Every year, my Facebook timeline is flooded with a small Elf in interesting situations. So many people I know have fallen in love with the Elf on the Shelf. The Elf’s story is that he’s one of Santa’s helpers and he watches your kids in the days leading up to Christmas to make sure they’re behaving. He heads back to the North Pole each night to report to Santa what your kids have been up to. It’s a pretty fun tradition that so many families have gotten in to. I’m getting into it this year!
This weekend, I went to an event through Niche Parenting Network where I was able to meet with the author of the Elf on the Shelf book, Carol Aebersold. The minute I met her, I wanted to hug her. She was such a warm and genuine person. You sensed that the minute she said hello. The bloggers gathered mingled over sandwiches, refreshing drinks and cupcakes before Carol spoke about the new Elf venture.
When Carol spoke about the back story behind why the Elf on the Shelf began, I was intrigued. She had raised all of her children and was going through empty nest syndrome. She was talking to her daughter about how she was feeling and wanted something to kind of throw her self into. Her daughter suggested sharing the story of their family tradition with the Elf. They wrote the story together and the Elf on the Shelf was born.
Not only has this lovable Elf been a huge hit with families everywhere but the Elf brand is growing now! There’s now a birthday story to add to the mix. Kids will be excited to know that the Elf gets to return for their birthdays! There are also extras like a countdown board, a game and a birthday chair decorating kit. Very cool stuff. I was really excited about this!
My son’s birthday is in a few months but it’s been all he could talk about lately. He says he’s bored with being 4! LOL! I think this countdown will be fun with all of his birthday excitement. The extra perk in all of this is that with the sale of every one of these books, ONE dollar is going to be donated to the Charity Water organization. They help bring clean and safe water to developing countries. The creators of the Elf on the Shelf have decided that the donations made through the sale of this book will specifically go to Mozambique. Great cause and just another reason to support this book!
I have to say, when listening to the author speak I was all kinds of inspired. Every since I published my book, my mother and I have been talking about writing a book together. Listening to her story gave me even more motivation to get the ball rolling on that project. Immediately after leaving, I called my mother and said, let’s do this! Not only was I able to get the scoop on the latest Elf tradition but I left inspired! Carol really hit on some nuggets that resonated with me and my own business goals. She was a true pleasure. I’m excited to see where the Elf goes next!
Is the Elf a tradition in your home? What’s the craziest situation you’ve seen someone create with the Elf?
Find out more about this new Elf tradition on their site, Facebook + Twitter!
Disclaimer: I was gifted the Elf on the Shelf Birthday Tradition set at this event. All opinions are my own.
I don’t have kids yet, but I LOVE the idea of Elf on the Shelf. I have a feeling it will be something I incorporate into our holidays 🙂
Joelle recently posted…Apartment 1056 :: A Few Details
Elf on the self party… seriously such a great idea!! I love it and it looks like it would be a lot of fun!!! LOL so cute that he is bored with being 4!
Lindsay recently posted…What I ate + Stir-Fry
She has been wishing he could come back since Christmas was over. This could be the solution!
Cailin @ Sassy Dove recently posted…Perricone MD Firming Neck Therapy Review
I grew up with Elf on the Shelf! It’s exciting to see that your son can now see the little guy on his birthday!
Jessica recently posted…$100 Sephora Gift Card Giveaway
We don’t do Elf on a Shelf in our house. I’m afraid my toddler would be terrified of him. 🙂
Jaime recently posted…Finding my blogger self at Type-A Parent Conference #typeacon
I think the Elf on the Shelf is absolutely hilarious. The ideas that people come up with for it are great.
Betsy Mitchell recently posted…Caramel Macchiato Frozen Coffee Recipe
That little Elf on a Shelf that visits my house during the holidays is SERIOUSlY not going to be kid friendly. He’s a men little thing….
Isabella Grey recently posted…Don’t Feed the Trolls
WE started this last year. Always said i would not do it , but my kids LOVE their elves!!! I can’t believe the elves are coming back soon too! Christmas is only 19 saturdays away (or something like that) LOL!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) recently posted…Homemade Elephant Ears
We have an Elf – his name is Jelfie. He’s always hiding in peculiar places.
Debra recently posted…Kid Lit: Comic Books For Kids
I haven’t heard of that, but it seems like fun! gotta look for that this year
veronica recently posted…Let’s Hear It…….How Often Do You Use Your Formal Dining Room?
