Explore About Elf on the Shelf & Its Products
The Elf on the Shelf is an American Christmas tradition that features a children's picture book, written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, and an accompanying pixie-elf doll. The story describes how Santa Claus knows who is naughty and nice and how the elf helps him keep track of childrenu2019s behavior.
- The idea for The Elf on the shelf was conceived in 2004 by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell.
- The first book in the series, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition, was self-published in 2005.
- In 2007, The Elf on the Shelf was picked up by a major book distributor, and by the end of the year, it had become a bestseller.
- In 2011, an animated television special of the book aired on CBS.
- In recent years, the brand has expanded to include clothing, accessories, decorations, and games.
- It has been estimated that over 11 million elves have been sold worldwide since the concept's inception.
Brands Similar to Elf on the Shelf
Reindeer in Here is a plush toy and children's book that emphasizes kindness and acceptance rather than behavior monitoring. It was created by Adam Reed in 2017 and has since gained popularity as an alternative to The Elf on the Shelf.
The Kindness Elves is a brand created by Anna Ranson in 2013 that emphasizes the importance of kindness and generosity, as opposed to behavior monitoring. The brand includes a line of dolls, story books, and accessories that encourage children to perform acts of kindness.
Top Trending & High Rated Products of Elf on the Shelf
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition Book
The original children's book that tells the story of the Elf on the Shelf and includes an accompanying doll.
The Elf on the Shelf Doll
A pixie-elf doll that accompanies the book and is used to monitor children's behavior and report back to Santa Claus.
Elf on the Shelf Pets
A line of plush pets, including a reindeer, arctic fox, and Saint Bernard, that can be added to the Elf on the Shelf tradition.
Common Questions Asked by Customers About Elf on the Shelf & Its Products
What is the Elf on the Shelf tradition?
The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition that involves a children's book and an accompanying pixie-elf doll. The tradition involves placing the elf in a different location each night, where it acts as Santa's scout and monitors children's behavior in the run-up to Christmas.
How do I introduce the Elf on the Shelf to my child?
The best way to introduce the Elf on the Shelf tradition to your child is to first read the book together and explain the concept. You can then encourage your child to give the elf a name and explain that the elf will be watching their behavior leading up to Christmas.
What happens if my child touches the Elf?
According to the Elf on the Shelf tradition, if a child touches the elf, its magic may disappear and it may not be able to fly to the North Pole to report to Santa Claus. Parents can explain to their child that touching the elf is not allowed and can result in the elf losing its magic.
Can I buy accessories for my Elf on the Shelf?
Yes, there are a variety of accessories available for the Elf on the Shelf, including clothing, furniture, and props such as a tiny laptop or a mini hot air balloon.
When should the Elf on the Shelf appear and disappear?
The Elf on the Shelf tradition typically begins on December 1st and lasts until Christmas Eve. The elf appears each morning in a different location, having returned from the North Pole, and disappears each night to report to Santa Claus.
