The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition

This is our first year using Elf on the Shelf. Our boys are almost 2.5 and 10 months old. Our toddler LOVES to look for Jingle every morning. Its so fun to see how excited he gets. He loves his little elf. We read the story during bed time every night as well (along with several others). I loved that the book mentions children saying their prayers. I feel like its a great way to merge the fun Christmas traditions with our Christian beliefs and offer the Children a special tradition they will hopefully pass on one day. The elf is adorable and the perfect size for hiding and posting. We kept his hands sewn together because its easier to hang him in different areas. Im glad we waited until our son was big enough to enjoy the Elf and am looking forward to next year when we can play with both boys. There are lots of cute ideas for Elf posing on Pinterest and Ive come up with a few on my own as well. We take our nightly picture of our son with Jingle before bed so we can keep track of all the hiding places. It will be fun to look back on as well each year. Great idea and love that this product started as a family tradition with sisters and they shared their tradition with all of us.

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.

I used it for my autistic child right after xmas

This was a nice book, but did not include the elf so we had to return.

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.

So let me start this out by saying that I love shenanigans!! Love it!! Not evil shenanigans....anywho. So I thought this toy would be awesome to follow my husband around....and it exceeded my expectations. I anticipate the angry texts and phone calls when he finds it in his gym back, back seat of his car, eating his sandwich, and so on. I cannot wait until my son is old enough to partake *he is currently under the age of 2. When he is older I do think that it will be a fun game to see who spots Valdimir Boulderdash OMaley first, but for now he just tries to stick it into his mouth. Enough about why I personally bought this.... This toy is actually decently constructed. The face is adorably creepy (not like Chucky or a clown doll but more like a sock monkey). I do wish his body had some sort of wire inside to help him pose more efficiently. Since the body is nothing more than stuffed felt, it does fit into almost any space. The book that is included is your typical Santa Claus book. Bad= no presents; good= presents galore. It is cute but will not be replacing The night before Christmas or The Grinch anytime soon. I was confused by some of the other reviews saying that they were upset that it was about commercialism that has become Christmas....ummmm der it is about an Elf that watches you for Santa. But if that is not what you are into then this is not your product. Overall I do think that this was a super cute idea and it is a lot of fun, but you really have to take it for what it is, an elf spy that helps Santa pass out presents. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars was because of the non-wire body.

I purchased the Elf on the Shelf in November and started using it December 1st. We are not doing the naughty elf, so he simply changes positions every night. It has made getting up and going in the morning more enjoyable for my 2 little kids (3 & 4). If we ask them if they want to see if Chippy (our Elfs name)has moved overnight, they are happily getting out of bed. This has been a nice change from the sour attitude weve had lately from the 4 year old. The story is nice to introduce the Elf. The website where you go and register your elf is well made and the activities (coloring pages, letter to Santa, etc.) were fun for my kids to do. I like what the elf looks like because he reminds me of elves my grandma had as decorations when I was a little child. My kids are not afraid of him, but I can see how some kids might be. My one and only complaint, and the reason that I didnt give it 5 stars, is that I really wish that the elf was posable (had wire in his arms & legs). It makes it difficult to be too creative with what to do with him when he is limited to sitting places. I will be spending a bit of time this morning seeing if I can insert some wire myself.

We have always wanted one of these but it cost to much!! So I was so happy for 22.00! I wish everyone could get that price!!

This elf is much loved.

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!