when did elf on shelf start

The Elf on the Shelf® was created by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell in 2005. It was originally a book about a mischievous elf that reports to Santa about children's behavior. The elf was created to be placed in the home during the holiday season, and families were encouraged to name their elf and give it a personality. Over time, the concept evolved to include the elf leaving notes and playing tricks on children.