It’s the most wonderful time of the year (for parents, that is). It is time for Elf on the Shelf to return to the North Pole. While I do truly enjoy coming up with festive ways for the kids to be entertained by our elf, sometimes the stress of the “magic” is a bit much during this crazy holiday season. Luckily, we are at the point where all of our hard work is almost over.

But, how do you end the magic without your kids being sad? Here are 10 clever Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter templates and a few Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Ideas to make the transition a little easier.

10 Fun & Clever Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter Ideas

Goodbye For Now Elf on the Shelf Letter

The most classic way to say goodbye to your Elf (until next year) is to have them leave behind a personalized letter detailing all the fun memories they had with your kiddo through the holiday season. There are plenty of templates online for this or if you’re really crafty you can make one up yourself.

Here are some FREE Printable Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter Templates!

Pasta La Vista, Baby!

Nothing wrong with a simple goodbye until next Christmas season. Find some letter pasta (cereal is an option too!) and spell out your Elf on the Shelf goodbye message from your Elf to the family.

Reindeer Food

Your Elf can do one last good deed before heading back to the North Pole. Have them leave out a recipe to make some reindeer food which can be left out with the cookies on Christmas Eve.

Shop the cutest Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter Templates!

‘Vanishing’ Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter

You can have the Elf leave as magically as they arrived. Check out this printable outline, which you can use to make an outline out of any mirror or window in your house. Don’t forget to leave a little goodbye message in the fog as well.

Epic Mischief Letter

Sometimes you just have to go out with a bang. Pick the funniest most creative option out of all the Elf ideas that you have seen and go for it on the last morning. We personally love him floating away in a makeshift hot air balloon made of underwear, of course.

Elf and a Suitcase

If your Elf is headed out of town, they will obviously need a suitcase right? This goodbye option can be as elaborate or as simple as you would like. It is easy to make suitcases out of old jewelry boxes and pipe cleaners.

Goodbye Hugs & Kisses

This is a sweet Elf on the Shelf goodbye letter that we used last year and our kids still talk about it today. It is so hard for little ones to resist touching the Elf the whole Christmas season. Leave a letter that tells them for this one day Santa has lifted the magic and is allowing them to give the Elf a hug and a kiss goodbye. 

Elf Memory Book

Your kids have so much fun waking up and finding their Elf each day, and they might miss him a bit once he is gone. This family came up with a great idea to remember the Elf all year long; an Elf yearbook!

Christmas PJs and the Cookie Plate

Christmas Pjs and a setting for Santa’s cookies and milk are Christmas Eve essentials. Your Elf can set both out to be found before their departure.

Goodbye Forever Letter

We are sad to admit that the Elf’s days with your family will end at some point. Your little ones will begin to outgrow the magic or you’ll find yourself too busy to keep up the elaborate scheme. Whatever the case, don’t just cut him out cold turkey. Give everyone the goodbye they deserve to keep the memories alive.

We absolutely adore this example of a forever goodbye letter on Good Housekeeping. It explains all the lessons your child can take from what seemed like funny mischief and leaves the Elf as a keepsake for your child’s future.

Do you have other Elf on the Shelf Goodbye Letter Ideas? Let us know in the comments, we are always looking for more ideas.

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