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Elf on the Shelf Clothes That Make the Christmas Creep a Little Kinder

You may not love the lanky creep, but you can make him look a little friendlier with these outfits.

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Whether you think the Elf on the Shelf is charming or a footless agent of chaos who can turn even the most welcoming holiday home into a surveillance state worthy of Foucault, one thing is certain: if your kids are already on board with him, then you have to stick with it. Taking away a tradition from your kids probably isn’t worth the trouble no matter how unsettling and spooky said tradition is. So what’s a dad to do? One option: change the little sneak’s outfit, which decreases the creep factor as you count down the years until your kids finally outgrow the tradition. Here are some options.

Elf on the Shelf Holiday Hula

Every hardworking elf deserves a tropical vacation, and the flowery vest, grass skirt, and yellow lei in this set will make it look at home on a Hawaiian beach.

Buy Now $11

Elf on the Shelf Flurry Flight Jacket

Even creepy elves look cooler in “leather” jackets like this one, which comes complete with aviation-inspired patches and goggles.

Buy Now $10

Elf on the Shelf Merry Movie Night

The Elf on the Shelf spends his time watching movies about himself, sitting in his peppermint- and snowflake-patterned chair while munching on popcorn. It’s all pretty self-absorbed, but the Santa-hat-wearing dog on his sweater is a Christmas sweater we wouldn’t mind wearing ourselves.

Buy Now $15

Self on the Shelf Jingle Jazzy

Your elf will sparkle while clad in the glittery blue suspenders, high-waisted pants, thick black glasses (so he can better spy on your kids, we assume), and plaid tie that make up this set.

Buy Now $10

Elf on the Shelf Snuggle & Hug Nightgown

Plaid PJs and a cheesy holiday shirt are a pretty timeless Christmas morning outfit, so we’d recommend saving this getup for a costume change the night before Christmas, a.k.a. the night before you can banish the elf to the attic for another year.

Buy Now $10

Elf on the Shelf Silly Snowman

Snowmen are much friendlier and less menacing than this elf, so dressing him up as a frozen friend is definitely an upgrade. If only he too would melt when the weather gets warmer.

Buy Now $10

Elf on the Shelf Super Hero Boy

The fact that his chest just says “Super Hero” is a bit uncreative, but the red-and-white-striped cape and green goggles and boots are actually pretty cute.

Buy Now $10

Elf on the Shelf Deluxe Set

Unlike the other products on this list, this FAO Schwarz exclusive comes with an elf, a keepsake storage box, and an outfit. That outfit? A red tux and gold bow tie for even the most formal of Christmas parties.

Buy Now $50

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