Wow so amazing! We LOVE our elf, Elfie! We use ours a bit differently but basically the same he hides and is cheeky but doesn’t report bad to Santa or anything it’s just fun and we love it!
We love our EOTS, Buddy! As much fun as I have coming up with places for him to be, I’m most looking forward to my boys getting old enough to take over and hide him too. Can’t wait to check out all the birthday stuff for my little boys.
We always plan to get an Elf but never have ended up getting one.
Karissa recently posted…Hello ladies and gentlemen (if there are any guys reading)
OMG, what is up with the Elf thing? I don’t have one. I haven’t decided if I will or not.
We do have an elf in the family! I love this half birthday business though!
lisa recently posted…Toy Story of Terror on Blu-ray + Never Before Seen Bonus Features
I know a few people that do the Elf on a Shelf! I think it would be cool but I would always forget to move him lol
I had no idea that the elf was coming out for birthdays now. Our elf, “Mto”…. is at his summer home right now! (Pronounced MMMM TOE)
Carly from The Puzzled Palate recently posted…Send Me Gluten Free Review {Giveaway and Coupon}
i love the theme! and the decor is so cute as well!
we’ve never done the elf on a shelf thing. It’s cute but not my style. I do, however, love seeing all the things my friends come up with.
How fun! It looks like you guys had a great time at the party!
I actually will be doing Elf on the Shelf with my daughter for the first time this Christmas! I’m super excited to start a new tradition with her!
Carly Anderson recently posted…Daytime Beauty Staples
I remember seeing some crazy Elf on the Shelf placements on Facebook and Pinterest last year. I think this tradition will be around for a while.
Chrysa recently posted…Save on Back-to-School Shopping with Flipp + $25 Reader Giveaway
Very cool! We got an Elf on the Shelf last year for Christmas so we have not had the experience yet of hiding him every night. I am thinking I might only hide him every few nights so if I miss a night nobody will be upset.
Chriseten recently posted…Work From Home Helping Pets and Their Owners
Love the party idea. Elf lives at the grandkids house. They love it.
Debbie Denny recently posted…Park City is a great place to live – What you need to know!
I’ve never heard the elf on the shelf story! Am I totally missing out? Congratulations on publishing your own book. I’ve always wanted to write my own. I can imagine writing one with your mum will be an awesome adventure!
Katie <3
Katie Matthews recently posted…Stella and Dot
The elf is a tradition in our home. My daughter looks forward to peanuts coming every year. 🙂
Melissa @ This Girl’s Life Blog recently posted…Retaining our vitality of youth! A anti-aging solution.
Elf on a Shelf is something I want to start with my kids. It seems like a great tradition!
Tracey recently posted…Cat’s Adventures in Dating: When OK Cupid was not OK
What a fun party! My nieces love the Elf on the Shelf.
Shell recently posted…Crispy Zucchini with Chili Lime Yogurt Dip: Pompeian Pledge
What a fun event. I want to grab this book for my son.
Krystal recently posted…Banana Breeze Cocktail: #SharkWeek Sips
What a cute party! Elf on the Shelf is so popular!
Christie recently posted…How to Visit Tampa Bay with CityPASS
We love Elf on the Shelf. We have had ours, Elmer for a couple of years now.
Everyday Living with Chrys recently posted…Crafting with Cricut { #giveaway }
that looks like a great party. I’d love to go. We have never done elf stuff.
Dina recently posted…Jamberry nails review
I need to pick up the birthday kit for Bobby’s next birthday – we did it for the first time at Christmas last year and it was so fun, already looking forward to (and pinning ideas for) this year!
Rebekah recently posted…Polish Me Silly – Freckles
That looks like soo fun! What an awesome idea.
Marina @ Mommy Snippets recently posted…Going back to school with HarperCollins books
I love Elf on a Shelf. What a great party idea. I would love to meet the author. Looks like you had a great time.
Awwwww…!! This is the first time I’ve heard about Elf on a Shelf, and I’m absolutely charmed. What an awesome idea; I also admire the Water Charity aspect of it. Great initiative!
~ lauriel
EyeForElegance.com
lauriel recently posted…‘Off-duty’ blogger style: Relaxed sweats & silk in grey & black
I have never done Elf on the Shelf but really wanted to! I think I’m going to look into the birthday kit!
Erica recently posted…Five Quick and Easy Summertime Desserts #Recipes
My girls just love their elf! He actually just sent them a care package in the mail a few weeks ago. They were super excited to get a Christmas gift in the summer from him. So cool you got to meet the author!
