Elf on a shelf or christmas bob-in-kins?

[3maybe4]

Am rapidly getting sucked in to all things Christmassy for my 3 young DC. Never heard of elf in a shelf before and think my kids would love the whole concept. Want a book so can't just get random elf but can't decide between actual 'elf on a Shelf' or 'Christopher bob-in-kins'. Worried about the language/vocabulary in books being too 'American' - any thoughts on either option would be great. Thanks!

I wouldn't get one of the elf on the shelf elves because they scare me! :P but otherwise they look good to me although I haven't got any myself. Some of the people on here have got some really nice ones from eBay.

i thin kthe officaly elf on the shelve is bnloody scary,
i wouldnt worry to much about the kids not thinking hes the same.. after all not all people look the same so why would elfs?

We an elf from TKMaxx last year who arrived down the chimney on Dec 1 (we happened to be sweeping the chimney that day) with a note explaining who he was.

He then hid around the house every day until the 25th, pulled pranks, played cards with Power Rangers, wrote in toothpaste in the bathroom, etc. The DC christened him Johnny and are still talking about him.

I only hope I can remember which box I put him in over the next 3 days or I am in serious elf trouble.