The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

Nice

I have always wanted a elf on the shelf growing up so we decided to start the tradition with our 3 year old! He doesn’t know yet but I think he’s going to be so excited! Exactly like pictured.

I would give this 5 stars, but I ordered back in October and just put it on top of my closet til the night of the 30th of November. And when I got it out I noticed it was a girl and not a boy like I ordered. Still using the elf and just calling it a boy, but my kids cousins have pointed out to him that his elf is a girl. And Ive assured him either is fine, its just here to report back to Santa each night. Just wish since boy is advertised that thats what I wouldve got sent.

This elf is much loved.

I was a little hesitant purchasing The Elf on the Shelf, because I dont try to focus Christmas entirely on the Santa aspect, but more on the giving aspect. I broke down and got one this year figuring if I really didnt like it or thought it put too much emphasis on gifts that I could tell my son that Santa decided he was good enough he didnt need to send the elf for following years. The night after Thanksgiving our Elf landed on our mantel. I called my son (almost 4) and daughter (22 months) in the room and my husband and I read the book to them and explained the process and rules of our new house guest. I never couldve imagined how interactive this little guy would be. My son insisted that his name is Elfey, and is so excited to talk to him every morning. He is genuinely concered about how is trip was and if he got too cold. I absolutely love listening to their one-sided conversation. He knows that if he is naughty Elfey will have to tell Santa and that he may not get his Santa gift this year. The only downside I can see is that my son is already sad at the thought that Elfey will go back to the North Pole with Santa on Christmas Eve and will be gone for an entire year...Hopefully the gift Santa leaves will alleviate this dreaded time. This doll is a great size big enough that my kids can spot him no matter where he decides to land for the day, but small enough that he can fit in/on anything, he even decided to perch on our Christmas tree one day. He has a great little face that adds a lot of character and life to the little doll. The book says the kids arent allowed to touch the elf, which is why its okay that Elfey isnt the most durable toy around. I have no doubt he will be more than able to survive the years of perching around my house for my kids and possibly even grandkids.

Have to be creative and placed him different places

I was so nervous to try this out. I didnt want to blow Christmas/Santa for my 6 year old. I worried that he might not buy into it, and therefore might not buy into Santa anymore either (he might start questioning it all). I think its incredibly important how you introduce this, so make sure you put a lot of thought into it. I decided to create a letter from Santa & snuck it into our mailbox (and had my 6 year old get the mail that day). Santa told them (6 & 3 year old boy) that because there are so many children in the world for him to watch over, hes decided to send one of his elves to watch over our family. I think its incredibly important to immediately address WHY youre getting an elf right now (when you didnt before) and why YOUR house is getting one, when not everyones house has one (I was worried about kids at school). Santas letter announced that the elf would be arriving that night, so to watch for him in the morning. The next morning the elf showed up sitting up in the Christmas tree, with the book about him underneath the tree, and a handwritten letter (Moms left-handed writing). It was a flawless entrance, and my 6 year old believes it all even MORE than my 3 year old! He was instantly writing letters back to Santa, asking our elf to take it back to Santa that night, etc. The rest of the month was SO fun, not only for the magic in my kids faces each morning, but for the fun my husband and I had each evening getting the elf set up in new fun ways. Make sure you have a plan in place for if they touch him (there need to be consequences or they wont believe hes magical), and make sure to set a daily reminder on your cell phone (I did 10pm). You dont want to blow it by not having moved him one day. They almost cried the day he had to say goodbye! On the last day he was holding baby Jesus from our nativity, leaving a note to remember that while Santa & presents are fun, remember that Jesus is the real meaning of Christmas (were quite religious normally, so I had to tie it in somehow, without being the lame family that doesnt allow Santa stuff at all). ;) Definitely recommend!!!

I got this for my nephews first christmas and my sister loves it. I cant wait to see what she does with him and how hell love it.

I cant believe the price! This is the same thing the local stores were selling at over double the price here. It is the same box, same book, same elf, everything! This is really an awesome find! I bought it after Christmas and am putting it away for next year but even so, the stores still had it over double the amount. I took it out the box and inspected it, read the book and found nothing wrong with either one. My grandchildren already have one of these, the same one in fact so I know what it feels like and does and I cant find any difference in them. They both feel the same. Although I never seen their book, this one tells the story about the elf and what to do. It even has a place for you to name and register it. (How cute is that!) So I am assuming it is the same book as all the others because I do remember them mentioning that with their elf plus when I looked locally, you can see the book in the box and it looks the same. The little grandkids will have fun next year because they dont know *I* have it and when they come over they will think their elf (they have the same boy scout) is really watching them. Theyll wonder how they left their house and saw it there and came here and walked in to see it waiting for them. It will just a little wonder, magic, fun to the holiday season.Remember, the elf leaves Christmas Eve (goes with Santa) so this is one decoration that isnt out Christmas Day or after. (Dont understand? The book explains everything!) I cant wait to see the expressions on their faces!

This was a big hit this year with our daughter. She is 8 and we were not sure she would enjoy it. We were very wrong. We brought this out after Thanksgiving, read the book and have been enjoying the crazy and weird things this elf does every night. On a few occasions, our daughter swore he moved when we were not home and even left it a picture and notes. It is nice to see her wake up happy and ready to find the little rascal. The elf itself consists of a typical stuffing material and is pretty bendable and strong. We have had him bend-hung-flattened and he is like new with no signs of any issues. The box it comes with is very solid and makes for a great sturdy storage for in between seasons. Great idea that once you buy it, will provide years of enjoyment. Highly recommend. Might even be adding the girl version in the future. I took one star away as the hands lacked an important feature. They come stitched together which limit the function for positions, etc a great deal. They should put strong magnets in the hands so that you can separate them and use them for metal object ideas, etc.