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Tag: elf

  • E.l.f. CEO Tarang Amin Reflects on a Tumultuous 2025

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    Hello and welcome to Modern CEO! I’m Stephanie Mehta, CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures. Each week this newsletter explores inclusive approaches to leadership drawn from conversations with executives and entrepreneurs, and from the pages of Inc. and Fast Company. If you received this newsletter from a friend, you can sign up to get it yourself every Monday.

    When we named Tarang Amin Modern CEO of the Year in December 2024, the E.l.f. Beauty chairman and chief executive had racked up a string of notable successes. Under Amin’s leadership, the publicly traded cosmetics company had posted 23 consecutive quarters of net sales and market share growth. E.l.f. won plaudits for cheeky marketing efforts such as a coffin-shaped makeup kit collaboration with beverage company Liquid Death. Another initiative championed corporate board diversity via its “So Many Dicks” campaign, which cites research showing that men named Richard, Rick, or Dick outnumber women and diverse directors serving on public company boards. Indeed, such bold ads helped land Kory Marchisotto, E.l.f.’s chief marketing officer, on Fast Company’s 2024 list of CMOs of the Year as part of its Brands That Matter program.

    In contrast, this year has been a rockier one for Amin. In May, the company, whose E.l.f. skincare and cosmetics products sell at affordable price points, said it would raise prices on all its products by $1 to offset the impact of new tariffs. (The company has said 75% of its products are made in China.) In August, E.l.f. said it would not provide shareholders with a financial outlook for its full fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, citing the “wide range” of potential impacts from those tariffs. That same month, it launched a parody ad featuring comedian Matt Rife that faced social media backlash as commenters highlighted jokes Rife made about domestic violence in a Netflix special.

    Many CEOs might retreat from public view or tread carefully in this environment, but not Amin. Ahead of our search for the 2025 Modern CEO of the Year (more on that in a moment), Amin sat with me for a wide-ranging interview on the challenges of 2025, E.l.f.’s blockbuster $1 billion acquisition of Hailey Bieber’s Rhode brand, and why the company is expanding its Change the Board Game effort amid attacks on diversity programs. Here are the highlights in Amin’s own words:

    Responding to tarrifs

    Customer feedback on higher prices: “We announced [the $1-per-item price increases] to our community three months before we took prices up . . . The response from our community actually was quite positive. They love the fact that we’re not trying to pull one over their eyes; that we’re transparent.”

    Shareholder communications after pulling full-year guidance: “We just reported our 26th consecutive quarter of net sales and market share gains. What we emphasize with our investors is that we take a very long-term view. If you’re worried about short-term tariff impacts, maybe we’re not the stock for you.”

    The Matt Rife controversy

    Acknowledging the mistake: “In this onetime post, we clearly missed the mark. We’re all about delighting our community. This did not delight our entire community. And for that we apologize. I personally take that seriously.”

    Staying edgy: “We clearly missed the mark on this one. Let’s learn from it, but don’t lose [our] mojo. Don’t become scared. Don’t become safe.”

    Buying Rhode

    Why Rhode stood out: “I’ve never seen a brand that went from zero to $212 million in net sales in less than three years [by selling] direct to consumer only with just 10 products. It is just incredible in terms of success.”

    Hailey Bieber, acqui-hire: “Our approach to M&A is different than a lot of companies’. We never do synergy math or try to figure out where we can save. It’s all about growth for us. And so, one of the prerequisites we have is we want the entire team. Our approach is, ‘OK, how can we help you? How can we help you accelerate what you’re already doing really well?’”

    Doubling down on board diversity

    Change the Board Game 2.0: “We announced coalition partners that want to join us [in supporting boardroom inclusivity]. We’re going to continue to beat the drum, because these aren’t things that we do as a campaign. These are things we believe in.”

    Who is the modern CEO of 2025?

    For the second year, Modern CEO is seeking to recognize an executive who embodies the leadership qualities this newsletter has sought to highlight, such as promoting innovation, nurturing talent, and fostering excellence. Please fill out this form to nominate a chief executive—or yourself. We’ll dedicate a column in December to the Modern CEO of the Year.

