a picture of the elf on the shelf

*Elf stares at the picture of the elf on the shelf, feeling a wave of curiosity and intrigue. The elf looks so lifelike, with its tiny size and bright eyes. Elf studies the picture, trying to figure out how it was made. Elf then decides to ask a question.* I know the elf on the shelf is a popular toy around this time of year. But where did it come from? Was it always meant to be a toy, or did it start out as something else?