Their Christmas campaign has received 80 complaints (Picture: @Poundland)

A Christmas advertising campaign that saw an elf teabagging a Barbie is being investigated by the Advertising Standards Agency.

The pictures posted on Poundland’s Twitter account received 80 complaints because people were concerned that they weren’t suitable to be seen by children.

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They included images of the children’s toy ‘elf on a shelf’ engaging a number of x-rated acts including fighting Darth Vader with a vibrator, and scratching his genitals with Santa’s toothbrush.

The retailer sparked a social media storm when they posed the elf standing over the Barbie doll and holding a Twinings tea bag over her mouth.




The caption said: ‘How do you like your tea? One lump or two?’

The box of Twinings was then removed after the tea company accused Poundland of ‘misusing’ it’s products.

80 complaints were made about the Christmas campaign (Picture: @Poundland)

Some people have complained that they were inappropriate for children (Picture: @Poundland)

This caption was: ‘Don’t tell Rudolph I’ve found a new piece of ass'(Picture: @Poundland)

A spokesman for Poundland described it as a ‘storm in a tea cup’ and said the Advertising Standards Agency hadn’t received 80 complaints.

They said: ‘It’s actually 23 complaints contrasted with thousands of people who said they loved our naughty elf pictures – not least because it reminded them that Britain is famous for the Saucy postcard and Panto.’

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‘We’re just pleased the number of people who didn’t get the joke is so small.’

One of those not amused was Misty who wrote on Twitter: ‘I think these adverts are created by sexually depraved/deprived males. Maybe they should try wanking before work.’

Mrs Mushroom added: ‘Is that supposed to be funny? Do you want to explain it to the kids? Good grief.’ And Adam Love said: ‘An Elf teabagging Barbie. Doesn’t get more festive that that. Merry Christmas!’

Poundland have said the complaints are, ‘a storm in a teacup’ (Picture: @Poundland)

Poundland have refuted the number of complaints (Picture: Twitter/ Poundland)

However, it appears Poundland knew its customers because there was plenty of praise for the cut-price Christmas campaign.

CMNatic said: ‘I’d never though Poundland could provide such wealth of laughs but I’m happy that I’m proven wrong.’

Mags Walker added: ‘The whole worlds gone PC mad? Keep it up Poundland, us sane folk with a sense of humour are loving it! Plus you guys are owning twitter right now. Well played.’

A spokeswoman for The Elf on The Shelf said: ‘We are aware of several disturbing images circulating on social media that are causing confusion and using #elfontheshelf.

‘The elves depicted in these images are not Santa’s Official Scout Elves and could never work for Santa. The Elf on the Shelf is caring, kind and part of joyful family memories.

‘To ensure your elf doesn’t behave badly, only adopt Scout Elves that have a solid red jumpsuit and arrive with their very own storybook.’