Festive Holiday Elf Paper Plate Craft

If your kids love getting creative during the holidays, this elf paper plate craft is the perfect festive activity to try! It’s simple, fun for kids of all ages, and a great way to add a little Christmas magic to your crafting time—keep reading to learn how to make this adorable holiday elf together. 🎄🧝‍♂️

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to keep kids entertained this holiday season, this elf paper plate craft is just the thing. It’s simple enough for little hands, creative enough for older kids, and full of cheerful Christmas charm that makes crafting extra magical.

With a few basic supplies, kids can create their own adorable elf to display, gift, or add to holiday décor.

Paper plate crafts are always a hit because they’re affordable, low-prep, and endlessly customizable — and this elf craft is no exception! It pairs perfectly with some of our other holiday favorites, like this super cute paper plate Grinch craft or the paper plate Christmas tree, for a whole afternoon of festive crafting fun.

Whether you’re crafting at home, in the classroom, or during a holiday party, these projects make it easy to celebrate the season creatively.

Grab your supplies and let’s get crafting — these little elves are ready to spread some Christmas cheer! 🎄✨

If you want more ideas for great Christmas crafts, try my Paper Plate Reindeer Craft or this Wood Slice Santa Ornament Craft.

Why You’ll Love This Fun Elf Craft

Beyond being cute, this paper plate elf craft also helps kids in several ways:

• Following directions – an important and vital skill for school and life!

• Build fine motor skills – Tracing, cutting, and gluing all help little people strengthen those small (but important) muscles in the hands.

• Expressing creativity – Although following directions is important, learning when and how to add your own flair and style is important too! Encourage your kiddo to use this craft as a guide and change it up in unique ways (different colors, shapes, decorations, etc.).

• Reduces stress – the holiday season is busy, and parents often get stressed out with everything there is to do. Kids can pick up on that, so a fun craft like this elf paper plate craft brings smiles, holiday spirit, and a sense of accomplishment.

• Home or school – Perfect craft for kids at home or in a classroom.

Supplies Needed

This activity uses pretty basic craft supplies – you may already have everything you need! Here’s what you need to gather:

• Paper Plate – I prefer the 9-inch uncoated plates that are mostly flat
• Brown and Red Paint – for the face and top of the shirt
• Paintbrush – a craft paintbrush or even a foam brush works well!
• Marker – medium point permanent marker such as a black Sharpie marker.
• Scissors – all sizes for different-sized hands
• Glue – Elmer’s, glue stick, or craft glue
• Construction Paper – yellow for eyes and red for hat
• Elf craft template

How to Make Paper Plate Elf Craft

1. Trace the templates – Cut the paper plate as shown in the picture. Then cut out the shape.
2. Paint the plate – Paint the circle part brown and the bottom part red. Let it dry before attaching the details.
3. Trace and cut out the pieces to create your elf craft – Trace the templates onto their corresponding colored paper, then cut them out.
4. Assemble the pieces – Attach the hair. Then attach the hat and shirt collar.
5. Create the eyes and cheeks – Trace and cut out the pieces. Then layer them and glue into place.
6. Draw the smile – Use the black marker to draw the elf’s smile on the face.

Paper Plate Elf Craft Notes And Expert Tips

• Glue sticks and glue dots are less messy and easier to work with than liquid glue or a glue gun.

• Allow the painted plate to dry completely. This will make it much easier to glue on the construction pieces and use the marker.

• Want to skip the painting? Cut out craft foam sheets or colored cardstock paper and skip right to the face, eyes, and hat.

Ways To Extend The Activity

There are lots of ways to extend the activity to make it a multiple-day activity or better for older crafters:

🎨 Creative & Imaginative Extensions

1. Elf Storytelling – Have kids name their elf and write or dictate a short story about where the elf lives, what their job is at the North Pole, or what mischief they get into.
2. Elf Puppet Play – Attach a craft stick or make a simple handhold so kids can use their elf as a puppet for dramatic play or a holiday skit.
3. Design an Elf Outfit – Let kids create extra elf clothes or accessories using scrap paper, fabric, or stickers, then swap outfits.
4. Elf Family Gallery – Make multiple elves and display them together as an “elf family” bulletin board or wall display.

📚 Learning & Classroom Ideas

5. Elf Writing Prompt – Pair the craft with a writing activity like “A Day in the Life of an Elf” or “My Elf’s Favorite Christmas Job.”
6. Counting & Math Fun – Add numbered buttons or decorations and have kids count, add, or sort elves by color or design.
7. Name Practice – Write each child’s name on their elf or have them label body parts to reinforce literacy skills.

🎄 Holiday Fun & Social Activities

8. Elf Parade or Show-and-Tell – Let kids present their elf to the group and explain its name and role.
9. Elf Scavenger Hunt – Hide elves around the classroom or house and create clues to find them.
10. Elf Ornament or Gift – Turn the elf into a keepsake by adding a ribbon for hanging or attaching it to a holiday gift.

✂️ Skill-Building Add-Ons

11. Texture Exploration – Add cotton, felt, yarn, or pom-poms to build sensory awareness and fine motor skills.
12. Emotion Faces – Create multiple elf faces showing different emotions and talk about feelings and expressions.

These extensions make the paper plate elf craft perfect for classrooms, homeschool lessons, holiday parties, and winter break activities, while encouraging creativity, storytelling, and learning — all wrapped up in holiday fun 🎄✨

Grab The Template

Pin For Later!

More Christmas Printables and Activities To Check Out

• Free Secret Message From Santa Printable (Decode Game)
• Best Printable Letter To Santa Template (Cute & Free!)
• Best Free Christmas Countdown Calendar Printable
• Free Printable Christmas Bingo Game
• Christmas Planner For A Stress-Free Holiday Season