Best Elf on the Shelf accessories

Which are the best Elf on the Shelf accessories?

The Elf on the Shelf is a Christmas tradition in which magical Scout Elves help Santa keep his lists of who's naughty and nice updated every night. They're called Scout Elves because their job is to scout good behavior for Santa. They're also known for Elf on the Shelf pranks, such as tying up shoelaces and robbing piggy banks.

Every night the Scout Elves fly back to the North Pole with their reports for Santa. Each morning, they return to the homes of their holiday families and perch in a different spot than the night before. When kids wake up, they love searching for where their Scout Elf is today. The best Elf on the Shelf accessories will help them get more fun out of the tradition this holiday season.

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Elf on the Shelf rules

1. Kids are not allowed to touch their Elf on the Shelf doll because the Elf will lose its magical abilities if they do. 
2. Adults are allowed to touch the elves in emergencies but must use an oven mitt or tongs to help a fallen elf or one sitting on something you need, such as your backpack for school. 
3. Elves cannot speak, but they make up for it by being interested listeners who you can tell anything you like because your secrets are safe with them.
4. Each night, an Elf on the Shelf must return to a different spot in your home. If you left new clothes next to your Elf the night before, it could be wearing them the next morning. 
5. On Christmas Eve, all Elves must return to the North Pole to help Santa get all his gifts loaded for delivery to children around the world.

Returning an Elf on the Shelf's magical powers

Sometimes children accidentally touch their elves, depriving them of their magical ability to fly back to the North Pole each night. There are three ways to restore elves' power:

• Cinnamon is a magic potion for elves. When you sprinkle a tiny bit on them, they regain just enough magic to return to the North Pole, where an elf doctor quickly heals them.
• Singing together as a family is another temporary remedy for lost powers because no one likes Christmas songs as much as elves.
• Writing a letter of apology is the best way to get your Elf's magical powers back. Being sorry for your mistakes means a great deal to your Elf and to Santa, too.

Adoption packages

The classic Scout Elf and storybook come in multiple versions.

Elf on the Shelf Christmas Tradition Boy Scout Elf with Storybook

This kit comes in a keepsake box with an official elf adoption certificate and storybook explaining the holiday tradition, and how your Elf observes your behavior and reports back to Santa. With both boy and girl elves, you choose your Elf's name when you adopt.

Elf on the Shelf pets

Kids love elf pets because they can touch and play with them. Some pets come with their own Elf on the Shelf story and DVDs.

Elf on the Shelf Elf Pets: a Reindeer Tradition

When Santa needs more Christmas spirit, he calls on this soft plush Elf on the Shelf reindeer and children all over the world to come to his rescue. As with all elf pets, kids love hugging them.

Elf on the Shelf Elf Pets: an Arctic Fox Tradition

This fluffy white Arctic fox pup is all smiles with a collar around its neck that holds a small gold heart. It comes with its own storybook that you can read with your kids.

Elf on the Shelf Elf Pets: A St. Bernard Tradition

This cute brown and white dog has floppy ears, a pink tongue sticking out and a miniature keg hanging from a red ribbon around its neck. The hardbound companion book is beautifully illustrated.

Elf on the Shelf toys

Elf on the Shelf North Pole Advent Train

You get 24 days of playable surprises when you open one numbered space each day. The train set includes 10 mini figures and 14 fun accessories, featuring a mini engine and five railroad cars.

Tonttuovi Wooden Red Christmas Fairy Door

Add even more fairy magic this Christmas with this magical little red door. Create a little elf environment with the included wreath, sleigh, winter boots, welcome mat, elf hat, snow-covered Christmas tree and three wrapped presents.

Elf on the Shelf North Pole Goal and Gear

Your Elf looks ready to play in this red, white and green soccer uniform, designed by Mrs. Claus. You also get a cardboard goal backdrop with candy cane goalposts and Christmas lights on top of the net.

Elf on the Shelf letter and note supplies

Elf on the Shelf Letters to Santa

Santa's special paper shrinks your child's letters to Elf-size for personal delivery each night. After Santa reads them, he transforms them into keepsake ornaments that Scout Elves return for families to use year after year.

Elf Doctor Elf Notes 

This pack of 30 Elf on the Shelf notes helps kids get on Santa's nice list. One says you can be one of Santa's helpers if you do five things around the house today that help someone.

Elf on the Shelf clothes

These elf fashions are from the house of Santa Claus. Choose from dozens of colorful Elf on the Shelf outfits, each worn over the red jumpsuit and with a red and white hat.

Elf on the Shelf Jingle Jam Hoodie

Sometimes your Elf's red jumpsuit isn't warm enough, so make sure you give yours a green drawstring hoodie with a bold holiday saying on the front.

The Elf on the Shelf Outfit Value Pack

With this Elf on the Shelf kit, you get two skirts and a do-it-yourself ugly sweater set with six interchangeable Velcro adornments. All pieces are festively red, white and green, the classic Christmas colors. 

Lovelfstory Christmas Elf Doughnut Outfit

This colorful generic outfit fits boy and girl elf dolls equally well. The elf wears a doughnut bodysuit, which is a fun, sweet twist on traditional elf garb. 

The Elf on the Shelf Claus Couture Cookie PJs

Don't forget Christmas pajamas for your elf! This Elf on the Shelf pajamas set features a long-sleeve shirt with "cookies for breakfast" on the front, paired with pajama pants decorated with sprinkles, candy canes and Christmas stockings. 

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David Allan Van writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.