10 Must-Try Elf on the Shelf Crafts Kids Will Love

The Elf on the Shelf has taken over the holiday season, filling homes with the magic of Christmas and a dash of mischief.

But let’s be real. Kids want more than just spotting their scout elf in a new spot every morning.

They want to play with the little guy, touch him, and make him part of their holiday fun.

That’s where Elf on the Shelf crafts come in!

Collage of four delightful Elf on the Shelf crafts for kids. Features a paper elf, an elf face, a gingerbread house coloring page, and a sparkling elf sleigh. Overlay text reads "Fun Elf on the Shelf Crafts for Kids.

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These fun activities allow kids to interact with their Christmas elf while keeping the holiday tradition alive (and keeping those “no-touch” rules intact).

Plus, don’t miss the free Elf on the Shelf planner and more elf shenanigan ideas to make this season a breeze!


10 Elf on the Shelf Crafts for Kids

These Elf on the Shelf crafts are easy, festive, and sure to delight kids of all ages.

From simple paper plate crafts to adorable elf puppets, these projects make the holiday season full of holiday cheer and creativity.

1- Elf On The Shelf Photo Craft by Simple Everyday Mom

Craft stick transformed into a delightful Elf on the Shelf creation, showcasing a smiling child's face adorned with a red and white costume and pointed hat, all part of enchanting elf on the shelf crafts. It rests charmingly on a light surface, ready to spread holiday cheer.

This Elf on the Shelf photo craft will let kids imagine themselves as elves, joining in on the magic of Christmas. With a free template included, most of the work is already done, making it a great activity for young children during school mornings or craft time.


2- Elf Paper Bag Puppet by Ottawa Mommy Club

A paper cutout of an elf on the shelf, adorned with a red hat and outfit, white collar, and mittens. Its pink cheeks and blue eyes bring a whimsical charm to this delightful craft piece, standing proudly on a wooden surface.

Turn an ordinary paper bag into a fun, interactive toy with this printable elf craft. It’s a fantastic way for kids to play with their own elf without breaking the “no-touch” rule. This little guy is sure to bring lots of fun to your craft corner.

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3- Elf on the Shelf Elf Craft by Messy Little Monster

A crafted paper elf head with googly eyes and a red hat sits next to an elf doll in a red suit, perfect for Elf on the Shelf crafts. The backdrop is light blue adorned with white stars, and a green ribbon adds a festive touch.

Get ready for a fun activity that turns cupcake liners into an easy elf craft. This project is perfect for kids of all ages and requires no printer—just some simple supplies like glue dots and a little note of creativity!


4- Elf On The Shelf Slime by Little Bins for Little Hands

A red-suited elf doll, perfect for "Elf on the Shelf" crafts, sits next to a clear ornament filled with red and white glittery slime. The festive background is sprinkled with vibrant red, green, and white confetti.

This elf slime is a playful addition to your Elf on the Shelf crafts that kids will love! Make it ahead of time and have your elf surprise the kids by filling a clear ornament with it as a special gift. It’s a fun way to incorporate a sensory activity into your holiday season and add an unexpected twist to your elf’s magical journey.


5- 3D Paper Elf House Coloring Craft by Kids Craft Room

Illustration of a 3D paper craft project featuring elf houses, perfect for elf on the shelf crafts. Includes templates with mushroom-shaped houses and a cartoon elf sitting on a roof. Background shows trees and small mushrooms. Text reads "Elf Houses 3D Paper Craft" and "kidscraftroom.com.

Kids will love coloring and constructing their very own 3D elf house with this printable craft. Kids can color the pieces while they are still attached to the paper. Once assembled, it becomes a perfect new spot for their scout elves to “live” during their magical journey.

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6- Elf on the Shelf Craft by The Inspiration Edit

A delightful paper plate craft resembling an elf with a red hat and a cheerful face is displayed next to an "Elf on the Shelf" book and a tiny elf doll, capturing the essence of charming Elf on the Shelf crafts. The backdrop bursts with a festive holly pattern.

Transform a simple paper plate into a festive elf with this easy idea. This Elf on the Shelf craft is ideal for young children with some assistance and a fantastic way for older kids to create a fun decoration for the Christmas tree.


7- Festive Elf Painted Rocks by The Gingerbread House

Three painted rocks rest on a red surface. The top rock features a smiling face with a red hat. The bottom left rock displays a "North Pole Rocks" sign, while the bottom right rock showcases two figures in festive red and green outfits, reminiscent of charming elf on the shelf crafts.

Rock painting is a great way to spend part of the holiday season, and these festive elf rocks make it even more special. This craft is a great way to get kids outdoors for some fresh air and creativity, combining a fun craft with the great outdoors. This post shares several great tips for turning out high-quality rocks that will last.


8- Build An Elf | Free Printable Elf Activity by Troubleshooting Motherhood

Illustration of a "Build an Elf" printable, perfect for elf on the shelf crafts. It includes parts to assemble an elf: hat, shirt, pants, belt, arms, and legs. An example of a completed elf is shown. Text reads, "Free Printable Build an Elf.

This build-an-elf activity is a simple, free printable craft that kids can cut out, color, and assemble. It’s a great time-filler for Mom’s busy days or scout elf return week when your elf makes its first appearance back from the North Pole.


9- Elf Hat Craft by Homeschool Preschool

A delightful DIY Christmas craft, this green popsicle stick triangle adorned with red and green pom-poms resembles a festive tree. It's perfect as an "Elf on the Shelf" craft, with extra sticks and pom-poms scattered on a light wood background for added creative fun.

These elf hats, made from popsicle sticks and pom poms, are a great way to add some holiday spirit to your shelf ideas. Customize them for your elf to wear or add them to your Christmas decorations for some added charm.


10- Elf on the Shelf Coloring Page by Peace Love Christmas

Coloring page of an elf sitting with a pointed hat on a red background adorned with white snowflakes. Text reads, "ELF ON THE SHELF," perfect for inspiring your elf on the shelf crafts this holiday season.

Need something for a quick craft corner session? Print out a few Elf on the Shelf coloring pages. They’re perfect for school mornings or when you need the kids occupied for just a little while.


More Elf on the Shelf Ideas

Looking for more fun elf ideas to add to your Christmas season? I have plenty of ideas to make your holiday planning a breeze.

Have fun bringing the Elf on the Shelf magic to your home with these crafts!

And if you’re looking for more holiday excitement, consider an advent countdown calendar filled with fun activities you can choose for each day.

Don’t forget to pin these Elf on the Shelf crafts for kids:

A collage showcases Elf on the Shelf crafts for kids, highlighting delightful elf-themed creations like paper cutouts, ornaments, and toys. A cheerful banner declares, "Elf on the Shelf Crafts for Kids - 10 Easy Ideas.

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