Somebody has arrived with a secret message. The note asks “Who’s back?”, but the three little cards only say 5, 12 and 6! ✉️
An alphabet key gives the children a clue. A is 1, B is 2 and C is 3, so the numbers reveal E, L and F. We think we know who left them.
This elf arrival idea turns the first morning into a small puzzle. Your elf can bring a rolled welcome letter as well, ready to read once the code is solved.
What you’ll need:
- One official Elf on the Shelf doll (paid link)
- Three small cards cut from coloured craft card (paid link), or plain paper
- Pens
- Paper for an alphabet-number key
- A wrapped empty box to support the elf
- A rolled paper welcome letter
- A paper band for the letter
- A “Who’s back?” note
Setup:
Write 5, 12 and 6 on separate cards and stand them in that order. Make a key showing the alphabet with each letter’s position: A is 1, through to Z as 26. For older children, you can leave just the first three letters and let them finish the key. For younger children, add 5 = E, 12 = L and 6 = F as extra clues. Sit your elf against the wrapped box, with his legs clear of the number cards. Place his rolled welcome letter beside him and the question note above the puzzle. The box can be empty; it is simply a handy support. When the children crack the code, they can open the letter and read his plans for December.
Make it cheaply:
Write all three numbers on one old envelope, with the key on its back. Put the elf beside it and tuck a short welcome message inside. Plain paper is fine for the letter and band. You can reuse the same code idea later for a simple word such as “HI”, using 8 and 9.
Try the snowy footprint arrival or the North Pole post office for another elf scene.
