With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the Shelf
AP Photo/John Bazemore
FILE - Elf on the Shelf figures are piled in a box at the company's studio Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in Atlanta.Â
MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) — Santa may have fewer eyes in homes this Christmas season after a Georgia judge — jokingly — banned the Elf on the Shelf.
Cobb County Superior Court Chief Judge Robert Leonard posted a mock order on Twitter Thursday banishing these elves.
“Tired of living in Elf on the Shelf tyranny? Not looking forward to the Elf forgetting to move and causing your kids emotional distress? I am a public servant and will take the heat for you. My gift to tired parents,” Leonard tweeted.
According to the holiday tradition, the elves hide in homes for weeks before Christmas and report back to Santa on who’s been naughty and nice. The elf dolls are supposed to move to a different location each night.
“Inexplicably, Elves sometimes move and don’t move overnight. When those Elves do not move, it leaves our children of tender years in states of extreme emotional distress,” Leonard wrote in his order.
He recalled a “horrific incident” in his own home when “three children were sent to school in tears, with one child being labeled an ‘Elf Murderer’ and accused of making the elf ‘lose his magic.'”
Given the risks of such emotional damage — and supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic — the judge wrote that he had no choice but to banish the elves from Cobb County.
He did make an allowance for parents who don’t feel overwhelmed by the “Elf on the Shelf tyranny,” writing in his tweet: “If you love your elf, keep your elf. No contempts.”
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GIFT GUIDE
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfBackcountry
Men’s and Women’s Atlas Snowshoes: available at Backcountry
The adventurous couple you know will love a matching set of snowshoes. These lightweight shoes strap onto snow boots and allow users to traverse through the woods, over fields and across streams in any weather condition. They offer a fun way to explore the wintery world. The Atlas Elektra Montane Snowshoe is a great model for women and men.
BackcountryMen’s and Women’s Atlas Snowshoes: available at Backcountry
The adventurous couple you know will love a matching set of snowshoes. These lightweight shoes strap onto snow boots and allow users to traverse through the woods, over fields and across streams in any weather condition. They offer a fun way to explore the wintery world. The Atlas Elektra Montane Snowshoe is a great model for women and men.
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfImage by Vinotecarium from Pixabay
Winc Wine Club: available at Winc
The vino-loving couple on your holiday list will love a subscription to the Winc Wine Club. Every month, a box of four unique bottles will show up on their doorstep selected according to their personal tastes and preferences. Winc is constantly updating their its selections with new delicious bottles from around the world, so there’s no getting bored with this gift.
Image by Vinotecarium from PixabayWinc Wine Club: available at Winc
The vino-loving couple on your holiday list will love a subscription to the Winc Wine Club. Every month, a box of four unique bottles will show up on their doorstep selected according to their personal tastes and preferences. Winc is constantly updating their its selections with new delicious bottles from around the world, so there’s no getting bored with this gift.
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfAmazon
KitchenAid KP26M1XOB 6-Quart Professional Series Mixer: available at Amazon
If you know a couple famous for their bagel-making projects every weekend, a beautiful stand mixer is the perfect way to up their baking game. KitchenAid is known for making the most beloved electric mixers on the market, and you can select from dozens of beautiful colors to match their specific kitchen aesthetic. The mixer is a great size for most home kitchens.Â
AmazonKitchenAid KP26M1XOB 6-Quart Professional Series Mixer: available at Amazon
If you know a couple famous for their bagel-making projects every weekend, a beautiful stand mixer is the perfect way to up their baking game. KitchenAid is known for making the most beloved electric mixers on the market, and you can select from dozens of beautiful colors to match their specific kitchen aesthetic. The mixer is a great size for most home kitchens.Â
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfAmazon
Misen 8-Inch High-Carbon Knife: available at Amazon
Every well-stocked kitchen needs a high-quality chef's knife. Treat the foodie couple you know to a super-sharp chef’s knife that will last for years. The Misen high-carbon knife is a great size for hands, so everyone at home can use it with ease. The knife also comes in three color options to match your friends’ style.Â
AmazonMisen 8-Inch High-Carbon Knife: available at Amazon
Every well-stocked kitchen needs a high-quality chef's knife. Treat the foodie couple you know to a super-sharp chef’s knife that will last for years. The Misen high-carbon knife is a great size for hands, so everyone at home can use it with ease. The knife also comes in three color options to match your friends’ style.Â
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfPhoto by Madie Hamilton on Unsplash
Meat and Seafood Delivery: available at FarmFoods
Stock your friends’ fridge and freezer with high-quality meat and seafood with a delivery from FarmFoods. Select from various cuts of beef, pork, chicken and a wide variety of seafood to fill a box that will delight taste buds. All the protein on the FarmFoods site is sourced from small-scale farms that practice the highest standards of production. Your friends will have a blast working their way through all of the delicious food, and they’ll think of you every meal.Â
Photo by Madie Hamilton on UnsplashMeat and Seafood Delivery: available at FarmFoods
Stock your friends’ fridge and freezer with high-quality meat and seafood with a delivery from FarmFoods. Select from various cuts of beef, pork, chicken and a wide variety of seafood to fill a box that will delight taste buds. All the protein on the FarmFoods site is sourced from small-scale farms that practice the highest standards of production. Your friends will have a blast working their way through all of the delicious food, and they’ll think of you every meal.Â
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfAmazon
Manduka Pro Yoga Mat: available at Amazon
The couple that loves to practice together will appreciate a set of high-quality yoga mats. The Manduka yoga mat is a thick, slip-resistant rubberized option that provides extreme cushioning during intense practices. It comes in several colors and two sizes so the couple will be able to tell whose is whose at the studio.Â
AmazonManduka Pro Yoga Mat: available at Amazon
The couple that loves to practice together will appreciate a set of high-quality yoga mats. The Manduka yoga mat is a thick, slip-resistant rubberized option that provides extreme cushioning during intense practices. It comes in several colors and two sizes so the couple will be able to tell whose is whose at the studio.Â
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfAmazon
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug: available at Amazon
Many couples love to start their morning together with a cup of steaming coffee. But what if that coffee never got cold? Ember mugs offer precise temperature control so each drinker can dial into their exact perfect temperature. The mug will keep coffee or tea piping hot for hours. Choose one black and one white mug so both parties can identify their own mug.Â
AmazonEmber Temperature Control Smart Mug: available at Amazon
Many couples love to start their morning together with a cup of steaming coffee. But what if that coffee never got cold? Ember mugs offer precise temperature control so each drinker can dial into their exact perfect temperature. The mug will keep coffee or tea piping hot for hours. Choose one black and one white mug so both parties can identify their own mug.Â
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfAmazon
MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent: available at Backcountry
The campers you know will love a protective but lightweight tent to pack on their next mountain expedition. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent is a cozy but not-too-small two-person tent that’s great for fall, spring and summer weather. It packs up neatly into the included compression stuff sack so campers can easily pack up camp and hit the road without a snag in the morning.
AmazonMSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent: available at Backcountry
The campers you know will love a protective but lightweight tent to pack on their next mountain expedition. The MSR Hubba Hubba NX Tent is a cozy but not-too-small two-person tent that’s great for fall, spring and summer weather. It packs up neatly into the included compression stuff sack so campers can easily pack up camp and hit the road without a snag in the morning.
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfAmazon
Vitamix E310 Explorian Blender: available at Amazon
It’s easy to find dozens of ways to put a premium high-speed blender to use. Whether you know a couple who loves to clink their green smoothie glasses in the morning or a couple known for making the best guacamole for game night, the Vitamix E310 will be a much-welcomed gift. This powerful blender comes in three color options and is designed to fit comfortably under most standard kitchen cabinets.Â
AmazonVitamix E310 Explorian Blender: available at Amazon
It’s easy to find dozens of ways to put a premium high-speed blender to use. Whether you know a couple who loves to clink their green smoothie glasses in the morning or a couple known for making the best guacamole for game night, the Vitamix E310 will be a much-welcomed gift. This powerful blender comes in three color options and is designed to fit comfortably under most standard kitchen cabinets.Â
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfAmazon
Kenneth Cole Reaction Renegade 3-Piece Luggage Set: available at Macy’s
The jet-setting couple in your life will easily put a high-quality set of luggage to use. This set of three rolling suitcases from Kenneth Cole Reaction includes something for everyone. A larger 28-inch suitcase is perfect for long trips, while the small 20-inch piece is the perfect size for a carry-on. All of the bags have a matching pewter hard shell exterior that’s super light so the bag itself won’t weigh you down.Â
AmazonKenneth Cole Reaction Renegade 3-Piece Luggage Set: available at Macy’s
The jet-setting couple in your life will easily put a high-quality set of luggage to use. This set of three rolling suitcases from Kenneth Cole Reaction includes something for everyone. A larger 28-inch suitcase is perfect for long trips, while the small 20-inch piece is the perfect size for a carry-on. All of the bags have a matching pewter hard shell exterior that’s super light so the bag itself won’t weigh you down.Â
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfPhoto by the blowup on Unsplash
Unique Turkish Cotton Towel Set: available at Macy’s
There’s nothing like stepping out of a hot shower and into a cloud-like towel. Treat the couple you know to that experience every day with a set of the fluffiest bath towels. The Unique Turkish Cotton Towels from Enchante Home are luxurious, super-soft 100% cotton towels that are quick to dry and easy to maintain. You can build a set with bath, hand and face towels to fit your needs.Â
Photo by the blowup on UnsplashUnique Turkish Cotton Towel Set: available at Macy’s
There’s nothing like stepping out of a hot shower and into a cloud-like towel. Treat the couple you know to that experience every day with a set of the fluffiest bath towels. The Unique Turkish Cotton Towels from Enchante Home are luxurious, super-soft 100% cotton towels that are quick to dry and easy to maintain. You can build a set with bath, hand and face towels to fit your needs.Â
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With a wink, judge fights ‘tyranny’ of Elf on the ShelfAmazon
Stasher Platinum Silicone Food Storage Bags: available at Amazon
Reduce waste and help your friends keep their leftovers fresh for days with a set of silicone storage bags. Stasher bags are dishwasher- and heat-safe reusable zip-top bags that keep produce and cooked food fresh without the waste of single-use bags. This set of four includes a range of sizes and works in the freezer, too.
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Lizzy Briskin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
AmazonStasher Platinum Silicone Food Storage Bags: available at Amazon
Reduce waste and help your friends keep their leftovers fresh for days with a set of silicone storage bags. Stasher bags are dishwasher- and heat-safe reusable zip-top bags that keep produce and cooked food fresh without the waste of single-use bags. This set of four includes a range of sizes and works in the freezer, too.
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Lizzy Briskin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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