Elf On A Shelf

Cwoldie · ‎03-09-2010

I was thinking of getting this for my young nephew. Thought it looked like fun. In googling some reviews there is a group of people who seem very against this. Would love to hear your opinions.

DJs mom · ‎06-06-2012

I bought this for my son a few years ago when he was about 3 or 4. He loved it and could't wait to look for Silly (the name he gave his elf) each morning when he woke up. It was also fun for me thinking of different places to hide Silly. I don't care who is against it, it worked for me and my family.

ChynnaBlue · ‎05-22-2012

I think the opinion that matters most is that of your nephew's parents. The Elf of the Shelf is used by parents who set up mischievous scenarios with the elf for the children to find in the days or weeks leading up to Christmas. If his parents have no interest in that or don't support the idea, this would not be a good gift choice for him.

Elf on the Shelf is a family participation event, not a just a book or a doll.

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Sadiesadie · ‎08-05-2011

I bought it for my granddaughter last year. Asked my daughter first if she'd be interested. At first my GD said, oh mom, it's just a doll. She's not real. We're guessing other kids in preschool must have talked about theirs because she came around. Loved looking for her every morning and would talk to her. Just check with nephew's parents to see if they would like it. Not sure what anyone's negativity is for the elf. It hasn't been something that my GD pays much attention to once she's found it. She goes about her daily business but loves asking visitors if they can find her. If she starts acting up she'll be gently reminded that her elf is watching. It's not like big brother.

Barbara Mom of 5 · ‎10-30-2012

My kids LOVE Elf on a Shelf! Ours is named Jolly John. My older three kids (teenagers) help set up scenarios every night so that when my younger boys wake up in the morning, they see what mischief Jolly John has gotten into while they were sleeping! The first year we had the elf, my husband didn't really get too involved, but for the past two years he has really gotten into it and has sort of taken over setting up very elaborate scenarios every night (example: one night last year, Jolly John wanted to be a bagpiper and my husband spent over an hour making a kilt for him with all the accessories, and a set of bagpipes)!! So now Jolly John has become a full family event!!

I do agree with the poster who mentioned that the parents need to be iinvolved. If the parents aren't into it, then it won't be much fun for the kids.

Sunnyfield · ‎04-20-2010

This just reminded me of a game my DS and I used to play...we had an old Santa ornament and the Santa face was kind of mean looking...we called it Scary Santa...after a few years the ornament was broken and only the head remained...so we started hiding Scary Santa around the house. One year it took me several months before I found where DS had hidden Scary Santa! We always had fun with it...wonder where Scary Santa is now (DS is almost 30!)

missy1 · ‎03-10-2010

I am glad ex Q host Christa and her family are making a lot of $$$ from this book.

IMO the elf looks creepy.

occasionalrain · ‎03-10-2010

I find having this creepy thing spying on children just wrong. I wouldn't like being spyed upon, would you?

Nataliesgramma · ‎03-28-2015

@Sunnyfield wrote:
This just reminded me of a game my DS and I used to play...we had an old Santa ornament and the Santa face was kind of mean looking...we called it Scary Santa...after a few years the ornament was broken and only the head remained...so we started hiding Scary Santa around the house. One year it took me several months before I found where DS had hidden Scary Santa! We always had fun with it...wonder where Scary Santa is now (DS is almost 30!)

Several years ago hubby bought this rubber "rat" to use in the Halloween decorations outside. When Halloween was over, he thought it would be funny to put it in one of my dresser drawers for me to find the next time I opened it. When I saw it, after I got over the 'surprise'....I put it on his closet shelf ...for HIM to find....Since then "RATSKI" gets 'hidden' every once in awhile by one of us....

Almost gave my MIL a heart attack the time she found it in the fridge....

curlywhitedog · ‎03-09-2010

I bought the Elf On A Shelf about 4 or 5 years ago for my grandsons who are now 8.5 and 7 and they love their "Elfie". My daughter takes him out Thanksgiving night so the day after is the first time they'll see Elfie since the prior year and his last morning is Christmas Day. It takes a bit of imagination on the parents part to be creative but my Facebook feed is awash with interesting ideas that others have posted so really, there's no shortage of ideas available. My grandsons love telling me where they found Elfie that day - it's just a fun thing for them. Too soon childhood is replaced by reality, let the kids have fun while they can.

Maria