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: Great Christmas Tradition
Summary: 4 Stars
I thought this was a cute idea but thought it might freak out the kids (probably b/c as a neurotic child it would have freaked me out). But our 2.5 and 4.5 year old kids love looking for Welfie (the name my son picked out) each day. I try to hide him in very high places so it looks like it was impossible for him to have gotten there other than by magic. This entails climbing on tables, ladders and chairs. They get very excited when they find him in crazy places and think it is so funny. They call us to come see where he is. They threw him a birthday party the other night and my son slipped him his Christmas list. To me the idea of a spying elf is a little creepy but it works for them so that is all that matters. I can see how some people's kids don't like it. YMMV. It works well every now and then to quickly stop negative behaviors. My only complaint is that the elf should have a weighted butt so that he stays up better.Customer Review: Positive Reinforcement
Summary: 3 Stars
I'm with some of the other low-star reviewers...I don't want an elf hanging around the house so it can go tattle to Santa every time my son misbehaves or makes a mistake. I think positive reinforcement is a much better approach to managing behavior. So I think this toy has some value IF, and only if, parents change their approach to using it. I would personally skip the book altogether and tell my son how the elf is visiting the house and can't wait to go tell Santa all of the good things he's doing. And when he does those good things, tell him how happy his elf is. Leave out the negative threats. Honestly, if this elf is the only reason your child stops bad behaviors, what are you going to do when December 26th comes around?
PS - I also love one reviewer's idea of leaving a new Christmas story with the elf each day to read together as a family. Another positive association with the elf for the kids!
Customer Review: Creepy
Summary: 1 Stars
We just received Elf on a shelf as a gift, I had heard of it but did not know what it was.
I read the book with my daughter and find it creepy and very negative. I immediately told her she could hold the elf and he was just fun and we would play hide and seek with him in the mornings.
I don't like the idea of scaring her into behaving because this creepy little elf is going to run off and tell Santa what she did all day. I wish I had read the reviews before opening this or even read the book myself first as I would have put it away immediately. Luckily she is only 2.5 and was too busy playing with the elf to pay close attention when I was reading the book.
I found something called the Magic Elf Shoe on another review and it seems much more positive and fun.
As someone who received this as a gift I would agree to speak with parents first as this is not for everyone.
Customer Review: Elf on a Shelf
Summary: 1 Stars
I was very disappointed with this product. The premise was very cute, however, the story was an issue for me. I am not a fan of ever telling a child that he or she is bad which this book does. I teach my children that attitudes, behaviors, words, actions etc can be bad but people are not bad. I also was not crazy about promoting the commercialism of Christmas which this story does. Between labeling children as "good or bad" and telling children that if they are "good" Santa will bring them whatever they want doesn't support my values. If I had read the story before giving it to my child, I never would have given it to him. Lucky for me he had zero interest in the story or searching for the elf each morning, so I promptly resold the entire kit. Perhaps a rewrite of this book to reflect current day values and terminology is in order! I plan to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.Customer Review: Elf on a shelf is a great idea!
Summary: 5 Stars
When I told my kids (8 and 4) about elf on a shelf, they were very excited! So when it came right before Thanksgiving, we started right away. I think this has helped with the kids being more aware of how they are treating one another. If one is being bad,the other will say, "Hank is watching you." My 4 year old decided to name him Hank-go figure! My husband and I hide him every night and the kids love to search for him every morning. We have found some really creative spots for him:) I would highly suggest this for a family with young kids. It's sad to say but I am sure my son-who will be 9 next Christmas-won't believe in Hank anymore. But it's definitely fun while it's lasted! We add a new Christmas tradition every year and this will be with us for many years to come!
The book and box the elf comes in is very durable and of great quality!