecting Mini Props
Have extra pipe cleaners, red-and-white striped string (elves call it candy cane cable) or some popsicle sticks that your elf might find useful? Set them aside somewhere elves can spot them when they arrive. Scout Elves always carry supplies with them but they love it when their families leave out extra they can use in creating elftastic ideas!
Check out our collection of Polar Props and tools for Scout Elves at Play.
Scout Elves are incredibly creative, and a few well-placed props can spark big inspiration for little surprises.
Tell Magical Bedtime Stories About the North Pole
As the nights grow cooler, there’s no better way to build anticipation than with a bedtime story about your elf. Make one up together, recount favorite memories from previous visits, or imagine what your elf is doing at the North Pole right now by reading a North Pole story!
Read the newest Santaverse story, How Old is Santa Claus? and take an adventure through the Kingdom of the One True North to investigate the answer!
These little rituals help keep the magic alive, spark your child’s imagination and create a meaningful connection between your family and your Scout Elf.
A Final Whisper from the North Pole
October isn’t about the frenzy of elf excitment. It’s about celebrating the small things—a note, a laugh, a glittery craft that somehow ends up stuck to the dog. It’s little moments that lead toward the most magical part of the year.
So light a cinnamon candle, pull out the construction paper, and start to spark the magic that’s just around the corner. Remind your kids that your Scout Elf is preparing, planning, and getting ready to bring holiday joy into your home. And thanks to your thoughtful help, they’ll arrive ready for the most magical season yet.
In case you missed it, check out our August and September elf prep checklists for more ideas!