    Read and watch: CEOs on our radar

    Brian Niccol’s bold Starbucks redesign

    How the CEOs of Ohai.ai and FinMkt make innovation work for them

    Figma is growing fast under CEO and cofounder Dylan Field

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    Stephanie Mehta

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  • 5 Beauty Editors, 5 Holiday Shopping Budgets—Here's How We'd Gift With Each

    5 Beauty Editors, 5 Holiday Shopping Budgets—Here's How We'd Gift With Each

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    Pro tip: The end of the holiday season is, by far, the best time to find beauty gifts at smart prices (and we know there’s a good chance you’ll still be giving presents well into the New Year). December comes and goes in a flurry, often resulting in a missed opportunity for a heartfelt gift or two, but who said holiday shopping should be stressful or challenging? Sometimes, the best finds come when you least expect them.

    With the help of my fellow beauty editors, I’ve compiled a list of the 25 best makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance products to consider gifting a loved one with across a wide range of different price points. We’ve even provided customer reviews to ease your decision-making process. Keep scrolling for a look at the gift-able beauty finds, from luxurious L’Occitane bodycare to high-tech NuFace tools Who What Wear’s beauty editors can’t stop raving about to anyone who will listen.

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    Maya Thomas

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  • Elf: Will Ferrell-Led Christmas Classic Sets IMAX Rerelease Date

    Elf: Will Ferrell-Led Christmas Classic Sets IMAX Rerelease Date

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    Following the announcement of Die Hard returning to select AMC theatres, another Christmas classic will be making its exciting holiday comeback. The 2003 Jon Favreau-directed comedy Elf sets its theatrical return on IMAX on December 8, 2023. Available for a limited time only, moviegoers can purchase their tickets through IMAX’s official website. 

    What is Elf about?

    Elf, a Christmas movie positively received by both audiences and critics during its initial release, follows a man named Buddy Hobbs (Will Ferrell), who grew up in the North Pole surrounded by elves. After discovering that he is a human, he travels back to New York — where he truly belongs — and finds his biological father, Walter Hobbs (James Caan), who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus.

    The synopsis for Elf reads: “This hilarious Christmas film tells the tale of a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts on Christmas Eve and is transported back to the North Pole and raised as an elf. Years later Buddy learns he is not really an elf and goes on a journey to New York City to find his true identity.”

    Written by David Berenbaum, Elf debuted to critical acclaim back in 2003 and has — at the time — garnered a significant box office success, solidifying itself as one of the Holiday cult classics. The film has also inspired the 2010 Broadway Elf: The Musical and the 2014 stop-motion animated special Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas.

    Besides Ferrell and Caan, Elf stars Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, Mary Steenburgen as Emily Hobbs, Daniel Tay as Michael Hobbs, Peter Dinklage as Miles Finch, Ed Asner as Santa Claus, Faizon Love as Wanda, Bob Newhart as Papa Elf, and the film’s director Favreau as Dr. Ben Leonardo.

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    Ryan Louis Mantilla

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  • E.l.f.’s stock falls after short seller Spruce Point alleges ties to defunct NXIVM sex cult

    E.l.f.’s stock falls after short seller Spruce Point alleges ties to defunct NXIVM sex cult

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    E.l.f. Beauty Inc.’s stock
    ELF,
    -4.38%
    tumbled 6% on Friday, after short seller Spruce Point Capital Management said the company has ties to the now-defunct NXIVM cult and may use some of its teaching in its marketing. The cult’s leader Keith Raniere was sentenced to 120 years in prison in October of 2020 for racketeering, sex trafficking of women, forced labor conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy, while other leaders also received jail time. E.l.f. did not immediately respond to request for comment. “Spruce Point has grave concerns about e.l.f. Beauty. We believe there are several material risk factors that have been lurking under the radar undetected by the company’s investors, customers, employees and retail partners until now,” Spruce Point founder and chie investment officer Ben Axler told MarketWatch in emailed comments. MarketWatch cannot at this time confirm the allegations in the report. The stock has gained 71% in the year to date, while the S&P 500
    SPX,
    +1.56%
    has gained 14%.

