Help With My Elf

Visiting elf idea

Outgoing Mail Flag

The elf raises a paper north flag on the outgoing mail, as if the last letter is ready.

  • Goodbye
  • Entry
  • Nice
  • No mess
  • Household items
  • 5 minutes
  • Toddler-safe
  • Pet-safe
  • Christmas Eve
Pip, a handmade visiting elf — a stand-in until this idea’s illustration is ready

What you need

These are household pieces. Borrow from the junk drawer first.

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How to set it up

  1. 1

    Stack two envelopes on a shelf. Use blank ones if nothing is going out.

  2. 2

    Clip a paper flag that says NORTH to the top envelope.

  3. 3

    Sit the elf behind the stack like a tiny postal clerk.

  4. 4

    Keep the stack off the floor so it is not walked off or chewed.

If this night works, try next

Scarf-Roll Travel Bundle. A handmade visiting-elf idea card for Help With My Elf.
5 minutesNo mess

Scarf-Roll Travel Bundle

The elf packs a rolled-scarf travel bundle by the door with a see-you-next-year sticky note.

Goodbye · Entry · Nice · Household items · Toddler-safe

Pip, a handmade visiting elf — a stand-in until this idea’s illustration is ready
5 minutesNo mess

Mitten Wave by the Stairs

The elf waves from inside a mitten on a stair post or chair back, with a one-line goodbye.

Goodbye · Entry · Nice · Household items · Toddler-safe

Pip, a handmade visiting elf — a stand-in until this idea’s illustration is ready
5 minutesNo mess

Scarf Cape Send-Off

The elf wears a scarf as a travel cape on a closed book by the door, next to a goodbye note.

Goodbye · Entry · Nice · Household items · Toddler-safe

Unofficial. Not affiliated with The Elf on the Shelf® / CCA and B, LLC / The Lumistella Company.