What was once a child’s book and toy has blossomed into an empire taking over houses worldwide during Christmas.
Key Details
- Since its debut in 2005, Elf on the Shelf has adopted more than 22.9 million elves and pets around the globe.
- The elves also have four animated specials on Netflix in the U.S. and Canada.
- Many other products have been introduced into the elf world—including clothes, pets, carrying cases, and other accessories transforming the child’s toy into a business empire.
Why it’s news
What started as a children’s book and toy has now transformed into an entire business empire.
The Elf on the Shelf began in 2005 with mom and daughter Carol Aebersold Chanda Bell. The two created the elf doll and rhyming book that has since captured children’s hearts worldwide.
After Thanksgiving, the elf comes from the North Pole, and children can find the elves in a new spot each day in the house. The elves watch the children and send back reports to Santa Clause detailing if the children are behaving leading to Christmas.
Since 2005 the company has sold over 22.9 million elves and pets across the globe and has become a full empire, reports The Hustle.
Now not only are children, and their parents encouraged to buy the elves, but there are also accessories, pets, clothes, and many other items that accompany the elves.
The elves also have their own movies broadcast on tv and four animated specials on the streaming platform Netflix.
What started as a simple toy is not a full business making elves and accessories to go in homes worldwide.
The company behind Elf on the Shelf does not release how much money is brought in each year, but considering the number of elves adopted and the cost of the elf is typically $30, it seems like business is good and not slowing anytime soon.