Christmas Isn’t Looking Bright This Year
This holiday season might be a bit unconventional. You may have heard of the Elf on the Shelf; well, there’s a new twist called Guido on the Shelf. It’s basically a stuffed toy sporting a tank top, sunshade, and even a little chest hair — everything that encapsulates an Italian-American vibe.
The creative mind behind it is Christine Fiscardi Lentinello, a former Brooklynite who now resides in Staten Island. She says Guido was inspired by the quintessential “Guido” character.
“People are thrilled when they see it. They say things like, ‘It looks just like my uncle’ or ‘This is my neighbor; it’s dad!’” the 54-year-old shared.
Some customers even rename their Guido. “One says, ‘His new name is Vito,’ while another has dubbed him Luigi and Peppino.”
Guido is a fun take on the traditional Elf on the Shelf, meant to “just hang out and have a good time,” according to Lentinello.
She began selling these $30 plush toys in 2023, initially through family and friends, then expanding to social media and holiday markets.
So far, she’s sold over 600 units, reaching as far as Texas.
“Some folks are skeptical, but it’s honestly hilarious to me,” she remarked.
People have been sharing photos of their Guido in various entertaining situations, claiming he’s been on vacations abroad.
“He’s been to Italy, Spain, and Monte Carlo! I joked that this toy has traveled more than I have,” Lentinello laughed.
The term “guido” often refers to a very macho, appearance-focused Italian-American man and can sometimes be seen negatively. However, Lentinello, whose roots trace back to Naples, views it as endearing. “To me, it signifies family loyalty, hard work, and pride in our heritage,” she explained.
As a stay-at-home mom, Lentinello credits her son Joseph, now 20, with encouraging her to explore new ideas. Watching shows like “Shark Tank” sparked her entrepreneurial spirit.
“I love cooking and keeping house, but as my son grew up, I found myself wanting something more,” she confessed.
When she thought of “Guido on the Shelf,” she rushed to her son’s room to grab some of his clothes for the project.
“I basically rummaged through his drawer and said, ‘Quick, wear this and come down!’ I even borrowed my husband’s watch for a photo,” she recalled.
Her husband reportedly had a puzzled look on his face at that moment.
Lentinello also gave one of her Guido toys to Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino from “Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.” He even let her skip ahead of the line at a book signing.
“I entered the store yelling, ‘I got Guido!’ and he waved back at me,” she reminisced.
Looking ahead, Lentinello aims to expand her collection. She has plans for Guido’s birthday, complete with an Italian flag cake, and even introducing a girlfriend for him. “He definitely needs some direction,” she noted with a smile, “especially a big-haired girl with hairspray.”
