Parents' Guide to

The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf's Story

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Popular book inspires delightful holiday movie for families.

Movie NR 2011 24 minutes
The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf's Story Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 6+

Based on 10 parent reviews

CreativeMom2
CreativeMom2 Adult
January 3, 2016
age 3+

True Christmas Classic for Kids!

What's not to like? As a parent I really appreciate this for what it is--a sweet Christmas special with timeless messages like Christmas being a time for forgiveness and celebrating the season with love, joy and peace. This is cute and entertaining for adults who watch this with their children in mind and don't expect complicated plot lines. The songs are fun. There are no scary, bad guys. The themes are sweet. I do agree with the main reviewer that if your kids don't already have The Elf on the Shelf they will be clamoring for it... but after watching this, I'm not so sure that is a bad thing. I can't help but chuckle at everyone who made remarks that this is too commercial. I mean, really... do you think Rudolph, Frosty and Charlie Brown haven't made a fortune on merchandise? I don't think this is any different and I don't think the movie dwells on the "product" at all--other than helping to explain that the packaging is how an elf comes to your home. It's simple and sweet and stays true to the spirit of Christmas I want my children to celebrate.

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Great messages
1 person found this helpful.
bumpers
bumpers Adult
November 27, 2011
age 7+

elf in show says there is no santa

this is a good show but beware the first part of the movie. Santa says to the elf wow you have a big job to do this person does not believe in santa anymore. I realize there are a lot of shows that say it but why put the question in their mind. Just say he lost the spirit or magic. We all know what that means. later in the show the elf comes back saying he's sad he still has a lot of work to do and feels he's disappointing santa because the child still doesnt believe. in the end the child ends up believing. But like i said saying the words is very direct.
1 person found this helpful.
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What's the Story?

THE ELF ON THE SHELF follows the adventures of Chippey (voiced by Brendan Dooling), a novice scout elf from the North Pole who's assigned to the McTuttle home to keep tabs on the behavior of 9-year-old Taylor (Michael May) and his twin sisters, Kendyl (Evie Eikhoff) and Caroline (Julia Walters), so he can report back to Santa each night. Taylor's skepticism about Christmas makes him a tough assignment, and when he drains Chippey's magic by touching him (a cardinal no-no when dealing with elves), Chippey fears that he's failed his new family. But Christmas magic has a way of doing the impossible, and with a little faith from Taylor, holiday spirit might just change Chippey's fortune.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10):
Kids say (2):

What began as a simple Christmas tradition for one family has blossomed into a best-selling book that has now inspired what's sure to become a new addition to kids' holiday must-see list. Look past the modern CGI animation and you'll find a timeless story that deserves a place among the classics like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Viewers who are familiar with the book will love how this movie stays true to it, incorporating aspects of the story and the illustrations even while it expands on the tale by following an individual elf's journey to a home of his own.

There's a commercial tie-in to be considered, since the book cover is visible throughout the movie and one scene shows Chippey being boxed up with a copy of the story to be shipped out to his family. If you've already adopted your own family's elf, this will just enhance your kids' excitement about their magical visitor, but if you haven't, it's probably going to make them want one.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the holidays. What are some of your family's favorite traditions during the holidays? How do you incorporate aspects of your culture or religious beliefs into them? What do you think is the true meaning of Christmas?

  • Kids: Was anything about this movie's presentation of the North Pole different from that of other specials you've watched? Which parts were your favorites? What other shows do you traditionally watch during the holidays?

  • How does TV influence our desires for certain products? Are there toys or games that you've seen in TV shows or movies that you want? How does this kind of advertising work?

Movie Details

  • On DVD or streaming: November 26, 2011
  • Studio: CBS Films
  • Genre: Family and Kids
  • Run time: 24 minutes
  • MPAA rating: NR
  • Last updated: November 3, 2020

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