To get an elf on the shelf, you will need to follow the instructions provided in the Elf on the Shelf Starter Kit. This kit includes a Scout Elf doll, a special Scout Elf name, and a Letter to the Family. The Scout Elf doll is designed to be placed on a shelf or other elevated location, where it will watch over your child and report back to Santa at the North Pole. Once your child has named their Scout Elf and read the letter from Santa, they can begin to interact with the Scout Elf and begin their own traditions.