NL Shop Owner Gets Creative With Elf On A Shelf — In A Balloon

NEW LENOX, IL — The Elf on a Shelf craze is back in full swing this holiday season, only this year the elf has an updated mode of transportation on the way to eager children across New Lenox thanks to New Lenox business LGM Balloon Decor.

Stephanie Marquardt, owner of LGM Balloon Decor, came up with the idea to pack Elf on a Shelf inside a balloon filled with candy, and the balloons can be customized with messages or children's names. It's a new twist on what has become a holiday favorite.

For the uninitiated, Elf on a Shelf arrives every year around Christmastime to watch over children and fly back to Santa each night to report the children's naughty or nice deeds, Marquardt said. The following morning, the sometimes mischievous elf returns and can be found in a different area of the home than the night before, proving to the children that the elf is always watching and moving around, so there is no escaping any naughty reports back to Santa.

"The big thing is the elves 'arrive,' so [the Elf on a Shelf balloons] are the elves' arrival," Marquardt said.

Marquardt partnered with Raffy's Candy Store Owner Pam Rafalski last year and again this year to help draw in business to Raffy's while the pandemic kept many people away, Marquardt said.

"It worked out beautifully, which is why we were here again so people could shop for candy [while picking up Elf on a Shelf purchases]," Marquardt said.

Rafalski said that teaming up with Marquardt helped bring "a little magic" for both business owners.

"We've been friends for a while, and it just seemed to be a good fit, us working together," Rafalski said. "A little candy and bringing a little magic to the holiday season."

While the Elf on a Shelf is a big hit with children, Marquardt said it's sometimes the parents that have the most fun by coming up with different things for the elf to do each morning.

"I've had moms tell me they have entire calendars of funny stuff their elves are going to do," Marquardt said. "You know, the elves will draw funny mustaches on pictures, or he toilet papers the kitchen. They get really creative with these."

Marquardt will continue taking orders and packing Elf on a Shelf balloons through December, though the balloons will be sold through her website for the remainder of the year and not at Raffy's Candy Store. Prices range from $30-$45, depending on customization options, Marquardt said. Those interested in purchasing one (or several) can do so on the LGM Balloon Decor website.

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