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20 Easy Elf Crafts for Kids

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Are your kids obsessed with the Elf on the Shelf? Elf season is in full swing, and it’s time to start getting into the holiday spirit. Here are some cute and easy elf crafts that’ll make their Christmas season even more magical!

We’ve found 20 cute elves made with cardboard tubes, paper plates, paper cups, popsicle sticks, and more. These crafts are the perfect thing to keep kids busy and excited about the holiday season on a winter’s day inside the house. Make some elves to decorate the house, classroom, or to send to a friend. 

elf crafts for preschoolers

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There are so many cute crafts for kids on this list; you’re bound to find one your child will love. You’ll need some basic art supplies like glue, scissors, paint, and other things that you can find around the house or at dollar stores.

The best part about these elf crafts is that they don’t require a lot of materials or steps, so even if your kiddo isn’t super crafty yet, they can still make an adorable elf in no time!

Materials Needed for These Elf Craft Ideas

Here are some of the common materials needed for many of the elf crafts listed below. Remember, this list is not all-inclusive; specific crafts may require additional items.

Remember, this list is a general guide and may not cover all the materials needed for each individual craft. Always check the specific craft instructions to ensure you have everything you need.

Related crafts:

Cute Elf Crafts for Kids

Here are 20 cute elf craft ideas your kids should try this Christmas!

1. Printable Buddy the Elf Photo Craft

If your kids are fans of the hilarious movie “Buddy the Elf,” this adorable craft will make their day. So snatch the free printable template, gather cardstock and glue, and get ready to do some fun Christmas crafting with the little ones!

budy the elf craft for kids

By Simple Everyday Mom

2. Jovie the Elf Craft

Have a little girl who loves everything and anything pink? Then give this enchanting girly elf craft a try! As a bonus, you can customize this cutie with a headshot of your little one for a one-of-a-kind Christmas present.

pink jovie elf craft idea for girls

By Simple Everyday Mom

3. Cardboard Tube Elves

These mischievous little elves are so cute and easy to do! Your kids will have lots of fun creating them, promised. This step-by-step tutorial will teach you how to make these cuties using cardboard tubes and paint. Easy-Peasy!

paper tube elf craft idea

By Arty Craft Kids

4. Elf Card Template

Make Christmas cards a fun art experience for your kids by making these irresistibly cute elf cards! Don’t like drawing elves much? No worries. There’s a free printable you can grab and start right away!

Christmas craft card idea for kids with free printable

By The Best Ideas for Kids

5. Paper Cone Elf

This Paper Cone Elf Craft is just too cute not to do! Help your kids bring Santa’s little helpers to life this holiday season by doing this DIY elf project.

paper cone elf craft idea for kids

By Our Kid Things

6. Salt Dough Handprint Elves

Let’s be honest: salt dough crafts are always a good idea no matter the time of year, and this Christmas is no different. This hands-on and fun salt-dough handprint elf craft makes for a great creative activity. Plus, you can use it as an ornament on the Christmas tree!

Elves Christmas craft for kids made using salt dough and handprint

By Messy Little Monster

7. Paper Plate Elf

Paper plate crafts are one of our favorites! Budget-friendly and mess-free, this charming paper plate elf craft would work as an awesome art project for kids of all ages. In addition to the easy step-by-step instructions and tips, there’s a free printable to make crafting even easier!

elf craft Christmas idea using paper plates
by Crafts by Amanda

By Crafts by Amanda

8. Printable Elves

This finger elf puppet is not just a super-easy and fun craft to put together, but it also works as a fantastic pretend play idea. Once these little elves are ready, your child can create their own Christmas adventures!

Don’t forget to explore our captivating collection of unicorn puppets and paper bag puppets!

Christmas kid's elf craft featuring free printable
by Easy Peasy and Fun

By Easy Peasy and Fun

9. Elf Finger Puppet

This finger elf puppet is not just a super-easy and fun craft to put together, but it also works as a fantastic pretend play idea.

Once these little elves are ready, your child can create their own Christmas adventures!

