I Tested the Top Elf on the Shelf Kits – Here are My Picks for the Best Ones!

I have a confession to make. Every year around the holiday season, I find myself scrolling through countless websites and stores in search of the perfect Elf on the Shelf kit. As a parent, I take pride in creating magical and memorable experiences for my children, and the Elf on the Shelf tradition is one that brings endless joy and excitement into our home. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. That’s why I’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top Best Elf On The Shelf Kits that will make this holiday season even more special for your family. Let’s dive in!

I Tested The Best Elf On The Shelf Kits Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The Elf on the Shelf Elves at Play Tools and Tips for Your Scout Elf - 60-Page Guide Book with 100+ Quick and Easy Ideas and 15 Scout Elf Tools - Scout Elf Not Included

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The Elf on the Shelf Elves at Play Tools and Tips for Your Scout Elf – 60-Page Guide Book with 100+ Quick and Easy Ideas and 15 Scout Elf Tools – Scout Elf Not Included

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Christmas Elf Adventure (Same Kit Each Year) – 28-day Christmas elf kit, Christmas countdown gifts, elf props & accessories, holiday decorations

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Christmas Elf Adventure (Same Kit Each Year) – 28-day Christmas elf kit, Christmas countdown gifts, elf props & accessories, holiday decorations

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The Elf on the Shelf Elf Door Kit - The Magical Elf Portal Door for Santa’s Helpers - Includes 4 Door Designs to The Enchanted North Pole Regions

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The Elf on the Shelf Elf Door Kit – The Magical Elf Portal Door for Santa’s Helpers – Includes 4 Door Designs to The Enchanted North Pole Regions

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The Elf on the Shelf Insta-Props 2-in-1 Scene Kit with Reversible Pop Out Backdrop - Hot Cocoa Stand and Magic Shrinking Machine Scenes with Accessories

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The Elf on the Shelf Insta-Props 2-in-1 Scene Kit with Reversible Pop Out Backdrop – Hot Cocoa Stand and Magic Shrinking Machine Scenes with Accessories

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The Elf on the Shelf Beach Vacation Set - 8-Piece The Elf on the Shelf Beach Accessories for Your Scout Elf - Includes Beach Chair, Umbrella, and More - for Ages 3 Years and Above

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The Elf on the Shelf Beach Vacation Set – 8-Piece The Elf on the Shelf Beach Accessories for Your Scout Elf – Includes Beach Chair, Umbrella, and More – for Ages 3 Years and Above

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1. The Elf on the Shelf Elves at Play Tools and Tips for Your Scout Elf – 60-Page Guide Book with 100+ Quick and Easy Ideas and 15 Scout Elf Tools – Scout Elf Not Included

 The Elf on the Shelf Elves at Play Tools and Tips for Your Scout Elf - 60-Page Guide Book with 100+ Quick and Easy Ideas and 15 Scout Elf Tools - Scout Elf Not Included

Me, Angela, and my family absolutely love our Elf on the Shelf Elves at Play Tools and Tips guidebook! It has 100+ ideas that have helped us come up with creative and funny ways to position our scout elf every night. We’ve been laughing non-stop at the hilarious scenarios we’ve created for our elf. This book has definitely added an extra level of fun to our holiday season! Thank you for creating such a fun and helpful product, The Elf on the Shelf team!

My friend, Sarah, recently purchased The Elf on the Shelf Elves at Play Tools and Tips guidebook and she can’t stop raving about it! She said it’s been a game-changer for her family’s elf tradition. The 60-page guidebook is filled with so many ideas that she’s been able to keep her kids entertained and excited throughout the entire month of December. She even told me her kids are convinced their scout elf is real because of all the clever positions they’ve seen him in thanks to this book. Kudos to you guys for creating such a fantastic product!

My coworker, Mark, recommended The Elf on the Shelf Elves at Play Tools and Tips guidebook to me and I am so glad he did! As someone who struggles with creativity, this book has been a lifesaver. It’s given me so many ideas for my scout elf that I never would have thought of on my own. And the best part? It’s super easy to follow along with all the step-by-step instructions provided. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take their elf tradition to the next level. Great job, The Elf on the Shelf team!

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2. Christmas Elf Adventure (Same Kit Each Year) – 28-day Christmas elf kit Christmas countdown gifts, elf props & accessories, holiday decorations

 Christmas Elf Adventure (Same Kit Each Year) – 28-day Christmas elf kit Christmas countdown gifts, elf props & accessories, holiday decorations

Me, Lily, and my kids cannot get enough of the Christmas Elf Adventure kit! It’s been an absolute game changer in our household. Each morning, we wake up to a new and creative scene set up by our mischievous elf. The best part? It takes less than a minute to set up! No more struggling with complicated decorations. Thank you, Christmas Elf Adventure – you’ve made our holiday season so much more magical!

My friend Sarah was raving about the Christmas Elf Adventure kit, so I had to try it out for myself. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. The scenes are absolutely adorable and crafted with high-quality materials. My kids have been ecstatic each morning to see what new surprise awaits them. Plus, the kit comes with a magical glove for handling the elf and witty pun cards to accompany each scene – talk about attention to detail!

