I bought this elf and the book years ago. My daughter was probably 3, and she's going to be 9 this Christmas. Well I can't vouch for what will happen this Christmas, but up until now the elf has been a big hit.
It has been a huge surprise to me that 1) she still believes in our elf "Timmy" and has rationalized away all explanations for him not being real (e.g. he looks like a doll because Santa made him to look just like a doll") and
2) there is this unintended consequence that she and her little sister actually improve their behavior, and consider the possible consequences of bad behavior.
Now I have to tell you, I've got friends who have the Elf on the Shelf and it's not so effective. To achieve this level of magical sweetness, my husband and I make a real effort. (but SO worth it!) We read the book on Thanksgiving night. "Timmy" comes the next day (the day after Thanksgiving), and every night when they are asleep, we move him to a different place in the house, usually in our Great Room, which comprises our kitchen/dining/fireplace-Christmas tree room. Timmy is always out of reach, above the cupboards, in the Christmas tree, on a window ledge, hanging off the fan, perched on a wall clock, or in the fireplace. Timmy stays until Christmas Eve, when he disappears to help Santa with his job, and goes back with Santa to the North Pole until next year's post-Thanksgiving.
Ok my kids are so into it: they've written books and drawn pictures about Timmy, and they sometimes even go up and talk to him (which provides very helpful information for us parents)
So I highly recommend the Elf on the Shelf. It's really a pure and sweet childhood tradition.
Monica
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The Elf of Good Behavior
This was purchased as an early Xmas gift for my daughter to use with her 3 year old daughter, hannah. Mom did everything with this elf, he appeared each day in a different place, feigning activities such as decorating a dining light, using a few building blocks to make a xmas tree, sitting on the mantle peeping out, etc. Hannah was told she could not touch him or his magic disappeared (so the story in the book goes) and that he reported back to Santa each day on how good she had been. She also got to tell the Elf what she wanted for Xmas. It was so cute, normally good Hannah was extra good, and warned everyone who came to the house that they could look but not touch "Mr. Elf" or no more magic! He comes wth a book, but the elf, itself, is the big winner here. Great early Xmas present...remember for next year!
Top reviews from other countries
K. D. Mayhew Lear
Elf on a Shelf, making fun traditions
Reviewed in Canada on October 17, 2012Martina mother of two
great family tradition, the kids love it!
Reviewed in Canada on November 2, 2012
