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The Elf on a Shelf has become a Christmas tradition for many families. But what is the point of this Christmas visitor? Learn more about The Elf on the Shelf meaning explained here. Plus enjoy new, creative, funny, and original Elf on the Shelf Ideas daily.

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The times is here! It’s the season when a mischievous little red guy returns to millions of home. A little naughty and a little nice, some may be confused as to why this little elf is welcome into the homes of many. If you have been wondering about Who is the Elf on the Shelf and are uneasy knowing where to begin, we have all the Elf answers for you today!

The Elf on the Shelf Explained

The Elf on the Shelf is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it has been around dozens of years. Over the years the history of the Elf has evolved but one thing remains true. The Elf is a visitor from the North Pole. He is sent from Santa with a little bit of Christmas magic. During the holiday season, the Elf visits the homes of many boys and girls. He will hide in a new place each day. Every evening he returns to Santa’s workshop to report to the St. Nick who has been naughty and who has been nice. With the help of the family Elf, the big guy can create his nice list for making presents for good boys and girls.

Elf on the Shelf History

The tradition of the Elf doll has actually been around for over 50 years. Some might argue for closer to 100 years. Whichever the argument, one thing holds true. It is that the Scout Elf doll was originally a children’s book written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. Together they self-published the book “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition” in 2005. It is paired with the original The Elf on the Shelf doll. This doll has a red body, white triangular collar and red hat. This particular elf doll and story are copywritten meaning you might see knock-offs but they are not the actual Elf doll.

The Elf on the Shelf tradition took off in 2008 when the Elf on the Shelf doll earned a Best Toy Award from Learning Express Toys – a specialty toy and game retailer. You can find vintage Elf dolls from the 1940s, 1950s and 1970s. Some of the vintage elves aka shelf sitters carry a similar red outfit as Scout Elf. Others have shades of green, stripe patterns and even jingle bells.

Elf on the Shelf Book Summary

If you have an Elf on the Shelf doll, you likely have an Elf on the Shelf story book. This is because neither product is sold individually. The Scout Elf doll comes with the Elf on the Shelf hardcover book. However, if you got your doll second hand you might be wondering more about the Elf on the Shelf story.

The Elf on the Shelf Book summary tells the story of an Elf’s visit. Each day the Elf arrives in your home. The book is poetic and in rhyme sharing the purpose of the Elf’s visits. The Elf visits their family starting around Thanksgiving. Each evening he/she goes and returns from the North Pole. Every morning he can be found in a new location in the house. It is very important that the Elf is not touch each evening or the elves’ magic will be lost! Upon arrival each family is able to name their special Elf. The elves return to their home (Santa’s North Pole Work shop) every Christmas Eve.

Resources:

• Elf on the Shelf Printable Story Book Collections

• Mini Elf on the Shelf Book

• Elf on the Shelf Rules Printable

• Elf on the Shelf Unboxing Video

• Elf on the Shelf Questions Answered

What’s the point of Elf on the Shelf?

The purpose of the Elf on the Shelf is to bring a little bit of Christmas magic into your home. It keeps the spirit of the season alive as you count down the days until Christmas day. Call the Elf a precursor or a welcome to Christmas morning on December 25. Who is the Elf on the Shelf for? The Elf on the Shelf is perfect for a family that celebrates Christmas and the arrival of Santa. If you area  family that celebrates the birth of Jesus, there are many ways Christians can use Elf on the Shelf in the home too.

In addition to the spirit of Christmas, the Elf is also a good reminder to younger children to be good. Kids’ behavior can change with just the prompting of “don’t forget the elf is watching!” It’s like immediate Santa surveillance.  This positive Christmas character’s purpose is not to bring shame or anxiety to young children but rather to remind them that this season is about good deeds and acts of kindness toward others.

Elf on the Shelf Tradition

This Christmas Tradition begins with a book and a red North Pole Visitor aka The Elf on the Shelf. Of course, this holiday tradition can be adapted to any Elf doll. For most families, the same Elf arrives every year. That means after year one (when your family adopts and names their Elf on the Shelf) the same Elf will arrive each year. It is your families dedicated elf. Some families grow their Elf family with the arrival of Elf babies or multiple Elf dolls.

