I first heard about Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition from Geppettos Toys. It’s a toy store in La Jolla, on Girard Street, that I absolutely love, though they have locations all over San Diego. I walk in, tell them who I’m buying for, and they immediately point me toward the hottest gifts of the season. That’s exactly what happened to me yesterday and I was in and out of the store within minutes. It’s a completely different experience than shopping at Toys R Us, where I was the day before.
I bought Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition (link is for the gift set, a better choice) at Geppettos. Another mom saw me and exclaimed, “It’s the best ever!” I didn’t really understand why until I opened it up. It truly is a genius concept that benefits parents AND children. I won’t get into too many details so that I don’t spoil the book for you. In brief summary, the Elf is there to watch over your kids. He tells Santa who has been naughty or nice. No child wants Santa to know they were naughty, do they? You can move the Elf around your house so that your kids get the feeling that he’s always watching. It’s meant to be cute, not “big brother” like. At the end of Christmas, you are to pack the Elf away with the rest of your decorations as he is supposed to return to Santa. He’ll reappear next year.
La Jolla Girl, I think, is a teeny bit too young (at 2.5 yrs) to totally grasp the concept but she loves the book and the Elf. You get to name your Elf and then register it online. She named hers “Turkey”. She’ll definitely get it next year, but I’m glad we have it now. She has a tough time not touching him (that’s one of the rules), so he sits high on our bookshelf. It’s clever, beautifully illustrated, and I’d recommend it if it falls in line with your beliefs.
www.elfontheshelf.com
www.geppettostoys.com
 on http://lajollamom.com){kind=link}
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Twitter: 2ToddlersandMe
December 2, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I’ve heard of this, but never understood it completely either. I’m glad you didn’t give it all away, but you got me more interested. I love anything that promotes good behavior in toddlers!
Twitter: musinmox
December 7, 2009 at 3:15 am
AWESOME! I am so getting one of those. I LOVE that LJG named hers Turkey. That is also awesomesauce.
I think the Elf would better benefit me and my naughty ways than my kids.
My blog is moving, LJM! I hope you’ll follow me over. It just wouldn’t be the same without your green shoe.
.-= Mox´s last blog ..Music Monday from the Family =-.
Twitter: thenagainphoto
December 7, 2009 at 4:36 am
I NEED this! Maybe then I can take the video camera monitor outta the basement and put it back in the baby’s room where it belongs!
.-= parenting BY dummies´s last blog ..Make New (i)friends Monday: Miss Dot =-.
Oh! I remember Geppetto’s! I worked in La Jolla for about 12 years. I used to run on the beach every morning. I miss it. I’m now in upstate NY.
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