who came up with elf on the shelf

The Elf on the Shelf was invented by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell. The idea came to Carol while she was reading a story to her grandchildren about elves who watch children and report back to Santa. Carol decided to make it a real tradition, creating the Elf on the Shelf with the help of her daughter. The Elf on the Shelf has since become a popular Christmas tradition and a beloved Christmas symbol.