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  • E.l.f.’s stock jumps 10% on earnings, revenue beat; strong guidance

    E.l.f.’s stock jumps 10% on earnings, revenue beat; strong guidance

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    E.l.f. Beauty Inc.’s ELF stock initially soared 10% in extended trading Wednesday after the company reported quarterly results that topped analyst revenue and earnings estimates. E.l.f. reported fiscal second-quarter net income of $33.3 million, or 58 cents a share, compared with net earnings of $11.7 million, or 21 cents a share, in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted net income was 82 cents a share. Net sales surged 76% to $215.5 million, compared with $122.3 million a year ago. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had expected on average net earnings of 53 cents a share on revenue of $197.1 million. The company offered full-year…

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  • Soap Brows Aren’t Going Anywhere—Insider Tricks to Achieving the Laminated Look

    Soap Brows Aren’t Going Anywhere—Insider Tricks to Achieving the Laminated Look

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    If you’re ready to finally give soap brows a try, follow these steps below that Mellinger swears by to help achieve them. All you’ll need is a clear, glycerin-based soap, wax, or gel and an easy-to-use spoolie to whip your brows into shape in minutes—no brow-lamination appointment required. The trick is to pay special attention to coating all hairs, making sure none go without a layer of soap paste for a smooth finish.

    Step 1. If you’re creating them using soap rather than a wax or gel, opt for a clear, glycerin-based soap. This will ensure there is no color or white cast transferred to the brow.

    Step 2. Avoid getting the spoolie too wet. “You don’t want to make the paste too slippery or sudsy, or it won’t stay in place,” explains Mellinger.

    Step 3. Don’t dig into the soap too much with your spoolie, as it will make the paste too thick. A paste that is too thick and dry won’t stick well.

    Step 4. After you’ve achieved your ideal shape, try carefully smoothing it out with your finger for an extra-laminated look.

    Mellinger also happens to keep a few products in her kit at all times to create the perfect soap brow look, starting with West Barn Co’s Soap Brows Extra Strong and Prep Mist. “This is my favorite for my kit, as it’s small and comes in a tin—very kit friendly.” For an affordable option, Melligner uses a disposable spoolie with Pears’ classic Pure Gentle Soap. Is soap not your thing? No problem. The makeup artist also uses the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze to give a sleek, laminated effect to even the unruliest of brows (mine included).

    Like any makeup look, practice makes perfect! Soap brows are a simple way to level up any makeup look by adding some extra dimension, fullness, and shape where your face needs it the most. I like to think of it as an easy, five-second face-lift using the simplest tools you can imagine. Read on to discover the beauty editor– and makeup artist–approved soap-brow products I’ve been loving lately. Fair warning: Once you get hooked on these, there’s a good chance you’ll never want to go back to your old eyebrow routine.

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    Maya Thomas

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  • Blush Has Become *the* MVP Beauty Product, so I Found the 17 Best Money Can Buy

    Blush Has Become *the* MVP Beauty Product, so I Found the 17 Best Money Can Buy

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    Despite the overwhelming results accompanying an internet search for “the best blushes,” shopping for your ideal blush can be made simple. One of the biggest determining factors when I’m on the hunt for a new blush product is, without a doubt, its formula. Most blush formulas fall into one of the following categories: powder, cream, gel, or liquid. Recently, cream-based blush formulas have been on the rise, with makeup lines providing them as alternate versions of their best-selling powder blush products. For example, Nars’s cult-classic powder blush in Orgasm has been launched in the form of a multiuse stick.

    I flock toward cream and gel blushes that have a sheer yet buildable quality to them since they tend to allow space for teeny-tiny mistakes and a chance to build up the product to my desired pigment. My skin type happens to be dry, so I prefer using products that are chock-full of long-lasting skincare benefits. Blush comes in a number of finishes that can impact a finished makeup look. Whether you’re in the mood for matte or longing for something dewy and fresh, there’s something out there for you!

    Before we dive into the blushes I was completely obsessed with long before becoming a beauty editor, I thought it would be helpful to reach out to one of the beauty industry’s most reputable celebrity makeup artists who doesn’t shy away from adding a gorgeous flush of color any chance she gets. Courtney Hart, who has worked with the likes of Anna Cathcart, Kristen Bell, Hilary Duff, and Chelsea Handler, shared a couple of the blushes she’s always reaching for in her makeup kit. Check out her picks and a number of my personal favorites below!

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    Maya Thomas

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  • The Ultimate Guide To Drugstore Dupes

    The Ultimate Guide To Drugstore Dupes

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    TikTok’s hottest trend has been drugstore dupes for luxury products. Whether that be skincare or makeup, everyone’s trying to save their money on their everyday routines. Blame inflation, blame the job market, but saving money never goes out of style.

    And while I’ll fling all my paycheck over to brands like Sunday Riley and Charlotte Tilbury because I love how their products make me feel, I just can’t keep up with my influencer lifestyle. So I must start looking into dupes, but I don’t want to sacrifice quality for savings.

