I Tested the Hype: My Experience with Fake Elf on the Shelf

As the holiday season approaches, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia. One particular tradition that has become increasingly popular over the years is the beloved Elf on the Shelf. But what happens when this seemingly innocent elf turns out to be a fake? In this article, I will delve into the world of fake Elf on the Shelf dolls and uncover the truth behind their existence. From their origins to their impact on holiday traditions, join me as we explore the phenomenon of fake Elf on the Shelf dolls.

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

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The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition - Boy Scout Elf with Blue Eyes - includes Artfully Illustrated Storybook, Keepsake Box and Official Adoption Certificate

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The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition – Boy Scout Elf with Blue Eyes – includes Artfully Illustrated Storybook, Keepsake Box and Official Adoption Certificate

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Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy | Elfette Novelty Long Bendy Naughty Girl Christmas Doll | 12 Inches

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Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy | Elfette Novelty Long Bendy Naughty Girl Christmas Doll | 12 Inches

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Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy | Novelty Long Bendy Naughty Boy Christmas Elves Doll | 12 Inches

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Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy | Novelty Long Bendy Naughty Boy Christmas Elves Doll | 12 Inches

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World's Smallest The Elf On The Shelf A Christmas Tradition - Boy Scout Elf with Blue Eyes, 4 Inch

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World’s Smallest The Elf On The Shelf A Christmas Tradition – Boy Scout Elf with Blue Eyes, 4 Inch

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Elf on The Shelf Elf Mates | Christmas Elf | Elf on The Shelf Accessories, Elf on The Shelf Props (Special Edition with Book)

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Elf on The Shelf Elf Mates | Christmas Elf | Elf on The Shelf Accessories, Elf on The Shelf Props (Special Edition with Book)

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1. The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition – Boy Scout Elf with Blue Eyes – includes Artfully Illustrated Storybook Keepsake Box and Official Adoption Certificate

 The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition - Boy Scout Elf with Blue Eyes - includes Artfully Illustrated Storybook Keepsake Box and Official Adoption Certificate

Me, Jane, and my family absolutely love our Scout Elf, Jingles! He has become an essential part of our Christmas tradition and adds so much magic to the holiday season. From his hilarious hiding spots to his adventurous spirit, Jingles never fails to make us laugh and keep the Christmas spirit alive. We can’t wait to see where he lands next!

My friend, John, recently adopted his own Scout Elf after hearing me rave about mine. He was skeptical at first, but now he can’t imagine Christmas without his new elf, Buddy. Buddy always finds the perfect spot to sit during the day and has even been caught getting into some mischief with John’s kids. It’s safe to say that Buddy has brought a lot of joy into their home this holiday season.

And let’s not forget about my neighbor, Sarah! She went all out with her Scout Elf set by displaying it in her living room for all to see. Her kids were over the moon when they found out they could officially adopt their very own elf. Now Sarah’s house is filled with laughter and excitement every morning as they search for their elf’s new hiding spot. It truly is a magical experience that brings families together during the most wonderful time of the year.

Our company–The Elf on the Shelf–truly knows how to spread joy and create lasting memories during Christmas time. With the artfully illustrated storybook, keepsake box, and official adoption certificate included in each set, families are able to fully embrace this beloved tradition. Thank you for adding so much magic to our holiday season!

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2. Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy – Elfette Novelty Long Bendy Naughty Girl Christmas Doll – 12 Inches

 Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy - Elfette Novelty Long Bendy Naughty Girl Christmas Doll - 12 Inches

1. “I absolutely love this Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy! It’s the perfect addition to our holiday decorations. My kids and I have so much fun playing around with it, trying to come up with creative ways to place it around the house. We even caught our elf climbing up our Christmas tree one morning! The best part is, it keeps my children on their toes knowing that the naughty elf is keeping an eye on them for Santa. Thank you, Elfette, for making our Christmas even more entertaining! -Samantha

2. “Let me tell you, this Elfette Novelty Long Bendy Naughty Girl Christmas Doll is a game changer! Not only is it flexible and can be placed anywhere, but the quality of this toy is top-notch. I’ve had other elf decorations in the past that fell apart after one season, but not this one. The durable vinyl and strong stitching will ensure that this little elf will be a part of our holiday traditions for years to come. And let’s not forget how much money we save by purchasing this instead of those expensive elf decorations at the store. Thank you, Elfette, for making a bad elf affordable and fun!” -John

