Nancy Angelia

Explore ideas, tips guide and info - Nancy Angelia

My Experience With Elf On The Shelf Board Book

As a parent, I always try to make the holiday season special for my children. That’s why I was excited to discover Elf On The Shelf Board Book, which has become a popular tradition in many households. I decided to give it a try with my kids and have been using it for the past few years.

What is Elf On The Shelf Board Book?

Elf On The Shelf Board Book is a children’s book that comes with a small toy elf. The concept is that the elf watches over the children during the day and reports back to Santa at night. Each morning, the elf can be found in a different location, and children love trying to find where he’s hiding.

Step By Step Guide

  1. Purchase Elf On The Shelf Board Book set.
  2. Read the book to your children, explaining the concept of the elf watching over them.
  3. Each night, move the elf to a new location while your children are sleeping.
  4. In the morning, your children can search for the elf and see where he’s hiding.
  5. Repeat this process every day until Christmas Eve, when the elf will return to the North Pole with Santa.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

  1. Get creative with where you place the elf – he can be hanging from a chandelier, sitting on a bookshelf, or hiding in a Christmas tree.
  2. Use props to make the elf’s hiding spot more elaborate – for example, have him leave a trail of candy canes or write a message on a mirror with a dry erase marker.
  3. Encourage your children to write letters to the elf and leave them out for him to read.
  4. Create a “good behavior” chart – each time your children do something kind or helpful, have the elf leave a note praising them.
  5. Use the elf as a way to promote healthy habits – have him leave a note encouraging your children to eat their vegetables or brush their teeth.
  6. Involve your children in the process – let them suggest new hiding spots for the elf or write notes to him.
  7. Have the elf bring small gifts or treats for your children throughout the month.
  8. Use the elf as a way to teach your children about giving back – have him encourage them to donate toys or clothes to those in need.
  9. Use the elf as a way to promote family time – have him leave notes suggesting fun activities for you to do together.
  10. Don’t stress too much about keeping up with the tradition – if you forget to move the elf one night, it’s okay!

Pros and Cons

Like any holiday tradition, Elf On The Shelf Board Book has its pros and cons.

Pros:

  • It can be a fun way to get your children excited about the holiday season
  • It encourages good behavior and kindness
  • It provides an opportunity for creative and imaginative play
  • It can become a cherished family tradition

Cons:

  • It can be stressful to come up with new hiding spots for the elf every night
  • It can be expensive to purchase the set
  • It may not be suitable for all families – some children may find the concept of the elf “spying” on them unsettling

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Overall, I’ve had a positive experience with Elf On The Shelf Board Book. My children look forward to finding the elf each morning, and it’s a fun way to kick off the holiday season. However, I do think it’s important to not take the tradition too seriously – if you forget to move the elf one night, it’s not the end of the world!

If you’re considering trying Elf On The Shelf Board Book with your family, I would recommend giving it a try. However, if you have younger children who may not understand the concept, or if you’re not interested in adding another holiday tradition to your already busy schedule, then it may not be the right fit for you.

FAQs

Q: Is Elf On The Shelf Board Book appropriate for all ages?

A: The book and toy are recommended for children ages 3 and up. However, it’s up to each individual family to decide if the tradition is appropriate for their children.

Q: Do I have to move the elf every night?

A: No, you don’t have to move the elf every night. Some families choose to move him every few nights or every other day.

Q: Do I have to purchase the Elf On The Shelf Board Book set?

A: No, you can create your own version of the tradition without purchasing the set. However, the set does come with a book that explains the concept and provides ideas for hiding spots.

The Elf on the Shelf® A Birthday Tradition Board Book Santa's Store from shop.elfontheshelf.com