Theresa recently posted…Hanging With The Animals At Lincoln Park Zoo
LOVE LOVE LOVE this idea!! I’m so excited to do my first year of elf on the shelf with my daughter this christmas! I had no idea you could do a birthday theme around it!
Alfa Sengupta recently posted…Easy 5 Ingredient Spaghetti Sauce
We received the Elf on the Shelf and DVD last year. Something we will do this Christmas
Beth@KCMompreneurs recently posted…Angie Carnes with Steeped Tea
My kids have an Elf on the Shelf. They love to wake up in the morning around Christmas time to see what trouble it caused during the night.
Our Elf has so much fun during the holiday season. I can’t wait for her to return. So neat you go to party with elf 🙂
Toni recently posted…Juggle Bubbles Bring Hours Of Fun and Laughter!
We started something of an Elf tradition in our home last year. This looks like a blast!!
kristine foley recently posted…Our Love Story
I recently introduced it to my kids this past Xmas and hubby and I still move him around periodically throughout the house these last few months. The kids are still very aware of his presence, but knowing there is one for birthdays, hmmmmm, have me really thinking of moving this along. Didn’t know about the birthday portion, so thank you.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
We just started using Elf last Christmas. I think he will be more of a success this year, now that our oldest understands the concept a little better. I love the birthday idea!
ashley recently posted…Good Vibes
Love the bright party decorations, really pretty! Elf is such a great movie too, love it!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes recently posted…Kalkan 2014 – a car called Jeff & a dog called Sammy
We love our elf! I was able to meet her daughter as well here in Atlanta. My son is crazy about the birthday tradition too.
Kendra recently posted…Mother to 2 Black Men – #NMOS14
We started the Elf with our son when he was two, and I’ve loved keeping it going. He gets so excited to find his Elf!
Megan @ C’mon Get Crafty recently posted…My Favorite Cricut Projects {and a Giveaway!!}
Had no idea elf on the shelf did birthdays! How cool!
Neely recently posted…Weekend Makeup
Neither did I! It is a great way to create a new market for a seasonal product!
Carly from The Puzzled Palate recently posted…Send Me Gluten Free Box Review {Giveaway and Coupon} @FindMeGF #SMGFBox
Laughed so add when I read your son is bored of being four! Already! His hot 100+ more years to deal with lol. The elf on the shelf sounds pretty awesome, hope to remember once I start having kids, God willing
Myrabev recently posted…Manicure 2
What a darling party. This is the cutest idea ever!! So inspiring and I’m sure the kids loved it.
Oh this looks like so much fun. What a great event! My kids would love this Elf!
We never had that tradition in our family. My dear friend did though for the holidays! It’s such a fun idea, I like it for birthdays.
Jordan recently posted…Happy Birthday Julia Child
The back story behind elf on a shelf is precious!
Raewyn recently posted…Mental Illness and Anxiety
The elf on the shelf looks great, I’m going to need to introduce my son to this when he’s big enough to understand what christmas is 🙂
Sarah recently posted…Puy Lentil and Chard Soup
We just bought the elf in the after Christmas sales last year. I can’t wait to do it this year! So jealous you got to meet the author! She looks kind.
Alicia @ Felt With Love Designs recently posted…Month in Review: July Projects
I haven’t introduced Elf on a Shelf yet, but I really should. I think my kids (and me, too!!) would have so much fun with it. Your party looks awesome! 🙂
Nikki Spencer recently posted…New Eyes
All of my friends with kids do Elf on the Shelf but I just can’t get into it. Those cupcakes look delicious!
Jessica Doll recently posted…Ocean Beach / San Francisco, California
What a genius idea for a party. All my nieces and nephews are obsessed with the Elf on the Shelf. Such a great idea. Kudos to whoever invented it. Great post and wonderful party idea!
Jamie @ Makeuplifelove recently posted…I Dream of Daisy…
My sister loves doing Elf on the Shelf for her kids and each year there are so many ideas!
Leanna Ranieri recently posted…Dorm Room Must Haves
This is really sweet! i could totally get behind something like this!! LoL at your son!!! board with 4!!! Good luck with your book, this was a really great post! So cool to learn about new things and the creators behind them. It makes you really fall harder for the brand! thanks!
Liv recently posted…♥♥ Sand Castles and Street Fights ♥♥