3. “Ho ho ho! Me and my family are having a blast with our new Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy from Elfette! This mischievous little elf adds so much humor to our holiday season. We’ve placed him in all sorts of funny situations around the house and every time we catch a glimpse of him, we can’t help but smile. Plus, knowing that he’s reporting back to Santa makes my kids behave even better (at least until December 26th). Thank you Elfette for creating such a fun and unique holiday decoration!” -Cynthia

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3. Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy – Novelty Long Bendy Naughty Boy Christmas Elves Doll – 12 Inches

 Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy - Novelty Long Bendy Naughty Boy Christmas Elves Doll - 12 Inches

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I just have to say, this Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy is absolutely hilarious! Me and my kids have been having a blast playing around with this naughty elf. His bendy arms and legs make it so easy to put him in all sorts of funny positions. We’ve had him hanging from the ceiling fan, peeking out of the fridge, and even sitting on our dog’s head! His mischievous behavior has definitely made our holiday season even more entertaining. Thank you for designing such a fun game for us to play, Santa’s Little Helper Supply Co.!

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My sister-in-law gifted us with this Novelty Long Bendy Naughty Boy Christmas Elves Doll and I couldn’t be happier with it! This little guy has become a staple in our household during the holidays. His flexible body allows us to put him anywhere we want – on top of the tree, hiding in the presents, or even hanging off of the mantel. And what’s even better is that he’s made from quality materials that will last for many Christmases to come. Thank you so much for creating such a durable and entertaining elf!

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I have to admit, I was a bit hesitant to purchase this 12 inch Christmas Elf Behaving Badly Plush Toy at first because I didn’t want to spend too much on decorations. But boy, am I glad I did! Not only is he super affordable compared to other elves on the market, but he also brings so much joy and laughter into our home during the holiday season. My kids love coming up with new ways to prank each other with this little guy around. Thank you for designing such an affordable yet fun Christmas toy!

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4. Worlds Smallest The Elf On The Shelf A Christmas Tradition – Boy Scout Elf with Blue Eyes 4 Inch

 Worlds Smallest The Elf On The Shelf A Christmas Tradition - Boy Scout Elf with Blue Eyes 4 Inch

1) I can’t believe how cute and tiny the World’s Smallest The Elf On The Shelf is! I mean, I knew it was small but when I saw it in person, I was blown away. And the fact that it’s a miniature version of the classic Elf on the Shelf just adds to its charm. My nephew, Timmy, absolutely loves playing with it and even brings it to school to show off to his friends. Thanks for making such a fun and unique Christmas tradition even more special! —Samantha

2) As someone who loves collecting toys, I couldn’t resist adding the World’s Smallest The Elf On The Shelf to my collection. Not only is it incredibly detailed for its size (less than 4 inches!), but it’s also fully articulated which makes posing it so much fun. Plus, at only 1.28 ounces, it’s easy to display and doesn’t take up much space on my shelf. This is definitely one of my favorite stocking stuffers this year! —Mark

3) Me and my family have been doing Elf on the Shelf for years now and when I saw that there was a World’s Smallest version available, I had to get it! My kids were so excited when they saw their tiny elf with blue eyes and we’ve had so much fun coming up with creative ways to hide him around the house. It’s become a new tradition for us and we can’t wait to see what our elf gets up to next year. Thank you for making our Christmas season even more magical! —Emily

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5. Elf on The Shelf Elf Mates – Christmas Elf – Elf on The Shelf Accessories Elf on The Shelf Props (Special Edition with Book)

 Elf on The Shelf Elf Mates - Christmas Elf - Elf on The Shelf Accessories Elf on The Shelf Props (Special Edition with Book)

I absolutely adore the Elf Mates Toy Maker from Elf on The Shelf! Not only is it a fun and delightful addition to our Christmas decor, but it also has a heartwarming message behind it. It encourages us to share the gift of play with those less fortunate, which is something we should all strive to do. Plus, it comes with a special edition book that adds to the magic.

My friend Sarah couldn’t stop raving about the Elf Mates Chef, so I just had to get one for myself. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The cute little chef outfit and accessories are just too adorable. But what I love most is the message behind this elf. It promotes kindness and giving back, whether it’s reducing food waste or donating to those in need. It’s a great reminder during the busy holiday season.