Resources:

• Elf on the Shelf Birthday Tradition

• Elf on the Shelf Tooth Fairy Tradition

• Elf on the Shelf Pets Tradition

• Elf on the Shelf Advent Tradition

Buy Now

Want to begin the Elf tradition? Now that you are ready for buying and Elf on the Shelf, it’s important to know where to get an Elf book and doll. Many retailers carry the Elf on the Shelf brand. Some places even have knock-off elves if you are looking for all different shapes and sizes.

First, since we have a good Elf the Shelf sale, be aware of the Elf on the Shelf black Friday deals. Since Elf often arrives on Thanksgiving or close there (some start December 1st), you do not want to wait too long for your Elf to arrive. That is why many prefer the Amazon Elf on the Shelf store for quick 2-day shipping. Of course, check out these other shops for sales, deals, and fast shipping.

• Elf on the Shelf on Amazon

• Elf on the Shelf at Walmart

• Elf on the Shelf at Target

• Elf Printable Accessories (Instant Digital Downloads)

With some of these options you can ship directly to your home or pay online and pick-up in the store.

Elf on the Shelf Printables

Our most popular Elf on the Shelf printables can be found in our Elf Store. Shop Elf costumes, our Elf Twister board, Jokes for Kids, our Magic Shrinking Machine and so much more!

Free Elf Printables

We also love sharing Elf on the Shelf free printables! Get all of our free Elf on the Shelf printables by entering your email address below. Look for an email to confirm you signed up. Once you confirm, look for a second email in your inbox with a link and password!

Free Printables Step by Step Directions

1.) Enter your email address here.

2.) Look for a confirmation email in your inbox and confirm you requested a sign up.

3.) We will send you a Free Printables Welcome Email with link and passcode to all of our free printables.

4.) Enter your passcode at the top of the page here and click “Access Printables”

5. Enjoy your Elf Printables.

Elf on the Shelf Resources

At Frugal Coupon Living, our goal, to create an easy Elf on the Shelf season for you. This is not our first year of having an Elf in the home. With over eight years of Elf ideas, we have created a rather large Elf on the Shelf fan club full of new Elf on the Shelf ideas. These Elf on the Shelf resources are all you need to create the best Elf ideas.

Helpful Elf on the Shelf Links

Some call Frugal Coupon Living the biggest resource for all things Elf on the Shelf. While we don’t want to brag, we will. We have move our red little North Pole friend for year after year. We have created plenty of free printables, must have resources, inspirational Elf links and more. Use us at a platform to keep your sanity through the entire Christmas season.

Use the helpful Elf on the Shelf links to come up with create ideas, grab free printables, and answer Elf on the Shelf Questions.

• Elf on the Shelf Ideas – a Starter guide to all things elf including some of our top post ideas and Elf on the Shelf digital downloads.
• Largest List of Elf on the Shelf Ideas – Now over 600 Elf on the Shelf ideas. New ideas added daily during November and December.
• Elf on the Shelf Questions and Answers – Are you just beginning with an Elf? Could you use a refresher of all the Elf rules. Take a look at frequently asked elf on the shelf questions to get started. You will immediately be an Elf expert.
• Free Elf on the Shelf Printables – Sign up for our emails and grab these free Elf digital downloads to help you during the Elf season. Includes an Elf calendar, notes, Elf coloring pages, encouraging ideas and more.
• DIY Bendable Elf on the Shelf – Want your Elf to do all sorts of positions. This is an easy no-sew bendable Elf on the Shelf tutorial.
• Elf Shop with Digital Downloads – This is one of the best Elf shops full of printable resources to perfect the holiday season.
• Elf on the Shelf Emails with New  Ideas Daily – Each day we will write you with a new Elf on the Shelf idea as well as links to Elf on the shelf resources and sometimes hidden coupon codes and freebies!

Take a look at our Elf on the Shelf Pinterest Board. Tell us what you are doing with your Elf on the Shelf this season. Is there an Elf idea we haven’t tried? Do you have any Elf on the Shelf questions. Leave a comment here or on Pinterest.

WHAT’S TRENDING? Looking for a few engaging activities? Grab Minute to Win it Games – Traditional, Holiday, Group, and more! Use these fun activities in the office, classroom, or at your next birthday party.