If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your Elf on the Shelf late at night, wondering where to hide it next, you’re not alone! Finding new ways to keep the magic alive can be challenging, especially when you’re short on time or inspiration. But don’t worry—I have some simple, creative ideas that will bring smiles to your children’s faces and save you the late-night stress.

Elf at the Spa

Let’s face it: even the elf needs a little R&R now and then! For a cosy elf spa scene, grab a bowl or cup, fill it with marshmallows to create a “bubble bath,” and place the elf inside as if they’re enjoying a relaxing soak.

To make it even cuter, you can wrap a tiny washcloth or napkin around its head like a towel. This one is bound to bring giggles and is especially easy to set up, so you can still get to bed early.

Toilet Paper Snowman

This idea is as easy as it is adorable! Stack two or three toilet rolls. Draw eyes, a carrot nose, and a wide smile on the top roll (or on a piece of paper and roll around the top roll if you don't want to mark your toilet paper). You can even use stickers or add a hat and scarf for added character. 

Set your elf nearby with a marker or pencil to make it look like they’ve created the snowy masterpiece. It’s a cute and quick way to add a little festive cheer to the bathroom!

Christmas Countdown

A simple countdown is a great way to build excitement as Christmas Day approaches. Create a small note with the number of days left on a tiny piece of paper, or use a mini chalkboard to create a countdown sign.

You can place the elf holding it near the other decorations or by your little one’s advent calendar. This one is quick and interactive, and you can use it for more than one day!

Elf in the Fridge

Take advantage of a fun location and place the elf in the fridge! Put a little scarf or hat on them to give the impression they’re braving the cold. Arrange them near some food to make it look like they’re getting a snack. This idea takes just a few seconds, but the unexpected surprise of opening the fridge to see the elf will be super fun for your little one

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All parents know that keeping up with fresh Elf on the Shelf ideas can be difficult, but a little creativity goes a long way. Just a few minutes each evening can make all the difference in keeping the magic alive without adding stress.

If you need more ideas, I’ve got you covered! Join our VIP Group and receive our Ultimate Elf on the Shelf Guide with 24 ideas (one for each day in December up to Christmas Eve!) for FREE! Let's make this Christmas extra special for your little ones.

Child-Friendly Christmas Decor

• Kid-Friendly Ornaments: When decorating your tree, consider using shatterproof ornaments. These are ideal for homes with curious toddlers who might want to touch everything. Let your children pick out their favourite ornaments and encourage them to hang them on the tree.

• Advent Calendar Tree: Instead of traditional advent calendars, create a tree-shaped one. Number 25 small boxes or envelopes and place a little treat or activity idea in each. Your kids will love hunting for the day’s surprise.

• Low-Hanging Decor: Place some of your decorations lower on the tree so that little ones can reach and feel like they’re part of the decorating process.

DIY Christmas Decorations with Kids

Now, let’s get crafty with some fun and easy Christmas decorations you can make together!

Salt Dough Ornaments:

Materials:

• 1 cup plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/2 cup water
• Cookie cutters
• Acrylic paint
• Ribbons

Instructions:

1. Mix the flour, salt, and water to create a dough.
2. Roll it out and use cookie cutters to create holiday shapes.
3. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 2-3 hours or until hardened.
4. Let them cool, then paint and decorate.
5. Add ribbons for hanging.

Paper Plate Wreaths:

Materials:

• Paper plates
• Paints
• Pom-poms
• Glue
• Ribbon

Instructions:

1. Cut the centre out of a paper plate, leaving the outer ring.
2. Let your kids paint the ring green and decorate it with pom-poms as ornaments. You could also use any haberdashery you have at home to decorate your wreath
3. Once it’s dry, tie a ribbon to hang it.

Pinecone Christmas Trees:

Materials:

• Pinecones
• Green paint
• Glitter (optional)
• Craft sticks
• Glue

Instructions:

1. Paint the pinecones green and add glitter if desired.
2. Glue a craft stick to the bottom to create a trunk.

Handprint Reindeer:

Materials:

• Brown construction paper
• Googly eyes
• Red pom-pom (for the nose)
• Glue

Instructions:

1. Trace your child’s hand on the brown paper and cut it out.
2. Glue on googly eyes and the red pom-pom for the nose.
3. Add antlers by cutting small strips from the same paper and glueing them above the eyes.

