fbpx

The Mum’s Guide To Elf On The Shelf Ideas

2024, Families

It’s time to welcome the Elves back on December 1st. Are we ready?  Probably not, but I wanted to write The Mum’s Guide to Elf On The Shelf Ideas for those quick and easy set ups.

Meet Zippy & Trixie the little elves that have visited us for a quite a few years now. They keep Rosie entertained with their antics in December.

photographer surrey zoe

Zippy & Trixie aren’t those Pinterest-fancy kind of elves. They are the laid back kind of elves which is perfect. So I don’t usually have to clear up too much mess from their naughtiness in the morning.

Christmas is fast approaching, and there’s no better way to bring daily fun for little ones than with Elf on the Shelf! If you’re looking for creative ways to make each morning memorable, these 10 Elf on the Shelf ideas will spark giggles for your children—and create those Christmas moments worth capturing. As a family photographer in Surrey, I know how special these years are, and moments like these are perfect to keep forever.

Scroll to the bottom to see the naughty things our Elves got up to over the years.


1. The Welcome! Elfie Selfies with the Family
Set up your Elf with your phone to take “selfies” with other toys or decorations. Your children will love this funny setup!  It’s a perfect chance to bring a little “photo shoot” magic right to your home.

2. Elf’s Snowy Morning Adventure
Create a snow scene using cotton balls, fake snow, or mini marshmallows. It will look like that they’ve just come from Lapland.

3. Elf’s Cosy Reading Corner
Create a reading nook for your Elf with books. If your little ones love story-time, this is a cute way to encourage them to join the Elf for some cosy reading moments.

4. Baking Buddy Elf
Set up your Elf in the kitchen with cookie cutters, a sprinkle of flour, or toy baking supplies. Make “Flour Angels” with the elves. Perfect for those little chefs in your life.

5. Countdown to Christmas
Give your Elf a countdown on an A4 piece of paper and pop it on the fridge. It will help your children keep track of the days until Christmas. This idea is perfect for creating excitement as the big day approaches.

6. Shiny Shoes
Cover your child’s shoes in tin foil and leave a note next to them saying “we’ve shined your shoes”

7. Elf Movie Night
Set up a little movie scene with a popcorn box, a cosy blanket, and a few of your Elf’s toy friends. Pick a favourite holiday movie as the theme, and encourage your children to join in for a festive family movie night!

8. Toothpaste Prank Elf
Children will get a kick out of discovering their Elf left a “message” on the bathroom mirror with toothpaste, like a smiley face or “Merry Christmas!” A fun little prank that will have your little ones laughing.

9. Elf Toilet
Add some chocolate spread to a glass or mug and also some orange squash or juice. Sit your elf on top with a sign saying “Elf Loo,”

10. Elf on a Hot Chocolate Break
Set up your Elf with a tiny mug and marshmallows for a “hot chocolate” break. Use a mini cup from a toy set.

11. Roller Coaster Ride
Set your elf up in the washing machine….going on a roller coaster ride!

12. Googly Eye Art
Sit your elf next to a framed photo of people and add googly eyes to them for laughs.

13. Games Night
Set up your elf with some playing cards and coins for some night time gaming.

14. Nose Rejection Area
Grate half a carrot and leave next to the grater. Add a note saying “Nose Rejection Area”

15. Snowman Elf
Stack 3 toilet rolls and slide your elf down the holes. Draw a snowman on the rolls with black buttons up the middle.

16. Walking On The Ceiling
Stick their feet to the ceiling with soft tape mind the paint. They are now magically walking on the ceiling!

17. Toilet Roll Decoration
Cover your tree in a whole toilet roll as decorations. Hide the elves in the tree too as an extra touch.

18. Elf Angels
Sprinkle flour on your kitchen top and place your elf on their back and make “elf angels”

19. Just Chillin’
Sit your elf on a shelf in the fridge with a note saying “Just chillin”

20. Elf Train
Line lots of your shoes up in a long train line. Put your elf at the front with a sign saying “All aboard the elf train”

family photographer in surrey ideas for elf on the shelf family photographer in surrey ideas for elf on the shelf family photographer in surrey ideas for elf on the shelf family photographer in surrey ideas for elf on the shelf family photographer in surrey ideas for elf on the shelf family photographer in surrey ideas for elf on the shelf family photographer in surrey ideas for elf on the shelf family photographer in surrey ideas for elf on the shelf family photographer in surrey ideas for elf on the shelf family photographer in surrey ideas for elf on the shelf


If you are getting an elf for the first time this year my advice is go simple first of all. Your children will be amazed at what ever they wake up to. You can get one from AMAZON.

PRO TIP: Set your alarm to move the elf before you go to bed!

I hope this blog The Mum’s Guide to Elf On The Shelf Ideas helps you create family fun this Christmas.

