where did elf on the shelf come from

The tradition of "Elf on the Shelf" originated in the early 1900s, when German immigrants brought the tradition of "der Elfenbeinwecker" (or "the ivory waker") to the United States. The practice involved placing small ivory dolls on the mantel or shelf to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck during the holiday season. In the 1920s, the tradition was adopted by American toy manufacturers who began producing porcelain dolls dressed in red and green clothing. The dolls became known as "Elves on the Shelf," and the modern tradition of Elf on the Shelf was born