These DIY decorations not only add a personal touch to your Christmas decor but also provide hours of fun and creativity for your little ones. I love anything that creates keepsakes and memories – that’s probably how I ended up as a photographer!

I am always coming up with new ideas for fun things to do as a family. Join our VIP Group to stay updated:

There is a reason why the studio is so busy in the run-up to Christmas: lots of my clients buy artwork and photography experiences for Christmas gifts as they are very personal gifts and cost-effective too!

There are so many options when it comes to buying photography-based gifts - there is something for everyone!

Your Own Images

There is no better time than now to purchase extra prints or wall art from this year's family portrait session for Grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents or friends.  It’s the most cost-effective way to purchase lots of your Christmas gifts in one go.  Your family will cherish the images and will enjoy them long after the turkey leftovers are finished!

And right now we have a fantastic Seasonal Artwork Offer if you order before the end of November. Message Jackie today to order yours!

Portrait Experience Gift Certificates

More than just a photoshoto, our portrait experiences are a celebration of the people you love!

Family Portrait Experience: For a family reunion celebration, for or more intimate family portraits, our Family Portrait Experience Gift Certificate is perfect for parents and grandparents, siblings and best friends with children!

Newborn Portrait Experience: Are any of your friends and family expecting a baby in 2025? Then a Newborn Portrait Experience Gift Certificate is the one for them! Beautiful photographs of their new baby in those early days and their first family portrait is a gift they will treasure forever!

Maternity Portrait Experience: Is your partner expecting a baby in 2025? Celebrate the amazing thing they are doing and show them how proud you are with a Maternity Portrait Experience. Gently guiding from styling to posing, Jackie will capture the beauty of their pregnancy.

Teen Portrait Experience: Brand new for 2025! Jackie will work with your teen/tween to plan and create a selection of creative portraits to capture their personality, hobbies and interests. They will have fun expressing themselves and getting a boost to their self-confidence.

Photography Day Experience

For the budding photographer in your family, what could be more fun than spending a day one-to-one with a professional photographer refining and learning new techniques to improve their images? If someone you know has a camera on their Christmas list a Photography Day Experience with Jackie is the perfect complimentary gift.

Here to help!

For more information and prices, download my free Ultimate Photography Christmas Gift Guide here.

Or book an appointment now to visit Jackie at the studio to customise and personalise your gift certificates to suit each individual loved one together over a cup of tea and biscuits (or perhaps a mince pie!).

As the festive season twinkles on the horizon, we all start to ponder the age-old questions: “What’s the perfect gift for that one person who is really difficult to buy for?” "What do you get the person who seems to have everything?"  Well, I’ve got a delightful solution that’s sure to bring smiles and warm hearts all round – Portrait Experience Gift Certificates!

Why Gift Certificates Make Wonderful Gifts

Gift certificates are like little envelopes of joy, offering something far more special than just a present – they offer experiences, memories, and the freedom to choose. Here’s why they’re amazing:

• Personal yet Flexible: They show you care, but also give your loved ones the freedom to choose what they truly would like.
• Time-Saving Marvels: No more rushing through crowded shops. A gift certificate is a convenient, thoughtful gift that saves you time.
• Perfect for Everyone: Whether it’s for a mum-to-be celebrating her amazing pregnant body, a busy parent who would love a beautiful family portrait, a grandmother who would love an excuse to get the whole family together, a budding photographer who would like to learn from the best, a creative teenager in need of a confidence boost, there’s something for everyone.

Our Special Babies by Jackie Portrait Experience Gift Certificates

When you buy photography gift certificates, you’re not just ticking a box – they’re a gateway to capturing life’s beautiful moments.

Whether it’s a family portrait to cherish forever, newborn photographs to capture those fleeting first moments, or a special creative photo session to inspire self-confidence in a teen/tween, Babies by Jackie Portrait Experience Gift Certificates are the gift of timeless memories.

Here to help!

I have carefully curated my Christmas Collection to offer something for everyone, from seasonal specials on beautiful artwork to gift certificates for bespoke photography and portrait experiences! (Download my free Ultimate Photography Christmas Gift Guide here).

I am here to help. Book an appointment to visit the studio and we can customise and personalise your gift certificates to suit each individual loved one together over a cup of tea and biscuits!

Freebie alert!

As an extra-special treat and my way of saying thank you for following along this year, I’ve also created an exclusive set of FREE and fun family coupons.

