The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to celebrate than with a creative craft project that’s perfect for kids of all ages? With our build an elf printable template, you can create your very own elf while enjoying a great time with your whole family. Whether for classroom use, a festive afternoon at home, or as a fun activity to spread holiday cheer, this paper craft is the perfect way to bring joy to the Christmas season.
This craft includes two printable pages with a boy elf and a girl elf, making it a versatile and fun craft for everyone. Plus, it’s a free gift from us to you—simply download the digital version and start crafting right away. Keep reading to learn more about this delightful Christmas craft idea, what you’ll need, and how to bring your little elves to life!
Why Build an Elf?
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Creating your own paper elf craft is not just about having so much fun; it’s also a great way to:
- Strengthen fine motor skills in younger children and older kids alike.
- Foster creativity with endless fun ideas and different designs.
- Encourage family fun and bonding during the Christmas season.
- Share the holiday spirit with cute crafts that can decorate your home or even your Christmas tree.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this fun activity is simple enough for young children but engaging enough for older kids, making it perfect for kids crafts at any age.
What You’ll Need for This Fun Craft
Gathering materials is easy for this festive art project! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Free printable elf templates (download the PDF format below)
- White cardstock for a sturdy base
- Scissors (child-safe scissors for younger children)
- A glue stick, white glue, or your second option: double-sided tape
- Coloring supplies like crayons, markers, or colored pencils
- Fun decorations like pom poms, red glitter paper, or stickers
- Optional: popsicle sticks for puppets, paper plates or paper bags for a backdrop
All the materials are easy to find, and as an Amazon associate, we recommend items that will make your crafting experience even better (see affiliate links below).
How to Build Your Own Elf
Follow these simple steps to bring Santa’s little helpers to life. Each free printable elf craft is designed to make assembly fun and easy!
Step 1: Download the Free Template
Click the link below to download your free printable template. You’ll receive two pages featuring a boy elf and a girl elf. Look for the confirmation email to access your digital version instantly.
Step 2: Print and Prepare
Print the free printable elf template on white cardstock for the best results. Cardstock makes your elf sturdy enough to withstand little hands and the crafting process.
Step 3: Color and Decorate
Let your kids unleash their creativity! Color the elf’s head, elf’s body, and accessories like the elf hat, scarf, and mittens. Add fun textures with red glitter paper or tiny pom poms for a festive touch.
Step 4: Cut Out the Pieces
Carefully cut along the dotted lines to separate the pieces of the elf. For younger children, consider pre-cutting the parts or supervising them with safety scissors.
Step 5: Assemble Your Elf
Using a kind of glue like a glue stick or white glue, attach the pieces together. Start with the elf’s body, then add the elf’s head, hat, and accessories. Pro tip: Mount your elf on a paper bag or popsicle stick to turn it into a puppet!
Fun Ideas for Using Your Build your Elf Printable
Once your little elves are complete, here are some fun ideas to enjoy them even more:
- Holiday Decorations: Display your elves on the Christmas tree or create a festive garland.
- Classroom Use: Perfect for a holiday-themed craft activity in school or daycare.
- Elf Photo Craft: Add a child’s face photo to personalize your elf.
- Printable Buddy: Create an elf friend for each family member or even pets!
- Holiday Scenes: Use a paper plate or construction site diorama to make a North Pole setting.
Benefits of Crafting
Crafting isn’t just fun—it’s educational and beneficial for children and families. Here’s why this fun craft is a hit:
- Fine Motor Skills: Cutting, gluing, and assembling the elf pieces improve dexterity in kids.
- Creativity Boost: With different ways to decorate, kids can express their holiday imagination.
- Family Bonding: This activity brings the whole family together for a memorable experience.
- Non-Screen Activity: Encourage kids to step away from screens and enjoy delightful Christmas crafts.
Download Your Free Printable Build an Elf Template Today!
Ready to get started? Download your free template and bring the holiday spirit to life. This fun craft is perfect for personal use at home or classroom use with students.
Remember, this free printable build is intended for non-commercial use only, as per copyright laws. The templates are the property of Mrs. Merry and are meant to spread joy, not monetary gain.
Share the Christmas Cheer
Once you’ve completed your paper elf craft, we’d love to see your creations! Share your masterpieces on social mediaand tag us. It’s a great way to spread Christmas cheer and inspire others with fun craft ideas.
Looking for more fun Christmas activities? Check out our blog for easy elf crafts, cute crafts, and even more delightful Christmas crafts to enjoy during the Christmas night. From free printables to frugal holiday tips, we’ve got everything you need to make this holiday season magical.
You might also like:
We have a treasure trove of printable elf notes available on our site! Here's what you can find:
- Arrival Letter: Perfect for that first day when your elf makes his grand appearance.
- Late Arrival Letter: For those times the elf might have gotten caught in some North Pole snowstorm and is running a bit behind.
- Departure Letter: A heartfelt note for when it's time for your elf to head back to Santa.
- Adoption Certificate: A beautiful token for when you first welcome your elf into your home.
- Naughty or Nice Letters: To give the little ones a gentle reminder or praise.
- Jokes: Light-hearted funnies to brighten up your day.
- Elf on the Shelf Ideas: A list of creative ways to place and play with your elf throughout December.
- Elf Bucks: A festive currency designed for holiday fun, Elf Bucks are delightful, elf-themed play money. Perfect for encouraging good behavior, completing holiday tasks, or as a whimsical reward during Christmas-themed activities.
- Elf Giving Poem: Encourage your kids to give with this cute poem.
- Scavenger Hunt: Fun elf scavenger hunt for all ages.
- 24 Days of elf: 24 days of Elf fun and ideas Calendar
Hi, my name is Melissa! I live in Spanish Fork, Utah. I'm happily married to Rob, and together we have five wonderful kids. Our family loves to embark on adventures, often in our RV, exploring the great outdoors. I'm an avid reader and a big fan of Hallmark movies – they always have a way of lifting my spirits. Hiking is another passion of mine; there's nothing like the tranquility of nature. I have a sweet tooth for chocolate and a love for Mexican food, both of which make life a little more delicious. In my downtime, I enjoy playing games with my family, creating memories and sharing laughter. Life is an adventure, and I'm here to enjoy every moment of it! I'm the blogger and creative mind behind the blog A Sparkle of Genius! Check out our posts on recipes, crafts, kid stuff, printables, travel and more!