If you love this you will love: https://photographybyzoe.uk/the-best-places-to-buy-a-real-christmas-tree-in-surrey-and-hampshire/

Lots of love

Zoe

xxx

0 Comments

MY VERY

LATEST BLOGS

Visiting Lapland UK- Top Tips For Big Folk

Visiting Lapland UK- Top Tips For Big Folk

Visiting Lapland UK- Top Tips For Big Folk .Are you planning a magical family trip to Lapland UK this Christmas? This enchanting wonderland in Ascot is the perfect destination & gateway to Lapland a place for creating unforgettable memories with your children....

Where to See Father Christmas in Surrey & Berkshire

Where to See Father Christmas in Surrey & Berkshire

Where to See Father Christmas in Surrey & Berkshire. Surrey & Berkshire are magical places during the festive season, with plenty of opportunities for children to meet Father Christmas. Whether you're seeking a traditional grotto or an immersive festive...

2024’s Best Pregnancy and Baby Apps for Expecting Parents

2024’s Best Pregnancy and Baby Apps for Expecting Parents

Find 2024's Perfect Pregnancy and Baby Apps for Your Needs The Ultimate Guide to the Best Pregnancy and Baby Apps for Expecting Parents: Welcome to my guide on the best pregnancy and baby apps available today. As an expecting Mum, staying informed and organized during...

The Best Places to Buy a Real Christmas Tree in Surrey and Hampshire

The Best Places to Buy a Real Christmas Tree in Surrey and Hampshire

The Best Places to Buy a Real Christmas Tree in Surrey and Hampshire: A Family Guide As a family photographer in Surrey and Hampshire, I know how important it is for parents to create magical holiday memories with their young children. One of the most fun traditions...

What to Wear for a Family Photoshoot In Surrey

What to Wear for a Family Photoshoot In Surrey

Families. They come in all shapes and sizes: large, small, blended, step, rowdy, quiet and everything in between. It really doesn’t matter what form your family takes. As long as you’ve got one other’s backs, it’s all good. And that’s the mood I try to strike with my...

Finding the best children’s playgrounds in Farnham Surrey

Finding the best children’s playgrounds in Farnham Surrey

Finding the best children's playgrounds in Farnham, Surrey     Now the sunshine is here and the weather is a little warmer, I thought i'd put this list together of Finding the best children's playgrounds in Farnham, Surrey. Need to get out the house for an...

The 5 Best Beaches To Travel To From Surrey

The 5 Best Beaches To Travel To From Surrey

Did Someone Say Beach? The warmer weather is just around the corner and you will be probably planning days out & "looking for a beach near me in Surrey."  I've put together this blog of The 5 Best Beaches To Travel To From Surrey. As you may know, I love the beach...

Looking for a Newborn Photographer That Comes To Your Home In Surrey

Looking for a Newborn Photographer That Comes To Your Home In Surrey

Looking for a Newborn Photographer That Comes To Your Home In Surrey I'm Zoe and have been photographing newborns for 8 years now. After photographing for other people for so many years, I took the leap 5 years ago to go it alone. With specialised training in newborn...

How To Take Your Baby or Children’s Passport Photo On Your Phone

How To Take Your Baby or Children’s Passport Photo On Your Phone

How To Take Your Baby or Children's Passport Photo On Your Phone How To Take Your Baby or Children's Passport Photo On Your Phone. As a family photographer in Farnham, Guildford, Hampshire & Surrey area I get asked every year to take images for passports but now...

Guildford & Farnham, Surrey Baby Shower Hotspots

Guildford & Farnham, Surrey Baby Shower Hotspots

Hello! Congratulations! Just found out you’re “In The Club”?  Here is your list of Guildford & Farnham, Surrey Baby Shower Hotspots Your pregancy time goes very quickly (fair warning) so a Baby Shower is a wonderful way to celebrate this time with your nearest and...

Debunking The Top 5 Myths About In-Home Newborn Photography

Debunking The Top 5 Myths About In-Home Newborn Photography

Debunking The Top 5 Myths About In-Home Newborn Photography   1. It's only for newborns in the first 2 weeks Don't panic! I photograph babies at any age. Whereas in the first 3 weeks they are generally all curled up and more sleepy, after this time you are still...

Calling New Parents!      What to wear for your newborn photoshoot

Calling New Parents! What to wear for your newborn photoshoot

New Parents! What to wear for your newborn photoshoot!  Congratulation new Mummies & Daddies, I hope you are enjoying the new addition to your family & enjoying all those baby cuddles......they really are the best. Are you in the haze of those first few days...

Where is the best place to take my baby swimming in Farnham or Guildford?

Where is the best place to take my baby swimming in Farnham or Guildford?

Looking for the Best place to take my baby swimming in Farnham or Guildford & the surrounding areas?
I can help!
I have put a list together of all of the fab places around to have a splish and splash with your little one.
Our girls absoultely love swimming and still do and we found that introducing them early to pools gave them the confidence to enjoy it as they have got older.

