Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through one, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The short answer: the best Elf on the Shelf goodbye is simple and warm. Leave a short goodbye letter, a small keepsake (a photo, a candy cane or a tiny gift) and one last funny setup, then have the elf “fly home” on Christmas Eve at home or on the last school day before winter break in a classroom. Below are 30 goodbye ideas, sorted so you can pick one tonight.
The goodbye matters as much as the arrival. Our school elf sat at the entrance gate every morning in December, and on the last day it left a thank-you sign for the whole school. This year I’m running a daily elf in my own classroom, so these are the goodbyes I’ve been planning for the last day before break.
Four things that make the elf easier (we earn a small commission if you buy, at no cost to you):
- The Elf on the Shelf box set: the doll and storybook, if you are starting the tradition this year.
- Polar Props daily scene kit: props that make a big last-day scene easy.
- Elves at Play tools and tips: mini props and a guide book for the busy final week.
- ELF Flex upgrade kit: bendable arms so the elf can wave goodbye or hold its letter.
Holiday classroom bundle
SaveGetting your door and party ready too? The Christmas Classroom Bundle puts the Cozy Winter Door Bundle and the Calm Christmas Party Pack together, so your door and your class party are both covered. See the bundle.
SaveFree printable
Free Classroom Elf Letters
An arrival letter, a goodbye letter and 28 daily joke and challenge cards for your classroom elf. Print, cut and you are set for December.
Free download. You will also get a couple of follow-up emails with classroom ideas. Unsubscribe anytime.
When does the elf leave?
At home, the elf traditionally flies back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, so children wake up on Christmas morning to find it gone (often with a letter or a small gift left behind). In a classroom, the elf usually leaves on the last school day before winter break. Some families let the elf stay until New Year, which is fine too. Pick one day, tell children the plan a few days ahead, and the goodbye will feel exciting rather than sad.
What should the goodbye letter say?
Keep it short and kind. A good goodbye letter covers four things: thank the children for a fun December, name one or two moments the elf “loved” (a kind act, a joke they laughed at), say where the elf is going (home to the North Pole to help Santa), and promise to come back next year. Sign it with the elf’s name. Our free classroom elf letters include a ready-to-print goodbye letter for the classroom.
Free printable for your classroom elf
Classroom Elf Arrival and Goodbye Letters
Skip the writing. This free set includes a ready-to-print classroom goodbye letter, an arrival letter, an elf rules poster and 28 daily joke and challenge cards.
Christmas Eve goodbye ideas at home
1. Goodbye letter on the tree
SaveThe classic. The elf sits on a branch holding a folded goodbye letter for children to find on Christmas morning. Read it together before the presents.
You need: A short goodbye letter.
2. Packed suitcase by the door
SaveA tiny suitcase by the front door with a luggage tag that says “North Pole”. It tells the story without a word: the elf is heading home.
You need: A small box or toy suitcase and a paper tag.
3. Snow angel farewell
SaveA flour or powdered sugar snow angel on the kitchen table with “See you next year!” written in the snow beside it. Easy to sweep up after breakfast.
You need: Flour or powdered sugar.
4. Hot cocoa toast
SaveThe elf leaves a tray of mugs with marshmallows and a note: “One last cocoa together!” Make it on Christmas Eve afternoon as a family.
You need: Mugs, cocoa and marshmallows.
5. Footprints to the window
SaveLittle flour footprints leading to an open window (or the chimney) show exactly how the elf flew home. Children love following the trail.
You need: Flour and a fingertip.
6. The goodbye photo
SaveTake one last photo of the children with the elf on Christmas Eve, print it, and have the elf “keep a copy” in its suitcase. It becomes the first page of next year’s scrapbook.
You need: A printed photo.
7. Balloon lift-off
SaveThe elf tied to a bunch of balloons, floating up from a chair as if it is about to leave. A great one for younger children.
You need: Three balloons and string.
8. Sleigh ride home
SaveSit the elf in a toy sleigh or a shoebox “sleigh” pulled by stuffed reindeer, pointed toward the window.
You need: A toy sleigh or shoebox and stuffed animals.
9. Thank-you notes for each child
SaveA tiny note for every child that names one kind thing they did in December. It is the goodbye children remember most.
You need: Small cards and a pen.
10. Elf-sized bed, made and empty
SaveA neatly made matchbox bed with a note on the pillow: “Thanks for having me! Back next year.” It quietly says the elf has gone.
You need: A small box and a tissue.
11. Christmas morning treasure hunt
SaveThe elf leaves the first clue of a short treasure hunt that ends at a small treat. It turns a sad goodbye into an adventure.