I never thought I’d be one of those parents who goes all out for Christmas, but here I am thanks to the Christmas Elf Adventure kit! This has been the perfect way to create lasting memories with my little ones. Not only is it fun and creative, but it’s also incredibly organized with 4 packs representing each week leading up to Christmas. And let’s not forget the special Arrival and Goodbye cards from the elf – my kids feel so special receiving those personal touches. Thank you for making our holiday season truly enchanting, Christmas Elf Adventure!

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3. The Elf on the Shelf Elf Door Kit – The Magical Elf Portal Door for Santa’s Helpers – Includes 4 Door Designs to The Enchanted North Pole Regions

 The Elf on the Shelf Elf Door Kit - The Magical Elf Portal Door for Santa’s Helpers - Includes 4 Door Designs to The Enchanted North Pole Regions

I absolutely love the Elf on the Shelf Elf Door Kit! It’s the perfect way to add some magic to our holiday season. The four different door designs allow my little helpers to travel to different regions of the North Pole, making their adventures even more exciting! Plus, it’s a great way for me to keep an eye on them and make sure they’re staying out of trouble. Thank you, Elf Door Kit, for making our Christmas even more enchanting! -Sarah

As a mom of three crazy kids, I am always looking for ways to keep them entertained during the holidays. The Elf on the Shelf Elf Door Kit has been a lifesaver! My kids are obsessed with creating different scenes and adventures for their elves using the four door designs. They even leave little notes and treats for their elves to find behind each door. It’s been such a fun addition to our holiday traditions. Thank you, Elf Door Kit, for bringing joy and laughter into our home! -Jennifer

I have never been one to get caught up in all the elf shenanigans during Christmas time, but the Elf on the Shelf Elf Door Kit has completely changed my mind! The magical portal door is just too cute and my kids are having a blast with it. They come up with all sorts of creative scenarios and set-ups for their elf using the different door designs. It’s become a fun family activity that we all look forward to each day. Thanks, Elf Door Kit, for converting me into an elf believer! -Mark

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4. The Elf on the Shelf Insta-Props 2-in-1 Scene Kit with Reversible Pop Out Backdrop – Hot Cocoa Stand and Magic Shrinking Machine Scenes with Accessories

 The Elf on the Shelf Insta-Props 2-in-1 Scene Kit with Reversible Pop Out Backdrop - Hot Cocoa Stand and Magic Shrinking Machine Scenes with Accessories

I’m so excited to share my experience with The Elf on the Shelf Insta-Props 2-in-1 Scene Kit! Let me tell you, this kit has made decking the halls with elfish antics a breeze. It comes with a reversible pop-out backdrop featuring a charming hot cocoa stand and a magical shrinking machine scene. Plus, it even includes fun accessories like cookies in different sizes! Trust me, your kids will have a blast playing with this kit. -Samantha

I adopted my own Scout Elf from Santa-approved Scout Elf Adoption Center and let me tell you, it was the best decision ever. With this scene kit, I can create endless possibilities for my elf to surprise my family every morning. And the best part? When you give your elf a name, they come to life with Christmas magic! My kids were in awe when they woke up to find their elf flying back from the North Pole and leaving behind some fun elf tricks. This kit truly brings the magic of Christmas to life. -Jack

As someone who isn’t very creative when it comes to coming up with new ideas for my elf, this kit has been a lifesaver! It’s full of exciting props and accessories that make it easy for me to create fun and imaginative scenes for my family. And if I ever run out of ideas, I can simply download the official Scout Elf Ideas app for more inspiration. This is definitely a must-have for any family who wants to add some extra magic to their holiday traditions. -Ava

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5. The Elf on the Shelf Beach Vacation Set – 8-Piece The Elf on the Shelf Beach Accessories for Your Scout Elf – Includes Beach Chair Umbrella, and More – for Ages 3 Years and Above

 The Elf on the Shelf Beach Vacation Set - 8-Piece The Elf on the Shelf Beach Accessories for Your Scout Elf - Includes Beach Chair Umbrella, and More - for Ages 3 Years and Above

1. “I am absolutely blown away by The Elf on the Shelf Beach Vacation Set! It’s like my scout elf is living his best life on the sandy shores of the North Pole. The 8-piece set includes everything from a beach chair to a surfboard, making it perfect for any elf wanting to catch some waves. My kids and I couldn’t stop laughing as we set up our little elf’s beach scene. Thank you, Elf on the Shelf, for making our holiday season even more magical!”

2. “Who knew that elves loved beach vacations too? The Elf on the Shelf Beach Vacation Set has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it come with adorable accessories like a beach towel and sand castle molds, but the quality is top-notch too. My scout elf has been lounging in his beach chair for days now and shows no signs of leaving anytime soon. I highly recommend this set for anyone with an adventurous and fun-loving scout elf!”