    Luckily, drugstore brands like e.l.f. and NYX are cracking down on the luxury beauty market by creating their own dupes. With most of these products you get the same ingredients for about a quarter of the price. And seriously, there’s no difference.

    @mualesandro Comparing every product e.l.f has duped! #drugstoremakeup#affordablemakeup#elfcosmetics#dupes#makeupdupe#makeup#BeautyReview♬ Sex and the City (Main Theme) – TV Sounds Unlimited

    Who’s going to know if I’m using e.l.f.’s latest moisturizer as opposed to Charlotte Tilbury’s $150 Magic Cream? Sincerely, no one. And who can tell if my lip oil is $40 Dior or $6 NYX?

    I’ve been paying close attention to drugstore dupes over the past few months…so if that contour wand isn’t in stock, or you simply can’t afford it, fret not. Here are some brilliant dupes:

    A dupe for the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream

    Tatcha

    Tatcha moisturizers can cost around $100…and while I love them, no one should spend that much on face cream. People love the plumping and hydrating effect the Dewy Skin Cream has with a blend of hyaluronic acid.

    The perfect dupe is the e.l.f. SuperHydrate Moisturizer, which has hydrating ingredients like Squalane and Niacinamide to give you the ultimate radiance. The gel consistency is fabulous for oily skin, and the niacinamide helps control your oil levels so your skin won’t look greasy.

    A dupe for Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream

    Lily James

    Charlotte Tilbury

    Another $100 moisturizer that works great, but falls short in the money-saving department. With peptides, vitamins C + E, and hyaluronic acid, it fights aging and gives you a great glow. But there’s certainly a dupe on the market that won’t drain your bank account.

    The Pacifica Dreamy Youth Day & Night Face Cream contains similar ingredients like shea oil, peptides, and vitamins E and B5.

    A Dupe for Sunday Riley Good Genes

    Sunday Riley

    Lactic acid and licorice root are the two main ingredients of the famed Sunday Riley Good Genes serum…it gently exfoliates the skin, brightening the surface and reducing wrinkles. It’s the ultimate jack of all trades.

    However, a large bottle of Good Genes costs about $110…and for a three month supply, that’s way too much for me right now. But I still crave the same glowy, youthful skin. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Serum will help exfoliate your skin so your makeup will go on flawlessly, for only $9.

    A Dupe for Sunday Riley CEO Serum

    Sunday Riley

    Again, I adore Sunday Riley products but I cannot afford to integrate an $80 serum in my daily skincare routine…no matter how much I want to. The CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum illuminates your complexion and boosts vital skin bounce. Of course I want that same effect but at an intelligent price range.

    The INKEY List 15% Vitamin C and EGF Brightening Serum does the exact same thing for only $16. Affordable skincare can be tricky and even cause breakouts, but The INKEY List and The Ordinary are two brands you can genuinely trust to use whole ingredients. And at a fantastic price point.

    A Dupe for Charlotte Tilbury Wands

    Charlotte Tilbury

    These wands are the hottest product on the makeup market right now. Constantly sold out online and in-store, the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Wands are the It Girl of beauty wands. Easy to blend and apply, with innovative packaging that competitors have been trying to mimic for months.

    Luckily, e.l.f. is coming for Charlotte’s neck with their gorgeous Halo Glow Wands. That’s right, their signature blush, highlight, and contour wands are available at the low price of $9.

    A dupe for Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter

    If you’ve heard of the Charlotte Tilbury wands, you probably know about the equally iconic Flawless Filter. Depending on the shade, this product can serve as highlight, contour, primer, or foundation. It blurs, smooths, and illuminates for an all over glow that is simply angelic.

    Although it’s close to $50, people are raving about it. However, the e.l.f. Halo Glow is an exact replica.

    A Dupe for Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops

    Drunk Elephant

    Influencer Alix Earle has driven Drunk Elephant D’Bronzi Drops sales. They’ve been sold out for months on end! And now that I just got my hands on a gift set sample, I’ve fallen in love and want a full size. However, the beauty world’s hottest product isn’t always in stock.

    Dupes have been matriculating for a while, but I personally recommend the luscious Milani Glow Luminizing Liquid Bronzer. It’s the same summer-y glow, but you can drench it all over your entire body!