Booking An At Home Newborn Session In Surrey

Booking An At Home Newborn Session In Surrey

Booking An 'At Home' Newborn Session In Surrey I'm Zoe and have been photographing newborns for 8 years now. After photographing for other people for so many years, I took the leap 5 years ago to go it alone. With years of experience and  training you can rest assured...

9 Top Tips For Taking Better Photos Of Your Children This Summer

9 Top Tips For Taking Better Photos Of Your Children This Summer

9 Top Tips For Taking Better Photos Of Your Children This Summer Here is a useful blog: 9 Top Tips For Taking Better Photos Of Your Children This Summer. Getting photographs of our children altogether can be tricky when they just want to run around and have fun. Local...

Not sure what hypnobirthing is all about?

Not sure what hypnobirthing is all about?

Right, let me say one thing right off the bat… Hypnobirthing needs a name change because let’s face it, it’s pretty rubbish and it doesn’t really define what courses like this are about these days, well… most of them anyway!
Hypnobirthing has been around for a LONG time and it’s definitely not the fad that it’s made out to be. Nor is it all about crystals and chanting! Since it’s inception many years ago, it has evolved into something pretty awesome.

9 Top Tips For Taking Your Newborn Photos At Home

9 Top Tips For Taking Your Newborn Photos At Home

9 Top Tips For Taking Your Newborn Photos At Home So you don't miss out on those early days witrh your baby, I wanted to give you some ideas on how to take your own newborn or baby photos at home. Here are my top tips and things you shouldn't miss whilst photographing...

Photos not to miss on your i phone in hospital of your newborn baby

Photos not to miss on your i phone in hospital of your newborn baby

Congratulations on the arrival of your newborn baby! Capturing those precious moments at the hospital is a wonderful way to preserve the memories of this special time. When it comes to photographing your newborn at the hospital, there are several moments you won't...

Things To Do In The School Holidays In Farnham Guildford Surrey

Things To Do In The School Holidays In Farnham Guildford Surrey

The last term seem to be just over and now the next school holidays are nearly upon us. If you are wondering how to keep your children busy in the school holidays or things to do in the school holidays in Farnham, Surrey read on for loads of activities in the Farnham,...

Best Pool Toys For Kids:  Insights from a Surrey Photographer

Best Pool Toys For Kids:  Insights from a Surrey Photographer

Best Pool Toys For Kids:  Insights from a Surrey Photographer Picture this: I'm a Surrey photographer who loves a chill by the pool. We have Rosie our younger Daughter who will spend the whole holiday in the pool. Rosie would have her dinner and sleep in it if she...

Gifts For New Parents & Newborns

Gifts For New Parents & Newborns

Gifts for Newborns & Their Parents When someone in your family or a friend announces they are expecting a new bay or babies to their family one of the things that springs to mind, after jumping for joy, is 'BABY SHOPPING!!!!!' I hope you find this useful for Gifts...

What To Wear For Your Bluebell Family Session

What To Wear For Your Bluebell Family Session

What To Wear For Your Bluebell Family Session Coming Spring 2024   What Happens After My Session? After your session, I carefully edit your images, upload them to a secure viewing gallery, for you to view about a week after your session then you can choose your...

Are You Right Handed or Left Handed?

Are You Right Handed or Left Handed?

On International Left Handers Day August 13th here is some useful tips/hints & about the left handers in your family. Are You Right Handed or Left Handed? Whereas, (according to Google) just 10% of the British population are left-handed, in our house we actually...

Top 7 Things To Do With The 3 Million Photos On Your Phone

Top 7 Things To Do With The 3 Million Photos On Your Phone

I wanted to write this blog "Top 7 Things To Do With The 3 Million Photos On Your Phone" after a client of mine was asking on socials what to do with hers on her phone. Now, while I do print a lot of my personal photos and put in frames, I am just like you and have...

The Most Important Images Of All

The Most Important Images Of All

Family Portraits....they are, in fact, the most important images of all Family Photo Session Farnham Aldershot Guildford. Showing our family as it grows, as new children arrive and pets are added to the mix. So a Family Photo Session in Farnham is super important and...

What happens when you tick the box

What happens when you tick the box

Farnham Aldershot Guildford Hampshire Surrey Photographer It's been 2 years since we started our Doorstep Portraits here in Tongham & I had some great news from Sandy at the Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity  when she visited the studio recently. This is what...

Lockdown Doorstep Portraits In Tongham 2020 During Coronavirus

Lockdown Doorstep Portraits In Tongham 2020 During Coronavirus

May 2020 Just off out to photograph Tongham's Doorstep Portraits Lockdown Doorstep Portraits In Tongham 2020 During Coronavirus Deciding to start our Lockdown Portraits in Tongham 2020.......Monday 23rd March 2020 is the date that will be etched on our minds and...