Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft (Free Elf Template)
The holiday season is the perfect time to slow down, grab some supplies, and enjoy a fun and easy project that brings a smile to everyone’s face. That’s why this Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft is such a favorite—it comes with a free printable Elf Template, and it’s festive, simple, and makes an adorable keepsake to hang proudly on your Christmas tree year after year.
Christmas Popsicle Stick Crafts are the perfect holiday activity for kids because they combine creativity, hands-on fun, and festive cheer in a straightforward project. Using just a few basic supplies, children can create their own cheerful elf to display as a decoration, give as a gift, or even use alongside their Elf on the Shelf tradition.

Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft with Free Elf Template
Whether you’re looking for a fun Christmas activity, a way to keep little kids busy while preschoolers and kindergarten children are on break, or want to add some extra holiday cheer, this craft is a super-easy and fun hands-on activity that kids will love.
This craft is also perfect for those Elf on the Shelf Fans!
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60 Pieces Jumbo Craft Sticks, 8 Inch Natural Wooden Popsicle Sticks, Multi-Functional Ice Cream Sticks for Crafts, Tongue Depressors, Hair Removal and Waxing Sticks, Plant Labels, DIY Classroom Crafts
Crayola Construction Paper, 240 Count
Westcott 5
750pcs Wiggle Eyes Self-Adhesive Googly Eyes, 4mm~18mm
Elmer’s E543 Washable School Glue Sticks, Disappearing Purple, 4/Pack
Crayola 587722 Non-Washable Markers, Broad Point, Classic Colors, 10/Set
Supplies Needed to Make This Elf Popsicle Stick Craft
For this craft, you don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of basic supplies that can easily be found at home or at your local craft store. Here’s what you’ll need to make a popsicle stick elf:
- Popsicle sticks (or craft sticks)
- Green paint
- Paintbrush
- Glue (school glue or adhesive of your choice; you can also use a glue gun if you prefer)
- Scissors
- Construction paper in red, yellow, brown, and pink
- Googly eyes
- Black marker or Sharpie

These simple supplies come together to create one of the cutest popsicle stick Christmas ornaments you’ll ever see!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
This elf craft is a super easy and fun activity that’s perfect for little kids, preschoolers, pre-K, and even kindergarten children. Follow these steps to make your festive elf popsicle stick craft:
Step 1: Prepare the Popsicle Sticks
Line up three Popsicle sticks. Paint the bottom half with green paint to look like the elf’s outfit. Let it dry completely. On the middle stick, use a black marker or Sharpie to draw a simple smile.

Step 2: Build the Base
Place the three sticks side by side and secure them together. If you used a glue gun, it will set quickly; if you used regular adhesive, give it a few extra minutes to dry.

Step 3: Cut Out the Paper Pieces
Using scissors, cut out shapes from your construction paper:
- A hat from yellow
- Ears from brown
- Blush circles from pink
- A jagged collar and red dress from red
- A small green circle for the hat’s pom pom

This is where the kiddos can get creative with shapes and colors.

Step 4: Attach the Hat and Ears
Glue the elf’s hat to the top of the popsicle sticks and add the pom pom for a festive touch. Then glue the ears to both sides of the elf’s face.

Step 5: Add the Collar and Dress
Glue the jagged red collar under the elf’s face and attach the red dress. It immediately gives the elf a festive Christmas look.

Step 6: Add the Details
Glue on the blush cheeks, attach the googly eyes, and let your silly little elves come to life. Don’t forget to draw any extra details with your black marker.

Step 7: Finish with Extras
If you want to hang your elf, add a ribbon loop to the back. You can also decorate with extra pom poms, a pipe cleaner candy cane, or any embellishment that makes your elf sparkle.

Now you’ve got yourself a popsicle stick elf craft that makes the holiday season brighter!
Why This Makes the Perfect Holiday Elf on the Shelf Craft
This is one of those Christmas crafts for kids that checks all the boxes: easy Christmas setup, fun Christmas craft vibes, and a finished piece that doubles as décor. Plus, it’s one of those stick Christmas crafts that can easily be turned into a family tradition.
- Kids are on Christmas break? This is a lifesaver to keep them busy.
- Looking for fun Christmas activity ideas for preschool? This one is a hit.
- Want to teach kiddos about creativity and fine motor skills? Cutting and gluing help them practice while having fun.
Whether you’re making popsicle stick Christmas ornaments, reindeer ornaments, or even a craft stick Santa, projects like this keep the holidays magical.