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    Jai Phillips

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  • Bad Day To Be An Influencer: How Tarte And False Eyelashes Made Headlines

    Bad Day To Be An Influencer: How Tarte And False Eyelashes Made Headlines

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    We entered 2023 fully under the grip of influencers. Names like Alix Earle and Monet McMichael sit in front of their ring lights and we eat up every product they use in their makeup routine. In fact, not only are people in love with these influencers, but every product they mention typically leads to nationwide sellouts.

    The power of the influencer is not by accident. While social media apps like the ever-powerful titan TikTok are known for their algorithm that show you specific posts based on your interests, this also means a lot of advertising goes on behind the scenes. You may be watching a full minute long video that is essentially a paid-for ad by a brand.

    And brands will spare no expense to convince you their product does the impossible. Whether that be longer lashes (more on that later) or a golden bronze sunless tan, there’s a constant stream of videos with an overjoyed, overpaid influencer who “has stumbled across the product to change your life.” And we all believe it.

    But as time goes on and TikTok influences us to the extreme, people have begun to find flaws in influencer marketing.

    The glass has shattered on the influencer mirage. Consumers have seen them using hair extensions when promoting hairspray, false lashes to accompany a miracle mascara, or using a completely different product and acting like it was another.

    Let’s just say there’s been some drama within the beauty industry – so much so that Jeffree Star has risen from YouTube’s ashes and come back to honestly review makeup. Again, not on my 2023 bingo card.

    So, if you’ve missed the drama, or want to know who you can trust, trust me – a random girl on the internet who has too much time on her hands and no beauty endorsements to date!

    The Tarte Dubai Trip 

    In January,
    Tarte organized a trip for 29 influencers and their plus ones to travel to Dubai and use/post about their products. And I mean, who would say no to this? You and your favorite person get to go to DUBAI and mess around for free? Sign me up.

    @alixearle odds she lets me drive ..
    ♬ original sound – alix earle

    But the cracks eventually started to show which was all displayed in a TikTok by Barstool’s Jack McGuire. For one, Tarte sent every influencer to Dubai first class on Emirates Airline, where one ticket alone costs around $22,000 (multiply that by two for their plus ones). So $255,000 alone on plane tickets.

    @jackmacbarstool This is elite #journalisming♬ original sound – Jack Mac

    And then there’s the stay in villas at the Ritz Carlton Dubai. Which are so expensive you can’t even find pricing online. Not to mention the money they had to pay each influencer to
    post their products and show up – Alix Earle charges $70,000 per post alone.

    So how can a brand built “on credit cards and a dream” afford such a luxury marketing ploy? It’s suspicious and tone deaf in a world where people can barely afford the rising cost of $7 eggs. When the influencers were barely posting about Tarte products themselves, the jokes began to write themselves.

    The whole event showed how out of touch Tarte may be with their consumers. While the company refutes all allegations and “conspiracy theories,” I’m not sold. And besides the viral Juicy Lip Balm, I rarely see any of their products in anyone’s daily routine anymore.

    The Mikayla-L’Oréal Drama

    So things were touchy with the influencer world in the wake of the Tarte Dubai trip. But beauty guru Mikayla Nogueria, known for her bubbly makeup reviews and selling out products, reviewed L’Oreal’s new Telescopic mascara. She was seemingly baffled by the amazing results, and so were viewers…for different reasons.

    @destinywillard_ Who you tryna fool girl??? 😅🥴🥴 This is why I don’t trust influencers who get paid product 🤣 #greenscreen#greenscreenvideo @mikaylanogueira #mikaylanogueira#makeuptutorial#makeupreview#mikayladrama#fyp#foryou#viral#transition#fake♬ original sound – Destiny Willard

    Quicker than you can say “Dubai,” fans took notice of how it appears Mikayla put extensions on midway through the video to make her lashes look fuller.

    There have been witch hunts accusing brands like Makeup By Mario of using the beauty filter when debuting his foundation. No one knows who to trust anymore.

    As previously mentioned, Jeffree Star has come back out of beauty review retirement to restore the public’s faith in beauty guru humanity. Times have gotten so dark that we’re actually unaware of what works and what’s a paid advertisement.

    Which Brands Aren’t Scams? 

    While things may look bleak, luckily I’ve tried just about every brand of makeup under the influencer sun. Give these influencers their Oscar because I truly believe that they love these products every time. But things aren’t always as they seem.