Christmas craft idea, elf finger puppet

By Kids Craft Room

elf printable

10. Elf Popsicle Stick Craft

Who can say no to a classic popsicle stick Christmas craft? Not us! These jolly elves will add a magical touch to your holiday craft projects. If you love this popsicle stick elf craft, you must also try this popsicle stick reindeer craft!

Christmas idea, elf popsicle stick craft for kids

By Simple Everyday Mom

11. Easy Elf Craft

This cheeky elf craft is too cute for words! Made with cupcake liners, paint, and cotton balls; this craft is a perfect DIY project to tackle during the Christmas season with your little ones.

elf craft, easy Christmas craft for kids

By Stylish Cravings

12. Paper Cup Elves

Are you looking for a budget-friendly DIY project that’s fun and you can make with everyday supplies? Say no more! This paper cup elf craft is a lovely idea to encourage your kids’ creativity while waiting for Santa’s visit!

Related craft: Paper Cup Santa Claus Craft for Kids

Elves craft for kids using paper cups

By Fireflies and Mud Pies

13. Mix and Match Elves

This mix-and-match Christmas craft is oh-so-perfect to make with kids of all ages! It’s such a fun concept. In addition, your kids can choose to make their elves’ faces using the free printable or turn themselves into cute little elves by adding their own headshot to this craft!

paper mix and match elves craft idea for kids

By Messy Little Monster

14. Paper Elf Craft

Do you have cardstock on hand? Turn simple colored cardstock into these truly enchanting little elves with this easy tutorial. Then, display them around your home for the holidays.

papercraft elf Christmas DIY craft for kids

By Non-Toy Gifts

15. Handprint Elves

Celebrate Santa’s little helpers by making this adorable paper elf handprint with preschoolers and toddlers!

This craft is a perfect last-minute idea and makes for a precious keepsake to treasure your little one’s handprint for years to come. Be sure to try these Christmas handprint crafts as well!

Handprint elf craft idea

By Fun Handprint Art

16. Popsicle Stick Elf Puppet

Get in the seasonal spirit by making this cheeky little elf! Perfect as a simple and fun craft, bookmarker, or Christmas tree ornament, this cutie is fun to make and play with!

Christmas craft idea for kids featuring elf popsicle stick puppet

By Artsy Craftsy Mom

17. Egg Carton Elf

With this charming egg carton craft, kiddos are tapping into their creativity and working on their fine motor skills while recycling at the same time.

If you couldn’t get enough of this cut egg carton craft, try these 23 egg carton crafts kids can make.

Christmas recycle craft ideas, featuring egg carton elf

By The Best Ideas for Kids

18. Elf Paper Bag Puppet

There’s no need to wait to enjoy that magical Christmas season. So, gather your supplies to make this endearing little elf and start the fun! You only need a brown paper bag, cardstock, pom poms, googly eyes, and other supplies. Let your imagination go wild as you create the perfect little elf companion for the holidays!

easy craft for kids featuring elf puppet made with paper bag

By Surviving a Teacher’s Salary

19. E is for Elf Craft

Looking for a Christmas craft project to keep little ones entertained while learning the alphabet? We’ve got you covered. Give this elf craft a try! This craft will help kids with letter recognition while keeping the Christmas theme for extra fun.

elf craft letter recognition for kids Christmas themed

By Must Have Mom

20. Shape Elf Craft

Create a fun paper elf craft to add a little holiday cheer to your math lessons!

Whether you’re a homeschool mom, a teacher, or just looking for ways to make math more fun, this paper-shaped elf craft is just what you need.

Christmas craft featuring elves made with shapes
by Non-Toy Gifts

By Non-Toy Gifts

Christmas Elf Craft – Summary

If you’re looking for some fun activities to do with your family this holiday season, then these 20 elf crafts for kids you should definitely try. From paper plate elves and elf hat ornaments to egg carton elves, these projects will surely bring joy to everyone in your household.

Gather up the supplies, pick out your favorite idea, and start crafting away! These magical holiday elves will add plenty of cheer to any celebration this year.

If you enjoyed this elf craft, save it for later and follow us on Pinterest for more fun ideas.

elf crafts for preschoolers

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