when did elf on the shelf come out

Elf on the Shelf has been around for quite some time, but it gained popularity in the early 2000s. The first Elf on the Shelf book was published in 2005, and the concept of having an elf that reports back to Santa each night became a holiday tradition in many homes. Since then, there have been many variations on the original story and new toys and merchandise released every year, making Elf on the Shelf a beloved holiday tradition for families around the world.