is elf in the shelf real

Yes, the Elf on the Shelf is a real toy created by Carol Aebersold in 2005. It's a small, elf-like figure that comes with a book explaining the concept of the elf's magical powers. The toy is designed to inspire children to be good during the Christmas season. The toy is not alive, but it is a real object that children can interact with and move around their homes.