Elf Paper Plate Craft For Kids (Free Template)

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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.

Supplies and finished Christmas Elf Paper Plate Craft with text “Free Template Christmas Elf Paper Plate Craft

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.

Completed paper plate elf craft featuring a smiling elf with a green hat and green collar.

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
Craft materials including colored papers, paint, glue stick, marker, scissors, and a paper plate.

How to Make the Elf Paper Plate Craft

Cut the paper plate as shown in the picture using the free Elf Template.

Cut-out paper plate shaped like an elf’s head beside a pair of scissors.

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

Paper plate painted beige for face and red for collar, with paint tubes beside it.

Cut out the pieces from the template.

Brown paper hair cutout next to scissors.

Trace them onto the appropriate construction paper.

Green elf hat, red and green hat trims, and red pom-pom cutouts beside scissors.

Cut them out again.

Paper cutouts for elf’s facial features including blue eyes, pink cheeks, and white eye base beside scissors.

Begin assembling the pieces in order.

Glue on the elf’s hair.

Assembled elf face with glued hair and red collar beside glue stick.

Attach the hat on top.

Nearly finished elf craft with hat and collar glued on beside glue stick.

Add the facial features.

Elf paper plate craft with glued facial features beside a glue stick.

Finish by using a black marker to draw a smile. 

Completed elf paper plate craft with drawn smile beside a black marker.

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

Finished elf paper plate craft with green hat, red collar, and blue eyes.

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.

Elf paper plate craft placed on a gray surface with colorful decorations around.

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.

Elf paper plate craft displayed upright with Christmas light cutouts above.

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.

Elf paper plate craft tilted slightly with candy and light decorations around.

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.

Finished elf paper plate craft with banner text “Elf Paper Plate Craft for Kids".

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.

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