Paper Plate Elf- Christmas Craft

Paper plate elves are a fun and festive christmas craft that kids will love making this holiday season.

This adorable elf craft is made with a simple paper plate, a few basic supplies, and a free printable pattern. The templates include both a boy elf and a girl elf, so kids can choose the style they want to create. We painted our paper plates, but crayons or markers work just as well, making this a versatile paper plate christmas craft. Children can get creative with decorations, colors, and embellishments to make a unique christmas elf that reflects their personality.

This is a christmas craft for kids that works for a variety of ages and settings. Preschoolers will love the simple shapes and cheerful colors, while older kids can spend more time adding details and decorations. It’s a great preschool craft idea for the classroom, but it’s also just as fun at home or even as a party activity. Teachers can even use the finished elves to decorate a bulletin board filled with festive and multicultural characters.

Make a Paper Plate Elf Craft

This elf craft is a perfect activity during the holiday season in December. At home, it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon crafting together, and kids will enjoy displaying their finished paper plate christmas craft as part of the holiday décor. In preschool and elementary school classrooms, this craft makes a cheerful bulletin board display that celebrates creativity and individuality. It’s also a great preschool craft idea for Christmas parties, whether at school, church, or in the community, giving kids a hands-on project to enjoy together.

Why You’ll Love this Festive Elf Craft

This project is simple enough for little hands, but it also leaves plenty of room for creativity. Kids can design an elf that looks like themselves, or experiment with bright, imaginative colors and decorations. The craft is affordable, easy to prep, and flexible—you can keep it basic with just paper, scissors, and glue, or make it extra special with sequins, glitter, and pom poms. Whether used as a decoration, party activity, or keepsake, this paper plate christmas craft will quickly become a holiday favorite.

Variations for the Paper Plate Elf Craft

Swap out the paper for craft foam or felt for a sturdier elf craft.
Provide an assortment of fun embellishments like sequins, buttons, pom poms, or glitter to decorate the elf hat and collar.
Change the base plate color to match different skin tones for a classroom display of multicultural elves.
Use nontraditional colors like pink, purple, or teal to make whimsical elves.
Encourage kids to create unique details such as glasses, freckles, or patterned hats.

Tips and Tricks for the Elf Christmas Craft

If working with younger kids, pre-cut the smaller template pieces to make the craft easier.
For a group project, set out trays of embellishments so kids can choose how to personalize their elves.
Painted plates will need time to dry before assembling, so crayons or markers may be a better option for same-day projects.
Display finished elves on a bulletin board or hang them with ribbon for festive holiday décor.

Lets Make a Paper Plate Elf

Below you’ll find the step-by-step directions and free printable pattern for this christmas elf craft. The templates for both a boy and girl elf are included so each child can pick their favorite design or try both.

Materials:

Paper Plate
Wiggle Eyes
Tinsel Pom Pom
Craft Paint – Flesh Tone Color of Choice & Pink
Cardstock or Craft Paper– Red, Green, Yellow, Brown
Craft Glue or a Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Sponge Dabber re
Paintbrush
Scissors
Black Marker
Printed Paper Plate Elf Pattern

Instructions:

Paint the inside of the paper plates with flesh tone color of choice craft paint.

Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.

Cut a second paper plate in half and paint the inside of the paper plate halves with flesh tone color of choice craft paint. Set aside to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.

Download and print the elf patterns, then cut out with scissors.

To create the boy elf, trace the hat onto green paper, trace the hair onto brown paper, trace the hat trim and collar trim onto red paper, and trace the ears onto the painted half paper plate.

Cut out the patterns with scissors.

Attach the hat trim to the bottom of the hat and the hair to the hat with glue.

Fold over the top of the hat and secure in place with glue.

Attach two wiggle eyes and two ears to the elf face with glue.

Create cheeks by dipping a sponge dabber into pink craft paint and stamping on either side of the face. Glue the red collar to the bottom of the elf.

Attach a tinsel pom pom to the tip of the elf’s hat with glue. Draw a smile from cheek to cheek with a black marker.

To create the girl elf, trace the hat onto red paper, trace the hair and braids onto yellow paper, trace the hat trim and collar trim onto green paper, and trace the ears onto the painted half paper plate.

Cut out the patterns with scissors.

Attach the hat trim to the bottom of the hat, the hair to the hat, and the braids to the hair with glue.

Fold over the top of the hat and secure in place with glue.

Attach two wiggle eyes and two ears to the elf face with glue.

Create cheeks by dipping a sponge dabber into pink craft paint and stamping on either side of the face. Glue the green collar to the bottom of the elf.

To finish, attach a tinsel pom pom to the tip of the elf’s hat with glue. Draw a smile from cheek to cheek with a black marker.

This paper plate christmas craft is an easy, festive, and creative way to celebrate the holiday season with kids. Whether at home, in the classroom, or at a party, children will love designing their own christmas elf and showing off their creativity. Gather your supplies, print the template, and get ready for a fun holiday activity that kids of all ages will enjoy.