Elf Paper Plate Craft For Kids (Free Template)
Bring some holiday magic into your home or classroom with this adorable Elf Paper Plate Craft with a free printable template! This Christmas craft for kids is fun, colorful, and perfect for young kids of all ages.
Whether you’re planning a Classroom Christmas activity, a fun craft for kids at home, or an afternoon of holiday creativity, this easy paper plate elf craft is a wonderful way to spark festive joy.

Elf Paper Plate Craft For Kids (Free Template)
This paper plate craft is a simple, hands-on project that kids can make using basic materials you likely already have, such as a paper plate, construction paper, glue stick, scissors, and a bit of paint.
The elf craft template makes the process even easier, helping you cut and assemble each part of the elf’s cheerful face and hat. It’s an easy Christmas idea for preschoolers, early learners, or anyone who loves Santa’s little helpers.

Paper Plate Christmas Craft For Kids
Kids love creating their own little elf — complete with rosy cheeks, a jolly hat, and a big holiday smile. It’s a fun and educational craft that encourages creativity and builds fine motor skills as they cut, trace, and glue the pieces together.
This elf craft is also a great way for kids to get into the Christmas spirit while learning to follow simple directions and explore colors. It’s one of those simple kids crafts that’s easy to prep and guaranteed to spread holiday cheer.
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You’ll Need:
- Paper plate
- Brown and red paint
- Scissors
- Marker
- Glue
- Construction paper

How to Make the Elf Paper Plate Craft
Cut the paper plate as shown in the picture using the free Elf Template.

Paint the top circular part brown and the bottom section red. Allow it to dry completely before adding any details.

Cut out the pieces from the template.

Trace them onto the appropriate construction paper.

Cut them out again.

Begin assembling the pieces in order.
Glue on the elf’s hair.

Attach the hat on top.

Add the facial features.

Finish by using a black marker to draw a smile.

That’s it—you’ve got your own elf paper plate craft ready to show off!

Perfect for Holiday Classrooms or Home
If you’re a teacher looking for Christmas crafts for kids, this project is classroom-friendly and budget-conscious. It’s a simple activity that can easily be done during holiday art time, and students can proudly take their paper elves home to share.
At home, this paper craft makes a lovely holiday decoration or elf on the shelf craft to display alongside your favorite Christmas décor.
Ideas to Extend the Fun
Once you’ve finished your paper plate elf, try pairing it with an Elf on the Shelf storytime or your favorite Christmas movie like Buddy the Elf.
Kids can also give their elves names, decorate them with glitter or pom-poms, or create an entire lineup of elves to hang on the wall.

You can even encourage kids to write a short story or draw a scene about their elf’s adventures at the North Pole. It’s a fun way for kids to get creative while building literacy and imagination skills.
How to Display Your Paper Plate Elf Craft
Once your elf craft is complete, display it proudly! You can hang your paper elf craft on the wall, add it to a Christmas bulletin board, or tape a string to the back to turn it into a hanging ornament.
These little elves also make a fun photo backdrop for a kids’ Christmas party or school hallway display.
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Add a few other paper plate crafts like Santa or a reindeer for a full Christmas craft collection that looks adorable together.

A Fun and Festive Craft Idea for Families
This fun and easy paper plate craft is one that families will want to do year after year. It’s fun for kids, simple for parents, and perfect for teachers looking for a quick holiday activity for kids. With the free printable template, there’s no guesswork — just print, paint, cut, and glue.
It’s a great way for kids to make something they’re proud of while celebrating the joy of the season.
Free Printable Elf Template
Make sure to download the free elf template to get started! This printable includes all the parts you’ll need — hat, collar, hair, eyes, and cheeks — so you can recreate the elf face like pictured.

This paper plate elf template makes it easy to organize classroom craft days or family art sessions. It’s one of the best ideas for kids during the holidays and adds instant cheer to any room.
More Christmas Paper Plate Crafts to Make
If you loved creating the Elf Paper Plate Craft for Kids, check out these other festive paper plate crafts that are perfect for the holiday season.
- Moving Nativity Paper Plate Craft – A beautiful interactive nativity scene that brings the Christmas story to life.
- Angel Paper Plate Craft – A sweet angel craft that adds a heavenly touch to your Christmas decorations.
- Gingerbread Face Paper Plate Craft – A fun and easy gingerbread face project that kids will love decorating.
- Santa Paper Plate Craft – A classic Santa craft that’s simple, festive, and full of holiday cheer.

A Fun Christmas Craft That’s Perfect for Kids
From start to finish, this paper plate elf craft is fun, easy, and perfect for kids. It’s a creative, hands-on Christmas craft that brings smiles to little faces and brightens up your holiday décor.
Whether you’re making it at home with your young kids, in school with students, or as part of a fun Christmas activity, it’s a project that everyone will love.
So grab your paper plate, paint, and free printable elf template, and make the elf face come to life — because crafting together is one of the best parts of the holiday season.












