Elves Flying Off Local Shelves

He's been around for seven years, but his popularity hasn't hit a high until this December. Local shopkeepers are reporting that calls are flooding in for the Elf on the Shelf and his accompanying book.

"We've been getting a lot of calls about it," reported an employee at in Westhampton. "Because of our distributor, we haven't been able to get our hands on it."

Frank Silecchia, owner of in Hampton Bays, said he has gotten well more than 20 calls about the book; however, he said, he decided not to stock it this holiday season. 

"I feel very disappointed that we didn't order it," Silecchia said.  "I didn't realize it would be so popular."

in Southampton is also reporting that they sold out of the item over the weekend and have a waiting list. An employee said they are working to get more in stock.

Terry Lucas, owner of , which is , says she too has been getting calls about the Elf on the Shelf, but she didn't put in an order for it this year as she will soon be closing her doors.

"I hear it's popular though," Lucas said.

, owner of in Westhampton Beach, says she has also gotten calls about the elf, but says she does not have the item in stock.

"I heard people talking about him at the Westhampton Library," she said. "I think Target carries them."

Most Target stores do carry the item, however, they are flying off the shelves. On Saturday at the Target store in Medford, there were only three elves left, and they were gone within minutes.

A quick Internet search shows that Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com both carry the popular item. 

While in Southampton isn't selling the shelf elf, they are holding an elf contest.

According to the shop, the contest will run everyday until Christmas Eve with their home-made elf hiding in a new spot each day in the store. The first person to spot him each day will receive a special gift.

As written by mother/daughter Carol Aebersold and Chanda Bell, The Elf on the Shelf works directly for Santa. He arrives during the holiday season and watches over children, making sure they are being good.  Each night, he magically flies to Santa to report to him on the children's behavior. When he arrives back, he hides in a new spot for children to find him in the morning. He heads back to the North Pole on Christmas eve.

Patch would love to hear about your Elf Shelf experiences: Has he arrived in your home yet? Where does he hide? Shout out your response in the comment section below.