My cute pack of print-at-home coupons are for those little things that mean a lot – like a back rub, a home-cooked meal, a shopping spree, or an uninterrupted hour of peace. Print and include some with your loved ones' gifts this Christmas (or perhaps point your partner to the link! ;-) ). These thoughtful gestures will make anyone’s day brighter. 

Download Your Free Gift Coupon Pack now!

Gift certificates are a heartfelt way to show you care, offering a blend of thoughtfulness and practicality. And with our special Experience Certificates and downloadable pack of fun vouchers, you’re all set to make this season the most memorable one yet.

Remember, it’s not just about the gift; it’s about the experience, the memories, and the joy you bring to your loved ones. Happy gifting!

Hello, my fabulous families!

🎃 Halloween is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to get creative with your family photos. Whether you’re a fan of the spooky or the whimsical, Halloween offers endless possibilities for memorable pictures. Taking your own Halloween photos is such a fun family activity but instead of opting for the usual rushed snaps before you go trick or treating this year, why not go all out and try your own Halloween mini shoot!

So, grab a cup of hot cocoa (or a pumpkin spice latte, if you’re so inclined), and let’s delve into how you can take spooktacular Halloween family photos that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Choose a Theme

First things first, decide on a theme. Are you going for a classic haunted house vibe, or perhaps something more light-hearted like a pumpkin patch? Your theme will guide your costumes, props, and even the location for your photoshoot. Themes like “The Addams Family,” “Harry Potter,” or even “Superhero Spookfest” can add a fun twist to your Halloween photos.

Pick the Perfect Costumes

Once you’ve got your theme sorted, it’s time to think about costumes. Remember, comfort is key, especially for the little ones. You want everyone to be happy during the shoot, as a grumpy goblin or witch won’t make for good photos! Consider costumes that are easy to move in and not too hot or itchy.

Set the Scene: Location, location, location!

If you’re going for an outdoor shoot, scout locations that fit your theme. A misty field can add atmosphere for a spooky theme, or a pumpkin patch can bring an element of fun!

You can always combine a visit to a pumpkin patch with your DIY shoot so you don’t need to put in too much effort to get everyone to the location you choose!

Or why not turn your front door into the perfect set for family photos before you head out to a Halloween party!

If you’re shooting indoors, think about where you will set up for photos and use props and backdrops that can enhance your theme. Cobwebs, cauldrons, and even dry ice can add that extra spook factor. 

It doesn't have to be a complicated photo set, Halloween crafting at the kitchen table with the family is a perfect photo opportinity. Keep it simple with decorations and props in the background and on the table that fit with the theme of your costumes and crafts.

Lighting is Key

Good lighting can make or break your photos. For a moody, haunted look, consider shooting during the “golden hour”—just before sunset. The soft, diffused light will add a magical touch to your photos. If you’re shooting indoors, string lights or even a well-placed lantern can create the perfect eerie atmosphere.

Get Creative with Angles and Composition

Don’t just stick to the standard poses; Halloween is the time to get creative!
Why not have someone “fly” on a broomstick, or capture the kids mid-jump for a “floating ghost” effect?
Get down low with the camera to remove distracting backgrounds and make the children seem extra tall.

Play around with angles and composition to make the photos as dynamic as possible.  This also makes it super fun for your kids so you’ll get tons of genuine smiles and laughter!

Capture Candid Moments

Posed photos are great, but candid shots often capture the true spirit of Halloween.
Snap pictures of your kids carving pumpkins, or get a shot of the whole family laughing at a corny Halloween joke.

These unplanned moments often make the most cherished memories.  Remember to have your phone at the ready when you’re trick or treating or at any Halloween activities you attend.  Costumes and treats always make for high spirits and lots of photo opportunities!

Safety First

Last but not least, always prioritise safety. Make sure your chosen location is secure and that any props you use are child-friendly. Keep an eye out for tripping hazards, especially with flowing costumes or in dim lighting. Avoid using real candles, instead use led candles and stringlights for your lighting.

Wrap-Up

There you have it—your guide to taking spooktacular Halloween family photos. With a bit of planning and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create Halloween memories that will last a lifetime. So get out there, have fun, and don’t forget to say “Boo!” 🎃👻

I’d love to see the pictures you take – if you add them on social media, please tag me!

Happy Halloween and happy snapping! 📸