Christmas Elf on the Shelf parenting

Preparing for the Elf on a Shelf

Preparing for the Elf on a Shelf

A couple of years ago we started the Elf on a Shelf tradition in our house. I know not everyone likes the idea of Elf on a Shelf but I think it’s fun and so do my children. Last year was the first year I managed to move him every day of Advent and you can see a round up of what the Elf got up to in this post.

As well as our Elf we have the book he came with, An Elf Story. I also bought a little elf door to explain how he arrived in our house.

Preparing for the Elf on a Shelf

This year I picked up a few more things and have been busy planning an activity for every day – I find this helps when I suddenly remember I need to move him at half past eleven at night. I found loads of inspiration on Pinterest and even have a board of Elf on the Shelf ideas for inspiration.

Most of the Elf items I found in the Pound Shop, such as this cute little door which is an improvement on last years.

christmas elf door

A little post book and Official Elf Reports to complete

official elf report printable

Elf Mail in a bottle

Elf Mail in a bottle

Scratch off Christmas Countdown Good Behaviour Calendar. I got two of these, one for each child, as they love a reward chart. I think this makes a fun Christmas countdown and should ensure good behaviour in the run up to Christmas.

Christmas Good Behaviour chart

I love this Elf Surveillance camera which was only a pound. It has a battery in it so it looks like it’s on, recording the children!

elf surveillance camera

The only thing I’m not sure about is this Baby Elf. I don’t think that the Elf on the Shelf looks too scary but the Elf Baby looks a bit strange. My 5 year old loves dolls but I’m not sure if this is pushing it a bit too far.

I also have some elf bunting, a little swing and some stickers to decorate our house. I feel ready for the 1st of December!

essential Elf on the Shelf ideas

Do you have an Elf on the Shelf? Are you ready for its arrival?

3 Comments

  • Reply
    Kim Carberry
    November 26, 2017 at 7:24 pm

    I have been looking for these things for when our elf comes to visit but our local pound shop is really letting me down and don’t have anything. Hmmf!

    • Reply
      jenny
      November 26, 2017 at 10:46 pm

      I’m almost embarrassed to admit I bought them as soon as I saw them weeks ago as I knew they would go quickly!

  • Reply
    {free printable} 24 Elf on the Shelf ideas for spreading Christmas cheer - the-gingerbread-house.co.uk
    November 16, 2019 at 9:16 pm

    […] If you need some ideas then you can take a look at some of my previous blog posts which include how to prepare for the Elf on a Shelf, to 24 tried and tested Elf on the Shelf ideas that […]

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