Looking for fun and funny elf on the shelf ideas? Here's how to set up an easy Elf Arrival Balloon!
Setting up the Elf on the Shelf can be a LOT of work. Let's keep it easy by using things you already have on hand that won't take half an hour to put together!
This balloon setup is perfect for your elf’s arrival day, a fun mid-month message, or even a last-day goodbye.
My kids LOVE anything with balloons, and this one feels extra magical — especially when the elf is holding a big message floating above him!
If you want a quick and meaningful note to pair with it, grab my free printable Elf hello + goodbye letter — it’s perfect for arrivals and farewells!
Anyways, this was so easy and looked adorable once set up. Here’s how to make your elf arrive in style!
Prefer to make a hot air balloon? See my DIY Elf Hot Air Balloon, too!
Elf on the Shelf – Arrival Balloon Message
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 5 minutes
What you need:
- Elf on the Shelf
- 1 latex balloon
- Sharpie
- Wooden skewer
- Glue dots
- Optional: elf stand pants to help your elf stand upright
If you want your elf to stand securely for this setup, these elf stand pants are similar to the ones I used!
And for an arrival or goodbye note, download my free printable Elf hello/goodbye letter!
What you do:
1. Blow up your balloon
Inflate a simple latex balloon and tie it tightly.
Pick a balloon color that fits your vibe — festive red, bright green, or even white for a snowball look.
2. Add your message
Use a Sharpie to write a cute message such as:
- “I’m back!”
- “Hi friends!”
- “Guess whoooo?”
- “See you next year!” (great for a goodbye float-away)
Let the ink dry for a few seconds so it doesn’t smudge.
3. Create the “balloon string”
Take a wooden skewer and carefully slide the pointed end into the knot of the balloon.
You don’t need to force it — just wiggle until it sits snugly.
This becomes the “stick” your elf will hold.
4. Pose your elf
Decide whether your elf will sit, kneel, or stand.
If you want your elf upright, use elf stand pants to help them stay in place. They work surprisingly well.
Attach the balloon stick to the elf’s hands using glue dots or a tiny bit of double-sided tape.
5. Make it stand all day
Use a glue dot to stick the balloon stick or the edge of the balloon to the wall so it stays upright instead of flopping over.
This keeps your display photo-ready and prevents drooping throughout the day.
This is one of the fastest Elf ideas ever, but it looks SO cute. My kids were so excited to see our elf arrive with a giant balloon message — and this setup works just as well for arrival day, mid-season messages, or a float-away goodbye on the very last morning.
Have fun with it — and happy elfing around!
Want to Take the Stress Out of Elf Season?
Make this year’s Elf tradition easy and magical with my Easy Elf Magic Binder — your shortcut to 24 days of simple, funny, done-for-you Elf ideas!
Inside the binder, you’ll get:
- 24 simple Elf setups using items you already have
- Printable letters, certificates, and accessories to bring the magic to life
- Ideas that take just a few minutes each night
- Zero stress. Zero scramble. All the fun.
If you’re tired of the nightly “what do I do with the Elf?” panic, this binder will save your sanity and keep the magic going all month long.
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I'm Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I've made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈
