icons & toys

Are there really plans to discontinue Elf on a Shelf? Terrible news and rotten timing - 2024 has been rough enough without this downer. 

Has humanity lost its sense of humor? Elf on the Shelf was intended to create cheerful holiday moments and precious family memories to last a lifetime. 

Russ Toys vintage troll elf

The Elf on the Shelf is the title of a 2005 American picture book for children. Written by Carol Aebersold and her daughter Chanda Bell - comes complete with a scout toy elf. 

The book was illustrated by Coë Steinwart and tells a Christmas-themed story. Written in rhyme, it explains how Santa Claus knows who is naughty and nice. 

elf troll at the feet of the Buddha

First promoted in 2004, the family tradition described in the book grew and was adopted around the world. As a result of its publication, it has been widely shared through the years on social media, live events, and in movies. 

troll doll carolers

Our family tradition at wonder | wander | world had been the Russ Toys troll dolls. Not just for Christmas but all year round - marking different events and occasions. Birthdays, graduation, rites of passage, seasons changing, Easter, Thanksgiving, Hannukah, etc. 

Hannukah troll

Although the company and its founder are no longer with us today, its philosophy and joy live on with these trolls. The dolls have now become vintage collectibles and continue to spread joy and delights. 

granny troll

In more downer news, Tintin and Popeye revert to the public domain in 2025 after 95 years. Another era is definitely coming to a close. 

Christmas troll family

Let's hope their legacy is sustained as they find new life in an evolving version of who they once were and how much they continue to mean to many of us. Happy Holidays to all!