    I’ve gotten patchy foundations, terrible formulas, and cute packaging over quality products. I know a thing or two about being scorned. However, there are a few brands that I will trust every single time, with or without the influencer stamp of approval.

    Right now, the trend is “de-influencing” products that garnered hype on TikTok for no reason. To save you the blood, sweat, and tears, here are some makeup brands that influencers actually got right:

    1. wet ‘n wild
    2. Makeup by Mario
    3. Dior
    4. Kosas
    5. e.l.f.

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    Jai Phillips

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  • 21 Tinted Lip Balms That Are As Pretty as They Are Protective

    21 Tinted Lip Balms That Are As Pretty as They Are Protective

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    Learn about licensing opportunities.

    Tinted lip balms are, in many ways, the unsung heroes of the makeup bag. Sure, they provide pretty, buildable sheer-to-intense washes of color without caking, creasing, settling into lines or leaving tumbleweed-level dryness in their wake. But the best ones do so much more than just look good.

    The cream of the crop are enhanced with protective sunscreen, antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to work overtime as lip-focused skin-care treatments while they deposit a slick of color. They’re spiked with a smattering of ultra-fine shimmer for a luminous — but still minimalist — finish. Or perhaps they upend old-school understandings of “lip balm” entirely, taking the form of non-sticky “oil” formulas that just might make you forget all about that lip gloss stashed at the bottom of your purse.

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    Stephanie Saltzman

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  • Dull Eye Pencils Are the Worst—We Found the Best Sharpeners With Rave Reviews

    Dull Eye Pencils Are the Worst—We Found the Best Sharpeners With Rave Reviews

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    We’re pretty eyeliner obsessed—from the best waterproof liners to drugstore pencils, no liner goes underappreciated around here. But even the best pencils eventually go dull. And anyone who has ever ruined one of their favorites knows that when it comes to eye pencil sharpeners, there is definitely a class above the rest. Not only will a great sharpener keep your pencil pointy and precise, but it also reveals a fresh layer of product, which can help reduce the spread of bacteria.

    According to celebrity makeup artist Allie Renee, a great eye pencil sharpener is an unsung hero in your tool kit. “Cosmetic pencil sharpeners are the most sanitary and efficient way to keep your products performing at their best,” she says.

    So what separates the good sharpeners from the great ones? I’m glad you asked. “Because pencils come in many shapes and sizes, I like to have a sharpener with two size options,” Renee says. “A sharp blade is a must, too! I also look for something with a housing that can be removed or opened so I can clean it.”

    Better yet, even prestige sharpeners tend to be fairly inexpensive. You only have to spend a few dollars for a tool that will last years and that will keep your eye, lip, and brow pencils in fighting form.

    Simply put, says the makeup pro, “It’s a must-have in your beauty collection, even if you rarely ever think about it.” If you’re in need of an upgrade, keep scrolling for 10 of the very best eye pencil sharpeners, plus pencils to pair them with.

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    Lindy Segal

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  • Parenting 101: Christmas games roundup

    Parenting 101: Christmas games roundup

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    The best part about Christmas is time spent with family. What better way to spend quality time than to break out a board game, card game or puzzle. If you’re looking for a fun Christmas themed game, we’ve got you covered.

    Elf: Journey From the North Pole (Ages 8+) – The movie Elf is a big hit in our house and it’s one that we save to watch until right before Christmas. I was excited to try out the game and was not disappointed. The object is straightforward; create a path to get Buddy the Elf to New York City. Players each have three landmarks that they need to secretly get him to along the way to score the most points. I played this game with my nine year old and it was fun to watch him strategize with the path cards. Playing this game will definitely become a holiday tradition. (Funko)

    Pop! Elf Puzzle – Speaking of the movie Elf, Funko Games has now ventured into the world of puzzles and this Elf puzzle is the perfect accompaniment to the board game. With 500 pieces, it’s an easy, relaxing puzzled to piece together.