Tips for Crafting with Kids
Since this is a craft for kids, here are a few tips to make the experience smooth and fun:
- Preschoolers and Toddlers: Pre-cut the shapes for them so they can focus on gluing.
- Using Scissors: Let older kiddos practice cutting out the shapes—it’s a great way to build fine motor skills.
- Glue Choices: Regular school glue works fine, but if you want quick results, a glue gun is faster (keep it out of reach of the little kids).
- Set Up a Craft Station: Lay everything out ahead of time—popsicle sticks, paper craft pieces, pom poms, googly eyes—so kids can jump right in.
This makes it a fun family or classroom project, and it’s the kind of fun hands-on activity kids will talk about long after.
Free Elf Template
Once your elf is complete, it’s time to show it off! Here are a few ways to use your popsicle stick Christmas ornaments:
- Hang them on your Christmas tree with a ribbon loop.
- Line them up on a mantel for a festive display.
- Use them as gift tags—write the recipient’s name on the back.
- Create a classroom display if you’re making them with preschool or kindergarten children.

These elves are not just fun Christmas crafts—they also make keepsakes you’ll treasure. Each year, when you pull them out of storage, you’ll remember the fun activity of making them.
More Popsicle Stick Crafts to Make
If you enjoyed the Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft, here are more fun and festive popsicle stick projects to try.
- Popsicle Stick Acorn Craft – A cute and simple autumn craft featuring acorns.
- Easy Popsicle Stick Lion Craft – A cheerful lion design that’s fun and easy for kids to create.
- Turkey Popsicle Craft – A colorful turkey craft perfect for Thanksgiving celebrations.
- Santa Stick Puppet – A festive Santa puppet that makes a great holiday craft and toy.

This Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament Craft is more than just a holiday project; it’s a way to slow down during the busy holiday season and make something special with your kiddos.
From preschoolers to kindergarten children and even older kids, everyone can join in and create their own festive Christmas elf craft.
So gather your popsicle sticks, green paint, googly eyes, pom poms, and glue, and get ready for a fun Christmas craft that the whole family can enjoy.
Elf Popsicle Stick Craft
This adorable Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament is a festive and fun way for kids to celebrate the holidays. With just a few simple supplies and our free printable elf template, little crafters can create a cheerful elf decoration to hang on the Christmas tree or give as a handmade gift. It’s an easy holiday project that encourages creativity and fine motor skills while adding a touch of Christmas magic to your home.
Materials
- Popsicle sticks
- Green paint
- Paintbrush
- Googly eyes
- Construction paper (red, green, peach, and white)
- Scissors
- Glue or glue stick
- Free elf template
Instructions
Instructions:
- Prepare the Popsicle Sticks - Gather three popsicle sticks. Paint the bottom half of each stick green to create the elf’s outfit. Allow the paint to dry completely. On the middle popsicle stick, use a black marker to draw a cheerful smile for the elf’s face.
- Cut Out the Template Pieces
Print and cut out the pieces from the free elf template. Trace each piece onto its corresponding colored construction paper (for example, the hat on green, the dress on red, the ears on peach). Carefully cut them out. - Assemble the Elf - Begin attaching the template pieces to the popsicle sticks one by one. Start with the larger pieces like the dress and face area, then move to smaller details. Glue the elf’s hat to the very top of the popsicle stick face. Attach the ears to both sides of the face.
- Add Facial Details - Glue on googly eyes to bring the elf to life. Add blush to the cheeks using the blush pieces from the template (or lightly color them with a crayon or marker).
- Finish the Outfit - Attach the red dress piece below the face to complete the elf’s festive look. - Let the glue dry completely before handling.
- Make It an Ornament - To hang your elf on the tree, glue or tape a loop of yarn or ribbon to the back of the popsicle sticks.
Now you have a charming Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament that’s ready to spread holiday cheer!






