The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition with Blue Eyed North Pole Pixie-Elf
by The Elf on the Shelf
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Toys and Games Reviews of The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition with Blue Eyed North Pole Pixie-Elf
Customer Review: Troubling "Tradition"
Summary: 2 Stars
At the recommendation of other parents and the positive reviews on amazon, I bought the Elf on the Shelf box set. I was genuinely excited to play this game with my 4-year-old son, who is totally into the Santa concept this year.
Before showing it to him (thank goodness) I read the book and then promptly returned the box set. Besides the fact that the toy itself was kind of cheap looking, I was deeply troubled by the strong threatening consumerism/materialistic messaging "be good or you won't get what you want for Christmas" and that Santa won't come unless you get good reports from the elf, as presented in the book. The messaging is strongly judgmental and focused on good and bad, concepts that are important to discuss, but I don't believe in this hazy context of threats and ultimatums, as the book presents. I know there are other ways to discipline and control behavior than to threaten doom and gloom on the most exciting day of the year for many little kids. Why not focus on the positive aspects of Christmas, rather than instilling anxiety? I mean really, if your kid is bad, are you not going to give him/her the present he/she wanted, that you already bought? Just some food for thought.
I realize a lot of people enjoy EOTS; to each his/her own. Like some other reviews here, I recommend asking the parents before giving this as a gift, since it does involve parenting philosophies. There are other options to Elf on the Shelf.
I went to the Hallmark store and was delighted to find Everett the Elf, a much more positive and open ended elf-centric holiday toy/game. This elf lost his shoe while scouting chimney sizes for Santa. In the accompanying story, there is no mention of good or bad behavior. Every day I put a little surprise in the magic shoe for my son. One day it was a couple of magic chocolate coins, the next day, Everett brought news that we were going to the grandparents' house to decorate their Christmas tree. Much more fun for all than repeating the threats of "the elf is watching and reporting to Santa!"
Customer Review: Research before you buy
Summary: 1 Stars
I have updated my review to perhaps provide information to those of you who may be on the fence.
My five year old daughter received this as a gift. When she first heard the story she asked questions such as "Does the elf have batteries?" and "It's not real, is it?" and commented that it doesn't look friendly. We visited the website and she liked the animation; we had fun playing a few of the games together. Ultimately, though, she was not interested in participating in the tradition, and after learning about it myself I am glad she didn't find it appealing.
I have seen posts where some people purchase the elf but decide not to use the elf to report to Santa every day, but rather to simply be a reminder to make good choices. For those of you that this idea appeals to, I was reading about another product, Elf Magic...you might check into that...people say it looks friendlier.
There are many blogs and reviews out there...many more that are positive than negative. Many folks say that the elf works to help improve your child's behavior during this month, that as parents we need all the help we can get, and/or that kids enjoy looking for the elf each morning. I have also read many reviews where childrens' first instinct is to be scared and afraid of the elf, and that if you are providing good direction as parents, the elf is not needed and many other Christmas traditions are preferred.
For those of you on the fence, I recommend that you read the story yourself before deciding if it's right for your home. I would also recommend that if you give this as a gift, ask the parents if it's ok first so that the parents have the chance to learn more before sharing it with their children.
Customer Review: what exciting fun
Summary: 5 Stars
My sister in law told me about the elf and for two year I looked and finaly found it at the school box store we love it. My daughter is six. It is so much fun. From Thanks giving all the way to christmass break it makes school mornings sooooooooo much easer. All I have to say is I wonder were Zack is hiding today ,and man she is up and racing. Well those are the mornings she is tired, but most mornings she just jumps up and can not waight to find him. It it so much magic for her and me and her father. I was so excited this year to get him out. I was so discussed with my self I forgot to move him his second night my daughters first words oh know mom he did not move is santa mad , well my husband jumped right in and replied not at you darling at mom she stayed up so late watching movies he did not have time to make it all the way to the north pole and back in time. (Ha ha) The elf is so much fun. I got my three great nephues one and they just love him to. It is a wonderful tradition. I know she wont believe for ever ,but their are always grand kids. I think it is a great tool in developing self control. My only regret is that we did not have him for every one of her christmases. I think it is a great gift to give to any child boy or girl. The younger the better. As for those grinche conspicery theory freeks. It cant talk and just as all thing in life it is exactly what you make it. If your child is little and afraid of it I do believe most will grow to love him. If thier little take him away this year and reinterduce it next year ,or the next. well then if you just dont think its for your kid you can always re-gift. Hum I caustion you when they see the other kids joy you may be buying another one.Customer Review: CUTEST IDEA EVER!!!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the best purchases i've ever made at amazon. i am a nanny to a[...] little girl and a [...] boy. i've been with them since the little girl was [...] . we were having a little big sister being bossy with little brother problem. i had seen the elf in a catalog and without purchashing it i told the story of an invisible elf watching over children in their homes and reporting their behavior to santa myself and the response was "i don't believe you." well as someone with a teaching background i always remember one of my professors in college telling me sometimes realia is needed to get a point across. i ordered the elf and i could not believe the reaction when this gift was opened right before thanksgiving. the packaging itself is beautiful. on thanksgiving morning i got a phonecall with my little friend screaming into the phone that the elf had moved and asking if they should feed it cookies. every day i am either told or shown where the elf has moved to with such pure joy and excitement it's made an otherwise unbearable holiday season (i lost my mom in june) a season that has restored some happiness and hope in my life. it has reminded me that this season is truly about children and the love and joy that comes out of these 2 children concerning this elf makes my heart very full. i highly recommend this toy just for the pure joy of the reaction of the children you give it to. i could go on and on, i obviously can't say enough about it. enjoy enjoy enjoy the gleam in a child's eye.....it will fill your heart, bring a tear of happiness to your eye and make you really appreciate the innocence of children!!!!!!!Customer Review: CREATE SWEET CHRISTMAS MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is our daughter's very first Christmas and her elf will indeed appear on Thanksgiving Day. Since she is too young to understand we are going to take pictures each morning of her elf in a new location so we can make a book to show her over the years!
The book tells all about the elves and how important they are to Santa. Your child's elf arrives on Thanksgiving and stays until Christmas Eve (when Santa arrives and the elf goes home with him). Each night the elf flies back to Santa to report on your child's behavior ~ the good and the not so good ;) By the time the children awake the next morning the elf has returned! They will have a blast finding their elf in a new location each morning.
There is only one rule: Children cannot touch the elf or it may lose its magic. The elf also can't talk, but rest assured - he (or she!) hears every word. Their elf not only informs Santa of their behavior, but their hopes and dreams too.
I also love the fact that the book has a Christian element to it as it refers to children saying their prayers each night. Don't wait! Start this Christmas tradition this year and start making memories that will last a lifetime.
Lastly, since our elf is a girl we purchased the newly released skirt The Elf on the Shelf Presents: The Claus Couture Collection Accessory Scout Elf Skirt and it is adorable and very high quality!