Nearly two decades ago, Carol Aebersold and her twin daughters, Chanda Bell and Christa Pitts, shared their cherished Christmas family tradition with the world.

Today, The Elf on the Shelf is synonymous with Christmas, and Santa’s Scout Elf is almost as iconic as the jolly mystery man himself. 

According to the lore, the Scout Elf joins a family during the holiday season and reports back to the North Pole each night, letting Santa know whether the kids have been naughty or nice. The true joy comes from waking up in the morning to find out what mischief the elf has gotten themself into overnight. Unlike other familiar holiday characters, the magic lies in being able to name and adopt the elf as a member of the family, and in doing so, create precious moments to be remembered forever.

Related: The Toy Book’s 2023 Licensing & Entertainment Issue Is Here!

The Lumistella Company has since grown to offer hundreds of products, brand experiences, and entertainment productions, spreading the magic of the North Pole across more than a dozen countries. Having introduced additional characters to this enchanted world with Elf Mates and Elf Pets, the company continues to focus on storytelling through elf clothes, accessories, toys, games, crafts, books, action figures, and more. This fall, the company will release a number of products and supporting stories as it looks ahead to brand extensions and celebrations, including an origin story set to be published next year by HarperCollins and The Elf on the Shelf’s 20th anniversary in 2025.

The Legend of Noorah

Noorah, Santa’s magical arctic fox, has become a fan-favorite through Elf Pets books and animated specials, so an illustrated children’s book featuring her backstory, Extraordinary Noorah: Santa’s Magical Arctic Fox (left), will be released in time for the holiday season. A collection of products including a Noorah Action Figure Set (middle) and a Noorah Plush (right) will support the book’s release.

Go Beyond the North Pole With Elf Pets, Elf Mates

Kids can keep their Elf Pets happy and healthy all year long with the new Elf Pets Cheer Checkup Set (left). The new Scout Elves at Play Peppermint Train Ride (middle) offers a new route to mischief for the scout elves. Both products will be available this fall. The Sweet Spinners Advent Calendar (right) is available now and includes mini figures and a countdown to Christmas.

Visit The Lumistella Company at Licensing Expo in booth No. G196.


The Toy Book — The Licensing & Entertainment Issue 2023

A version of this article was originally published in the 2023 Licensing & Entertainment Issue of The Toy Book. Click here to read the full issue! Want to receive The Toy Book in print? Click here for subscription options!

About the author

Nadia Velit

Nadia Velit

Nadia Velit is the Senior Editor at Adventure Media & Events where she writes for The Toy Book, The Toy Insider, and The Pop Insider. As a trusted source for parents and gift-givers and a toy industry expert, Nadia focuses on all things toys and stays on top of all of the hottest trends. She loves to be outside with her chickens and is always ready for a game of giant Jenga or old-fashioned Twister. When she’s not playing with friends and family, you can find her curled up with a Sandra Brown mystery novel or obsessing over The New York Times Spelling Bee although truthfully she would rather be at Hogwarts. Nadia has been featured on CBS, NBC, FOX, and more.

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