There are plenty of reasons to dislike Elf on the Shelf (although we're pretty big fans of it over here). It's just one more thing to remember to do during an already busy season. It's easy to get dragged into the mindset that you need to go over-the-top with your elf shenanigans. And a lot of parents don't like the idea of their kids thinking the elf is acting like some kind of spy, ready to rat them out to Santa when they fly away for the night. We get it! It's definitely not for everyone. But the idea is so sweet, and kids really love it. What if there was something like Elf on the Shelf, but that avoided all the things about the elf that you didn't like? Not some off-limits narc, but a fun buddy your kids could snuggle and bond with during this wonderful season? Well, allow us to introduce you to the Reindeer in Here. This little guy is super cute.

Reindeer in Here is a fun, stress-free alternative to Elf on the Shelf. It was created by Adam Reed, a Los Angeles-area producer and children's book author. He was disappointed by the Elf on the Shelf and all the rules - no touching, having to move it every night, etc. So he set out to create an alternative for families who like the idea of a special Christmas friend, but wanted something a little more relaxed. He came up with the idea of Reindeer in Here, and then wrote the storybook that comes in the plush and book set. He worked with an illustrator on the drawings, and found a company to help with the design and manufacturing of the reindeer plush.

The Reindeer in Here is a bit different than the Elf on the Shelf. The plush is meant to be touched and snuggled and cuddled and taken on adventures. Santa sends the reindeer in early December, and it gets to know the child, according to the story in the accompanying book. At night, the reindeer doesn't "leave" - instead, he or she sends letters to Santa in the North Pole, reporting on their adventures and sending along the child's Christmas wishes. On Christmas Eve, you're to place the reindeer under the Christmas Tree, and it hitches a ride back to the North Pole when Santa makes his stop at your house. It's such a cute idea, and allows kids to bond with their reindeer, rather than watch it from afar.

You can buy your own Reindeer in Here on the website and Amazon. The plush and book set sells for $32.25, and the plush alone sells for $21.99. If you want something like Elf on the Shelf but without all the work, this is the holiday tradition for you!

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