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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. 

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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!

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 Crafty Kids

4. Elf Card Template

Turn Christmas cards into 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 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

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!

Christmas kid's elf craft featuring free printable
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

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.

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 kid’s creativity while they wait for Santa’s visit!

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 elve’s 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

Turn simple colored cardstock into these truly enchanting little elves with this easy tutorial.

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.

Handprint elf craft idea
by Fun Handprint Art

16. Popsicle Stick Elf Puppet

Get in the seasonal spirit 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 craft, kiddos are tapping into their creativity and working on their fine motor skills while recycling at the same time.

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!

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 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 shape elf craft is just what you need.

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

Christmas Elf Craft – Summary

I hope you were able to find a handful of awesome elf crafts that you can try this Christmas holiday! Give one a try, and let us know in the comments below how it turned out.

If you enjoyed this elft craft, make sure to save it for later and follow us on Pinterest for more fun ideas.

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