The festive season is a magical time for children and one beloved tradition that brings joy and excitement is the arrival of the mischievous Elf on the Shelf. However, for busy parents, finding creative and time-efficient ways to set up the Elf’s nightly adventures can be a challenge. Fear not! In this blog, we will provide you with five simple and hassle-free tips to help you create memorable Elf on the Shelf moments for your children, all while juggling your busy schedule. Let’s dive in and make this festive season extra special for your little ones!
Plan Ahead and Get Organised:
The key to successfully managing the Elf on the Shelf tradition is planning and organisation. Set aside a few minutes each week to brainstorm ideas and create a schedule of elf activities. This will save you time and stress in the long run. Gather all your supplies in one designated spot, including props, toys, and any necessary accessories. By being prepared, you can quickly execute the set-up each night without feeling overwhelmed.
Keep it Simple:
Remember, the Elf on the Shelf tradition is about creating joy and wonder for your children, not about elaborate and time-consuming set-ups. Stick to simple ideas that are easy to execute, yet still bring a smile to your child’s face. For example, have the Elf leave little notes or drawings for your child, or create a scene where the Elf is caught munching on a few cookies. These simple gestures will create lasting memories without draining your energy.
Get an Elf on the Shelf Advent Calendar
This can be a really fun way of getting the kids even more excited about the elves! Why don’t you get an advent calendar from Elf on the Shelf and get the Elf to bring it along on the first day of December. We love these two!
North Pole Advent Train Calendar
Count down to Christmas with a train-shaped Advent calendar filled with daily surprises that create a colourful, playable Christmas tree farm and railway. It’s the chugga-chugga cheeriest way to add playtime fun to the season!
Includes 24 days of Christmas Tree Farm themed surprises:
Sweet Spinners Advent Calendar
The race is on!
Count down to Christmas with the sugar-spun fun of an Advent calendar filled with The Elf on the Shelf® and Elf Pets® playable mini figures and sweet rides straight from Santa’s North Pole.
Utilise Everyday Objects and Household Items:
Don’t feel pressured to buy expensive props or accessories for the Elf’s adventures. Instead, look around your home for everyday objects and household items that can be repurposed creatively. Use colourful cups to create a tower for the Elf to climb, or position the Elf near a jar of marshmallows for a cozy hot chocolate scene. By utilising what you already have, you can save time and money while still sparking your child’s imagination.
Involve the Older Children:
Get older children involved in the Elf on the Shelf set-up process. Not only will this alleviate some of the workload, but it will also create a sense of anticipation and excitement for them. Encourage them to suggest ideas or even help with the execution. Their involvement will make the tradition even more special and foster their creativity. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity for quality bonding time during the festive season.
Embrace Simplicity on Busy Days:
As a busy parent, there will inevitably be days when time is scarce. On those occasions, embrace simplicity and go for quick and easy set-ups. For example, position the Elf on a shelf with a simple message saying, “I’m watching and cheering you on!” or have the Elf hide in a bookshelf with a book opened as if they were reading. These uncomplicated ideas will still bring joy to your child without adding unnecessary stress to your day.
With these five simple Elf on the Shelf set-up tips, busy parents can easily create magical and memorable moments for their children during the festive season. By planning ahead, keeping it simple, utilising everyday items, involving the children, and embracing simplicity on busy days, you can effortlessly bring the joy and wonder of the Elf on the Shelf tradition to life. So, go ahead and enjoy this special time with your little ones, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Happy Elf-ing!
