Family traditions are so important and that's we fell in love with the Elf on the Shelf book and gift set.

A Note From The Creator:

"This charming tradition began for our family when my children were very small. Like most children through the ages, they wanted to know how Santa really knew who was naughty or who was nice. Their answer, as in my own childhood, came in the form of a small pixie-elf.

The first time the elf arrived at our home, my children officially adopted him by giving him a name. Each year he would arrive around the holidays, usually mid-November. His sole responsibility was to watch the children's behavior and report it to Santa each night. The next morning after the children awoke, they discovered the elf had returned from the North Pole and was now resting in a new and different place. My children would race each other out of bed to try and be the first to spy him in his new position.

Over the years the tradition was perfected and rules were introduced. For example, to better preserve his mystique the children were not allowed to touch him but talking to him was a different matter all together. My children shared many secrets with the elf, and while he was under strict orders not to talk to them, the elf was under no such orders where grown-ups were concerned.

Unwittingly, the tradition provided an added benefit: it helped the children to better control themselves. All it took was a gentle reminder that the "elf is watching," for errant behavior to be modified.

I never dreamed this simple tradition would lead to so many treasured Christmas memories for our entire family. It is my earnest desire that The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition will bring as much joy to your family as it has to mine.

Enjoy this tradition, and MAKE IT YOUR OWN!"

What you get:

Inside the gift box, you receive an 8" nostalgic elf which sits nicely anywhere you place him. You'll also find a 28 page hardcover, beautifully illustrated book that explains the job of the Elf and why he’s come to your house this Christmas. The set comes nicely packaged in a durable box for storage from year to year.

Customer Feedback:

"Our kids went crazy for this Elf last year. Every morning when they got up they would run downstairs to see where the Elf was hiding. Sometimes he'd be perched up on a shelf in our family room, other times in the kitchen on the window sill. You never could tell where that clever little elf would show up next. The kids took to heart the importance of being good as "someone is always watching" and could report back to you-know-who."

Another Customer Writes:

"Some fun ideas to keep the kids wrapped up in the magic: use fake snow to leave a trail around the house, as if your elf was shaking the snow off upon his return from the North Pole. Or get the elf 'caught' doing something unexpected like sneaking out of the cookie jar (with crumbs and all) or colouring a picture (made especially for the kids).

We all know the holidays are hectic, but simple joys like this will make lasting memories for years to come."