The Elf on the Shelf Book and Toy

Posted on December 20, 2007

Here is a fun new tradition you can start in your home. Elf on the Shelf is a little elf doll that reports directly to Santa Claus. Kids can tell the elf their Christmas wishes. They may also want to be on their very best behavior as the Elf on the Shelf has Santa's ear. Some children also like to name their elf.

Place the little elf around your home during the weeks before Christmas. During the holidays the elf watches children carefully during the day. At night when the kids are sleeping the elf magically returns to the North Pole to report to Santa Claus. In the morning the elf appears in a new place which offers a daily hide-and-seek ritual for kids. Kids will love trying to locate the elf's new location each morning.

Elf on the Shelf comes with a 28-page hardcover illustrated book that explains the story and an 8-inch elf doll. The story is based on on the tradition author Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s.

Jennifer Garner was recently photographed carrying the Elf on the Shelf book so little Violet must have an Elf watching him and reporting back to Santa. Be good Violet!

Elf on the Shelf can be purchased from the elfontheshelf.com online store and other retailers. There's little time left for the elf to report back to Santa Claus this year but he could be a gift this year and then begin his reporting in December 2008.

Update: The Elf on the Shelf line has greatly expanded since we wrote this article. There are now boy and girl elves with light skin and dark skin. The book is also available in Spanish.

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