The countdown is on! Before your Scout Elf™ lands, a little preparation goes a long way towards a calm, magical first morning. Here’s what to get ready, from the storybook and the perfect landing spot to the family rules and a few easy welcome ideas.
Quick answer
Before your Scout Elf arrives, have the storybook and keepsake box handy, choose a first landing spot, talk through the family rules, have the Scout Elf Registry ready for a new name and plan a simple first morning. Wondering about timing? Read When Does The Elf on the Shelf® Arrive?
Your Scout Elf arrival checklist
Tick these off in the week before arrival and the first morning will take care of itself.
Storybook ready
Keep the storybook and keepsake box somewhere easy to find. Reading the story together is the best way for everyone to understand how the tradition works.
A first landing spot
Think about where your elf might land first, such as a bookshelf, the top of the fridge or near the Christmas tree. Somewhere the whole family can see, but little hands can’t reach.
Family rules
Talk through how the tradition works, including who can touch a Scout Elf and what happens if an elf is accidentally touched.
Registry ready
New to the tradition? Once your family chooses a name, add it to the Scout Elf Registry and print your adoption certificate.
A simple first morning
A short welcome note or a festive breakfast is plenty. Keep day one easy so the excitement can build through December.
A few elf-sized extras
Small furniture, mini accessories and props and clothes can inspire plenty of fun scenes, but they’re optional. The storybook and your elf are all you need.
Planning for an Aussie December? Pick a first spot away from windows that catch the hot afternoon sun, so treats and paper decorations stay looking their best. Christmas also lands right as the school year wraps up, so a low-effort first week can make the busy days a little easier. For summer-friendly scenes, see our Aussie-inspired Elf on the Shelf ideas.
Get the whole family in the festive spirit
Getting ready together builds the excitement long before your elf appears. Pick a few of these for the weeks leading up to arrival.
- Make a merry playlist. List your family’s favourite Christmas songs for car trips, tree decorating or a backyard sing-along.
- Craft Christmas cards. Break out the craft supplies, add some sparkle and send festive greetings to family and friends.
- Go on a Christmas lights adventure. Head out once the sun goes down and pick your favourite light displays around the neighbourhood.
- Watch a Christmas classic. Choose a favourite festive film for a family movie night.
- Spread some cheer. Choose a way to give back together, like donating a gift or helping a local organisation.
- Read Christmas stories. Add festive books to your bedtime rotation, including The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition.
Watch how the Scout Elves get ready
Share this short video with the kids to see how Scout Elves prepare for their big return.
5 easy ideas for your elf’s first morning
These simple welcome set-ups make the first sighting feel special without hours of planning.
1
A landing runway
Line up a few tealight-style battery lights or paper arrows so your elf knows exactly where to land.
2
A welcome-home sign
Have the kids draw a “Welcome back!” sign or banner ready for the big morning.
3
A gingerbread hideaway
Decorate a small gingerbread house together, the perfect elf-sized spot to settle in.
4
A Christmas biscuit test run
Bake a batch of festive biscuits. Scout Elves love anything that smells like Mrs Claus’ kitchen.
5
A snowy window
Add paper snowflakes or window decals for a North Pole touch, even in the middle of summer.
Want more inspiration? Try the Sweet Scout Elf Welcome idea or our 10 epic Scout Elf return ideas.
Not adopted your Scout Elf yet?
There are a few official ways to bring The Elf on the Shelf home in Australia. Our guide to getting The Elf on the Shelf explains your options, and the adoption centre finder shows where to look near you.
Once your elf has landed, our 30 easy hiding places will see you through December.
Ready for your Scout Elf’s arrival?
With the storybook, a landing spot and a plan for the first morning, your family is all set for a magical season.