Christopher Pop-In-Kins

Christopher Pop-In-Kins is the classic hide-and-seek elf tradition created in 1984 by Flora Johnson of Atwater, Ohio.

Inspired by a tradition Johnson began with her own children during the early 1960s, this adorable elf “pops in” from late November to Christmas Eve to visit children and share in the excitement of the holiday season.

In Book One: Christopher Pop-In-Kins Pops In, Christopher wishes to visit boys and girls during the holiday season. He tells Santa his special wish and, after much consideration, Santa grants the elf’s request.

As Santa’s Very First Children’s Elf:

  • Christopher “pops in” to visit children from late November to Christmas Eve.
  • Christopher must return to the North Pole on Christmas Eve with a report on his recent visit with the children.
  • Christopher may play hide-and-seek but can only move to a new location when the children are asleep or busy doing other things.
  • Children may not touch Christopher. If this occurs, Christopher must “pop” back to the North Pole so Santa can restore his magic.*

 

     *From 1984-2000, Flora handmade over 10,000 Christopher Pop-In-Kins elves at her kitchen table. Each elf consisted of seventeen pieces including felt, cotton, pompoms, yarn, and pipecleaners. To ensure the handmade elf lasted for generations, Flora included the “do not touch” guideline in Christopher’s story.

Christopher Pop-In-Kins is the first-of-its-kind elf tradition and remains a favorite for generations of children across the U.S. and around the world.

In 2008, Christopher Pop-In-Kins was redesigned and his storybook was re-illustrated. But “Christopher Pop-In-Kins Pops In”, the story Flora Johnson wrote in 1985, remained the same.

Each Christopher Pop-In-Kins set includes a pose-able, Christopher Pop-In-Kins elf, an illustrated hardcover edition of “Christopher Pop-In-Kins Pops In”, and a case for convenient storage.

Christopher Pop-In-Kins has received numerous awards including:

  • 2011 The Toy Man Seal of Excellence
  • 2011 The Toy Man E-Choice Award
  • 2011 The Toy Man Award of Approval
  • 2011 Dr. Toy’s Classic Toy Award
  • 2010 Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Excellence in Family Products
  • 2010 The National Parenting Center Seal of Approval
  • 2009 Preferred Choice Award from Creative Child Magazine
  • 2008 iParenting Media Outstanding Products Award
  • 2008 iParenting Media Hot Product Award
  • 2008 Dr. Toy Best New Products Award
  • 2004 Choice Award, Chicago Home & Gift Market