Getting an Elf on the Shelf to watch over your kids and “report” back to Santa Claus has been a staple in nearly every household since they were invented back in 2005. The idea was originally created by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell, stemming from a book they published – “Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” –  that centered around their family tradition of having an elf doll from the North Pole report on children’s good and bad behavior. Since then, families all over the world have indulged in this fun holiday activity.

One of the most interesting things about these Scout Elf toys is how interactive they can be with kids, despite the fact that they can’t be touched without their “magic” being taken away. Of course, this rule doesn’t apply to parents, who move the elf around the house while kids sleep to give the impression that they’re alive. Many go as far as to set up a scene for their children to wake up to, more often than not positioning the elf dolls in the middle of conducting funny and entertaining activities. These can range from the mischief of an elf “stealing” food from the kitchen to getting “stuck” at the top of a high shelf. Wherever these dolls end up in the morning, it becomes a game for kids to search the house and delight at what hilarious predicament their Elf on the Shelf has gotten into after they’ve visited Santa. 

In all, this shared tradition among families encourages creativity and joy in both parent and child and adds a whole other element of nostalgia and magic to the Christmas season. Whether the kids have grown past the point of believing that their elf is real, or parents are still pulling ideas from social media for sneaky-elf inspiration, Elf on the Shelf has created fond memories for everyone involved.