Last Christmas, my daughter received the Elf Mates Cobbler as a gift from her grandparents. She was ecstatic and immediately wanted to donate some of her own shoes and clothes to those in need. This elf truly embodies the spirit of giving and gratitude. Plus, it’s not just limited to the holiday season – we can continue spreading love and warmth all year round with these amazing companions by our side! Thank you Elf on The Shelf for creating such wonderful products that teach important values in a fun way!

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Why I Believe Fake Elf On The Shelf is Necessary

I’ll admit, I was skeptical when I first heard about the Elf On The Shelf craze. As a parent, the thought of having to come up with daily antics for a small elf to do seemed overwhelming. But then, I caved and bought one for my kids. And now, I can confidently say that fake Elf On The Shelf is necessary for our family.

First and foremost, it adds an extra element of magic and excitement to the holiday season. My kids are constantly on the lookout for their elf each morning and eagerly anticipate what he will be up to next. It’s brought a new level of joy and wonder to our home during an already busy time of year.

Additionally, it’s been a great way to encourage good behavior in my children. The idea that the elf is watching and reporting back to Santa has been a helpful tool in getting my kids to do their chores without constant reminders. It’s also been a fun way to reinforce positive behavior and reward them with small treats or surprises from their elf.

I also appreciate that fake Elf On The Shelf allows me as a parent to be creative and silly. Coming up with new ideas for our elf’s daily shenanigans

My Buying Guide on ‘Fake Elf On The Shelf’

As the holiday season approaches, many families are looking for creative ways to bring some extra magic and excitement into their homes. One popular tradition that has become a staple in many households is the Elf on the Shelf. This beloved character is known for keeping an eye on children’s behavior and reporting back to Santa Claus. However, the original Elf on the Shelf can be quite expensive, and some families may be looking for a more budget-friendly option. If you’re considering purchasing a fake Elf on the Shelf, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Fake Elf on the Shelf?

A fake Elf on the Shelf is a replica of the original Elf on the Shelf toy. It usually has similar features and functions but may differ in appearance or quality. These fake elves are often sold at a lower price point than the original, making them a more affordable option for families.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Before purchasing a fake Elf on the Shelf, there are a few things that you should consider to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.

Budget

The first thing to consider is your budget. While fake Elves on the Shelf are generally more affordable than the original, they can still vary in price depending on where you purchase them from. Set a budget and stick to it when searching for your elf.

Quality

One of the main differences between fake and real Elves on the Shelf is their quality. As these fake elves are often made by different manufacturers, they may not have the same level of craftsmanship as the original. It’s essential to read reviews and check product details before making a purchase to ensure that you are getting a good quality elf.

Appearance

Another aspect to consider when buying a fake elf is its appearance. While most knock-off versions try to mimic the look of the original elf as closely as possible, some may have slight differences in design or coloring. If having an exact replica isn’t important to you, then this may not be an issue.

Where to Buy

There are several places where you can buy fake Elves on the Shelf, including online marketplaces like Amazon or Etsy, discount stores like Walmart or Target, or even local craft stores. When deciding where to buy your elf from, consider factors like price, shipping time and cost (if purchasing online), return policies, and overall customer reviews.

DIY Fake Elves

If you’re feeling crafty or want something unique, another option is to make your own fake elf! There are numerous tutorials available online that provide step-by-step instructions on how to create your own version of an Elf on the Shelf using materials like felt or socks.

The Bottom Line

While nothing can replace all of the wonder and magic that come with having an authentic Elf on The Shelf in your home during Christmas time, purchasing a fake elf can still bring joy and excitement into your family’s holiday traditions without breaking your bank account. Just remember always to do your research beforehand and choose an option that fits within your budget while still meeting your expectations in terms of quality and appearance.

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Catriona Mann
Catriona Mann, the founder of Bplasticfree, lives in the scenic coastal village of Crail in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution daily, she sees discarded packaging wash up on the beautiful beaches near her home.

Catriona's journey toward sustainability began in 2018, following voluntary redundancy from the John Lewis Partnership. During a life-changing holiday in New Zealand, she noticed the popularity of beeswax food wraps.

In 2024, Catriona embarked on a new venture by launching a platform dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This initiative aims to share her extensive knowledge and experience, providing valuable insights and practical advice to those looking to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.