Entryway Elf on the Shelf Ideas
Entryway and front door scenes are perfect for the elf’s arrival day and goodbye. Parachuting in, hanging from a wreath, or locked outside with footprints in "snow" — these scenes set the tone for the whole season.
Being a Door Able
Use sticky tack to press the elf flat against a door in a silly pose. Add a paper sign that says 'door-able'.
Bubble Wrap Protection
Elf is completely wrapped in bubble wrap as if preparing for shipment.
Crocs Shoe Hunting
Stage the elf hunting crocs shoes as dangerous animals.
Day One Balloon Entrance
Inflate a balloon, tape it to the elf's hand, then tape both to the wall.
Door Climbing Gift Bows
The elf climbs a door using colorful gift bows as footholds.
Door Handle Hang
Elf hanging from door handle by hands or arms.
Doorway Spider Web Trap
The elf is wrapped in web material and trapped in a doorway with a help sign.
Elf is Locked Outside
Stick the elf to the outside of the front door with sticky tack. Add a 'let me in' sign pressed to the glass.
Elfazon Packages
Stack several small Amazon boxes and label one 'Elfazon Prime'. Pose the elf as a delivery guy with a clipboard.
Foil Shoe Shine
Wrap the kids' shoes in aluminum foil like leftovers and line them up by the door. Pose the elf mid-wrap with the foil roll in hand.
Locked Out Glass Door
Hang snowflakes on door with elf positioned outside as if locked out.
Mailbox Santa Letters
Position elf hanging from or near mailbox as reminder to mail Santa letters.
Miniature Elf Door Portal
Portal prop allows elf entry/exit to North Pole.
Mitten Warmer
Elf inside child's mitten or winter glove to warm up.
Rain Boot Hide
Elf nestled inside a child's rain boot as hiding spot.
Shoe-In Entryway
Tuck elf inside a shoe in entryway.
Shoe or Slipper Hide
Tuck elf inside family member's shoe or house slipper.
Shoe Rack Peek
Tuck elf in cubby hole of shoe rack with head poking out.
Shoe Sleeper
Elf inside sneaker with "Comfy bed!" note.
Snow Angel Arrival
Lay cotton or powdered sugar on a tray in a thin layer and press the elf down to make an angel imprint. Add a note announcing his return.
Suitcase Sitter
Elf on packed suitcase before family travels.
Wreath Entanglement
Tuck elf in middle of hanging wreath with arms spread wide.
Bow Climbing Elf
Stick a column of holiday gift bows up a wall and pose the elf climbing them like a ladder. Use removable adhesive to protect the paint.
Door Crepe Paper Trap
String crepe paper across doorway; elf as if caught in trap.
I'm Back Jumping Out of Gift Box
Wrap a box with a hole cut in the top and tuck the elf inside so just his head pokes out. Add a welcome letter taped to the side.
New Elf Balloon Arrival
Tape a helium or air-filled balloon to the ceiling and dangle the new elf from its string as if he just floated in. Attach a tiny introduction note to his hand.
Parachuting Elf
Tie a square of fabric to the elf's arms as a parachute and dangle him from a ceiling fixture as if floating down. Add a 'I'm back!' note.
See You Next Year Goodbye
Spray a fine layer of fake snow on the window and use a template to write 'see you next year'. Pose the elf with a tiny suitcase.
Snow Boots with Gloves and Scarf
Stand the elf in a pair of kids' snow boots and add rolled paper-towel 'gloves' and a paper scarf. Add a cotton-ball snow pile nearby.
Special Delivery Package
Wrap a box with elf inside. Include a "Special Delivery" sticker on front.
Toy Cars Lined Up at Door
Fill a sleigh with small toys and line up Matchbox cars leading from it to the front door. Pose the elf as the driver.
Mission Impossible Elf Arrival
Tie fishing line to a ceiling vent and dangle the elf just above the floor like a spy. Add a paper sign announcing his return.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a good elf arrival scene?
- Popular arrival scenes include parachuting down from the ceiling, arriving in a gift-wrapped box that’s half-opened, or getting "stuck" on the outside of the glass front door with powdered-sugar footprints leading up to it.