20 Easy Elf Crafts for Kids to Try This Holiday Season
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!
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.
- Paper bags
- Cardstock in various colors
- Egg cartons
- Foam cups
- Pipe cleaners
- Googly eyes
- Buttons
- Craft sticks
- Felt
- Yarn
- Toilet paper rolls
- Plastic eggs
- Washable paint
- Construction paper
- Glue or tape
- Scissors
- Colored markers or crayons
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.
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!
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.
Related holiday crafts:
- 20 Handmade Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make
- 21 Cute Christmas Handprint Crafts
- 20 Wonderful Winter Nature Crafts for Kids
- 20 Printable Christmas Crafts Kids Can Make
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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