You need: Three or four clue cards.
12. The “see you next year” calendar
SaveThe elf circles December 1 on next year’s calendar. Simple, and it answers the “when will you come back?” question.
You need: A calendar and a marker.
Funny last day elf ideas
13. One last mess
SaveWrapping paper “accidentally” unrolled across the living room, with the elf tangled at the end and a note: “Sorry, got carried away!”
You need: A roll of wrapping paper.
14. Selfie with Santa
SavePrint a picture of Santa and prop it next to the elf as if they just took a selfie together before the trip home.
You need: A printed Santa picture.
15. Packing too much
SaveThe elf trying to close a suitcase stuffed with candy canes, cookies and a tiny sweater. Children love seeing what it “took”.
You need: A small suitcase and some treats.
16. Marshmallow farewell bath
SaveOne last relaxing soak in a mug of marshmallows with a sign: “Well-earned rest!”
You need: A mug and mini marshmallows.
17. Last joke of the year
SaveA final joke card: “Why did the elf go to bed early? To get his elf-rest!” Our free classroom elf letters include 28 joke and challenge cards.
You need: A joke card.
18. The forgotten hat
SaveThe elf leaves its hat behind with a note: “Keep this safe until next year!” Children love being trusted with something.
You need: A tiny hat or a scrap of felt.
Classroom elf goodbye ideas
19. Goodbye letter on the whiteboard ledge
SaveThe elf holds a goodbye letter addressed to the class on the last day before break. Read it together at morning meeting. Our free classroom elf letters have one ready to print.
You need: The goodbye letter.
20. Class photo with the elf
SaveTake a class photo with the elf in the middle and send it home with the newsletter. Families love it.
You need: A camera.
21. Kindness tally
SaveThe elf leaves a poster counting every kind act it “saw” in December. It ends the month on the right note.
You need: A poster and a marker.
22. Elf at the door waving goodbye
SavePerch the elf above the door at home time with a sign: “Happy holidays! See you in January.” Children wave as they leave.
You need: A sign and tape.
23. Write the elf a letter
SaveThe class writes goodbye letters to the elf in the last writing lesson of term. Real writing practice that children want to do.
You need: Paper and pencils.
24. Elf-sized certificate
SaveThe elf awards the class a “Nicest Class at the North Pole” certificate. Pin it on the board for January.
You need: A printed certificate.
25. Last morning message
SaveThe elf’s final morning message on the board: “Thank you for a wonderful December!” with a doodle of a sleigh.
You need: A whiteboard marker.
26. The empty spot
SaveOn the first day back in January, leave the elf’s usual spot empty with a small note. It closes the story and answers the questions.
You need: A sticky note.
Goodbye ideas that leave a gift
27. A candy cane for everyone
SaveThe elf leaves a candy cane on every desk or pillow with a name tag. Our editable Christmas gift tags fill in every child’s name for you.
You need: Candy canes and name tags.
28. Pencils from the North Pole
SaveA festive pencil for each child with a tag: “From the North Pole with love.” At school I give my class small gifts like this every December, and the name tag is what makes it special.
You need: Pencils and name tags.
29. A new book for the holidays
SaveThe elf leaves a new picture book to read over the break. A gentle goodbye for younger children.
You need: A picture book.
30. A tiny ornament
SaveA small ornament with the year on it, left on the tree by the elf. Collect one each year and it becomes a family tradition.
You need: A small ornament.
Elf goodbye props we like
Got a tween? Our 30 Elf on the Shelf ideas for older children swap silly poses for codes, challenges and kindness missions that 8 to 12 year olds actually enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
At home, most families have the elf leave on Christmas Eve so it is gone on Christmas morning. In a classroom, the elf usually leaves on the last school day before winter break.
Thank the children for a fun December, mention one or two moments the elf loved, say it is flying home to help Santa, and promise to come back next year. Keep it short and sign it with the elf’s name.
Tell them the plan a few days ahead, keep the letter upbeat, and leave a small keepsake such as a photo, a candy cane or a circled date for next year. A little treasure hunt also turns the goodbye into fun.
Yes. A classroom elf usually leaves on the last school day, and some families send theirs home a day early if they are traveling. Just leave a note explaining why.
Pack it away somewhere safe until next year. Many families keep the goodbye letters and photos in a box with the elf so the story continues next December.
About the author: Shinku Studio is written by a working elementary classroom teacher who has run a school elf, a classroom door contest and plenty of December parties. Every idea here is one we would use with our own class or family.