Elf on the Shelf, as a product and modern tradition, began in 2005 with the release of the children’s book The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition packaged with the scout elf doll.
Origin
The idea came from a family tradition of Carol Aebersold, whose family had a small elf figure that “watched” children before Christmas starting in the 1970s. Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell turned this tradition into a book and activity set in the mid‑2000s, formally launching it for the public.
Publication year
The book The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition was written around 2004 and then self‑published in 2005, which is the year the Elf on the Shelf brand is considered to have been invented and introduced to the market. Since 2005, the franchise has expanded into various toys, pets, and media specials, but 2005 remains the key “invention” date.