    Making Christmas Card Game (Ages 6+)- I had debated whether to include this game in my Halloween roundup, or my Christmas one because of that age-old question of whether The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Halloween or Christmas movie. The object of this card game is to put together as many toys for Jack Skellington to deliver as you can. The player who matches the most toys win. It’s an easy, straight forward game that my kids had a blast playing. (Funko)

    Stitch Merry Mischief Card Game (Ages 5+) – That Stitch, from Disney’s Lilo and Stitch, is always up to no good. The object is simple, try to save as many presents as possible before Stitch unwraps them all. In each round players choose up to 3 presents to sneak past Stitch, then roll the dice to find out which will be unwrapped/saved and the player with the most saved presents wins. This game all comes down to the luck of the dice. It’s a fun, quick game that’s loads of fun. (Funko)

    Something Wild! Baby Groot Edition (Ages 6+) – Whether this is your first Something Wild! game or another to add to your collection, the Baby Groot is a cute as they get. We love this game and it’s fantastic that you can combine it with other Something Wild games. I love that all the Marvel card characters are dressed for the holidays in this edition. (Funko)

    Planes, Trains and Automobiles The Game (Ages 12+) – This game will take you on a journey, as your goal is to make it to Chicago without going up in flames. I love cooperative games, so this one was a winner for me. It’s also a 2 player game, which is always great to have on hand for date nights. Fans of the movie will absolutely love playing this game. (Funko)

    Meredith is a Disney obsessed stay-at-home mom. When she’s not planning a trip, you’ll find her with her nose in a book. Follow her on Instagram.

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  • 24 Days of elf on the shelf… you’re welcome

    24 Days of elf on the shelf… you’re welcome

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    I think this tradition was invented to throw parents over the edge right before Christmas. Here’s the thing: we never did the Elf on the Shelf tradition in our household. I figured I had enough to do that I couldn’t be bothered setting up the elf every night of December.

    When my son was introduced to the Elf on the Shelf at school (thanks guys), he couldn’t understand why all the kids would talk about their elves and we didn’t have one. So, I let him in on Christmas’ first secret: the elf is fake. I knew he was a good kid and wouldn’t spoil the fun for others. And I needed a good “out”, so he didn’t feel like he was missing out.

    Two years ago, everything changed when he found out “certain truths” about the big man from the North Pole. And that’s when I decided to start this tradition. At least he knew it was us doing it so if I slipped up and forgot, it wouldn’t be the end of the world. Because there’s less pressure, I find it more fun to set up.

    So, leave the guesswork to me – here are your 24 days of Elf on the Shelf.

    Fishing in fishbowl. We have a Beta fish so our mischievous elf will be fishing for him. He could also be fishing for Goldfish crackers.

    Marshmellow. Using markers, I will make a mask of Marshmellow for our elf and add some other marshmellow marshmallows.

    Hershey Kiss. Wrap the elf in foil and shape it into a giant Hershey Kiss.

    Snow angel. Sprinkle a cookie sheet with sprinkles or flour and lay down your elf to make snow angels.

    Loungin’. Set your elf up floating in the tub with pool toys. Maybe he even has a summertime drink or sunglasses.

    Captured! Roll the elf up in toilet paper and make it look like he’s being pushed by LEGO people or other little bonhommes.

    Relaxing. Lay him in a hammock made from towels on a towel rack.

    Elf-abet soup. Put the elf in a pot and have the Grinch stirring it.

    The next day, he ties up the Grinch.

    Draw an elf reflection in bathroom mirror using wipe-off markers so when someone looks in the mirror, they’ll have pointy ears and a festive hat or scarf.

    Hang him from a mirror or shelf with a sign that says “the floor is lava” and see if your child can get to him without touching the floor.

    Playing tricks. Prop up your elf with a tube of white toothpaste and some separate Oreos like he’s trying to play a prank.

    Drinking maple syrup with a straw.

    Oops! He poops! Stand him next to a row of chocolate chip poopsies.

    Put him in a homemade “kissing booth” and spread Hershey Kisses around him.

    Playing games. Set up Jenga using mini Kit Kat bars.

    Cutting toilet paper in paper snowflakes.

    Make a scaled-down version of a Twister board for your elf.

    Draw minion faces on bananas and position your elf with a Sharpie next to them.

    Staying toasty. Put him between two pieces of toast.

    Set up a small makeshift lemonade stand and make it look like your elf is being naughty and peeing in the cups to make the lemonade.

    Make it so he’s climbing gift bows up a wall.

    Give him a cozy spot and put him curled up in tissue box.

    And for the last day, do a scavenger hunt. Hide a few candy canes around the house and attach a note to your elf challenging them to find them.

    A full-time work-from-home mom, Jennifer Cox (our “Supermom in Training”) loves dabbling in healthy cooking, craft projects, family outings, and more, sharing with readers everything she knows about being an (almost) superhero mommy.

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