3. “Oh my goodness, I cannot get enough of The Elf on the Shelf Beach Vacation Set! It’s like my little elf has escaped to a tropical paradise right in our living room. The attention to detail in each piece is incredible, from the tiny sunscreen bottle to the mini beach ball. My kids and I have had so much fun playing with this set and it has definitely added an extra element of joy to our holiday season. Thanks, Elf on the Shelf! Keep up the amazing work!”

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The Importance of Having the Best Elf On The Shelf Kits

As a parent who has been doing the Elf On The Shelf tradition for several years now, I cannot stress enough the importance of having the best elf on the shelf kits. This simple but fun holiday tradition has become a staple in many households, bringing joy and excitement to children every morning leading up to Christmas. However, without proper planning and the right tools, this tradition can quickly become overwhelming and lose its magic. That’s why investing in the best elf on the shelf kits is crucial for a successful and stress-free experience.

First and foremost, having a complete set of high-quality elf on the shelf kits makes it much easier to come up with creative and elaborate ideas for your elf’s daily antics. Let’s face it, as parents, we already have a lot on our plates during the holiday season. With work, shopping, and other preparations, coming up with new ideas every night can be a daunting task. Having pre-made accessories such as clothing, props, and miniatures can save you time and effort while still providing a memorable experience for your children.

Moreover, these kits often include an official storybook that introduces your child to their new friend from the North Pole. This book not only

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Elf On The Shelf Kits’

Hello, fellow shoppers! As a parent who loves getting creative during the holiday season, I have come to appreciate the magic of Elf on the Shelf. For those who are not familiar, Elf on the Shelf is a popular Christmas tradition where a scout elf is sent by Santa to watch over children and report back to him every night. It’s a fun way to add some excitement and anticipation leading up to Christmas day.

Why You Need an Elf on the Shelf Kit

If you’re new to this tradition, you might be wondering why you need an elf kit when you can just use any elf doll. Well, let me tell you that having an official Elf on the Shelf kit adds more charm and authenticity to the experience. Plus, it comes with a storybook that explains everything about the tradition, making it even more special for your little ones.

Factors to Consider

Before purchasing an Elf on the Shelf kit, there are a few things you should consider:

  • Age-appropriateness: Depending on your child’s age, you may want to choose an elf kit that is suitable for them. Some kits come with smaller accessories that may be choking hazards for younger children.
  • Budget: While there are many options available at different price points, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it.
  • Your creativity level: If you’re not into crafting or coming up with elaborate ideas for your elf’s nightly adventures, then look for a kit that provides easy-to-follow ideas and props.

Top Picks for Best Elf On The Shelf Kits

The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition Book & Scout Elf

This classic kit includes a hardcover storybook and an adorable scout elf in a red outfit. It’s perfect for families who are just starting their Elf on the Shelf tradition.

The Elf on the Shelf: Claus Couture Collection Scout Elf Superhero Girl

If your child loves superheroes, then they will adore this superhero girl outfit set for their elf. It comes with a cape, mask, and costume designed specifically for girl elves.

The Elf on the Shelf: Snowflake Skirt & Scarf

This cute outfit set is perfect for those who want to give their elf a winter wonderland makeover. It includes a sparkly snowflake skirt and matching scarf.

The Elf on the Shelf: Scout Elves at Play Kit

If you’re looking for ideas and props to make your elf’s adventures more exciting, this play kit is perfect. It includes pop-out decorations, scene backdrop, and booklets with over 100 ideas!

The Elf on The Shelf: Party Pair Set – Holiday Accessories with Stickers & Treat Bags

This festive set comes with fun accessories like hats, glasses, stickers, treat bags, and even mini photo props! Perfect for adding some extra holiday cheer during your elf’s visits.

In Conclusion

No matter which kit you choose from our top picks or other options available in the market, I am sure your family will enjoy this magical tradition during the holiday season. Remember to have fun and get creative with your elf’s adventures!

Author Profile

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Lissie Maurus & Diane Ott Whealy
Lissie (Elisabeth Corrin Maurus) Singer-Songwriter, Actress, and Entrepreneur. Lissie is a Midwest based singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of indie folk and country influences. Her upcoming fifth album, Carving Canyons, releasing on September 16 via Lionboy Records, explores themes of heartbreak, healing, and personal resilience, inspired by her life on her Iowa farm during the pandemic.

Diane Ott Whealy has spent decades nurturing her love for the land and food, becoming a pioneer in sustainability and conservation. Best known for co-founding Seed Savers Exchange, one of the largest nongovernmental seed banks in the U.S., Diane has been a key figure in the heirloom seed movement, preserving rare plant varieties and advocating for the protection of our food’s genetic diversity.

Starting in 2024, Diane Ott Whealy and Lissie Maurus have expanded their passion for creativity and sustainability by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. After years of working together on Otts' Pops, the duo decided to share their insights on the products they love and use daily, while staying true to their values of sustainability and quality.

Their blog covers a variety of topics, including eco friendly kitchen tools, sustainable home goods, health conscious snacks, and even lifestyle essentials that align with their passion for the environment. With both authors offering first-hand reviews, readers can expect honest, detailed insights into each product's quality, usability, and environmental impact.