One Christmas tradition that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the elf on the shelf. For those who are not familiar with the tradition, it involves placing a small elf doll in various locations around the house, often in humorous positions.
This simple project is perfect for even the youngest family members, and it’s a great way to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
The elf is said to watch over the household and report back to Santa on whether everyone has been naughty or nice. This year, why not add a personal touch to your elf by having your kids make their own elf on the shelf handprint craft?
Plus, it’s a fun way to create lasting memories and build confidence in your kids. So what are you waiting for? Get crafting! Also, be sure to check out our other elf on the shelf crafts
Easy Elf On The Shelf Craft
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Supplies
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Black pen (optional)
- Markers
- Pencil
- Elf on the shelf template (enter your email in the form at the end of this post to have the link sent to you)
Directions
Download the elf on the shelf template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
Trace your child’s hand onto a skin colored piece of paper and cut it out. Arrange the handprint with the fingers pointed up. Place the red hat paper on the fingers so they’re completely covered and glue them in place. Cut around the fingers to reveal them again. Alternatively, you can also have your child color or paint the fingers instead of using paper.
Place the hair on the line with the red paper and the handprint meet and glue it in place.
Next, take the white hat band and glue it over the red finger hat and hair. Trim off the sides.
Place the eyes just below the hair, one on each side. Optionally: Use a black pen to outline the eyes and draw on some eyelashes.
Use a black marker to draw on the eyebrows above the eyes and the smile below the eyes, in the middle of the face.
Next, use a pink marker to draw on the nose and the cheeks.
Finish off by gluing the collar to the bottom and back of the palm section of the hand.
Don’t you just love this cute handprint craft for kids? We think your kids will love creating them!
Christmas Ideas For Kids
It’s Christmas time again! The time of year when relatives come to visit, presents are given, and Christmas meals are eaten.
But for many people, Christmas can be a stressful time. There’s so much to do and so little time to do it! If you’re feeling overwhelmed this Christmas, take a deep breath and relax.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite things to do with kids during the Christmas season. From fun activities and learning worksheets to simply reading Christmas books together, there’s something on this list for everyone.
So go ahead and take a look. And remember, the best way to enjoy Christmas is to take things one step at a time. Merry Christmas!
Children’s Christmas Books
Start off your holiday festivities with some fun Christmas books. Below are some of the top Christmas books to read to your kids!
Dasher: This wonderfully illustrated Christmas book for kids gives you the back story on one of Santa’s favorite reindeer, Dasher! Girls will especially love to read this since Dasher is a girl.
Construction Site On Christmas Night: Fans of the fun characters of the construction site books have to add this Christmas themed story to their collection. See how the trucks get ready for Christmas!
How To Catch An Elf: Kids everywhere love the silliness of this Christmas story. The rhymes and the illustrations will draw the kids in as well. This is a Christmas book kids will want to read every year!
Christmas Kids Crafts
Christmas is a time when many people turn to crafting as a way to make unique gifts for their loved ones. And while some may see it as a tedious task, there are actually many benefits to be gained from crafting.
For one, it allows kids to tap into their creative side and express themselves in a way that is unique to them.
It can also be a great way to relax and de-stress, as it requires kids to focus on the present moment and forget about day-to-day worries.
Try out some of these colorful and adorable Christmas crafts:
Cat in the Hat Gingerbread Man Craft – Christmas is a great time to get creative with the kids, and what better way to do that than with this Cat in the Hat craft?! This easy project is perfect for any Dr. Seuss fan in your life, and it’s sure to bring a smile to their face this season.
Santa Claus Tissue Paper Craft – Santa Claus is coming to town! Get your kids excited for Christmas with this fun Santa Claus craft. They’ll love making the beard as big as their imagination and adding all the other little details to create a jolly Santa. And you’ll love how easy it is to download the template and get started right away.
Reindeer Photo Craft – Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the Claus family is so delightful! Every Christmas Eve, Santa loads up his sleigh with presents and sets off on his global journey. And he wouldn’t be able to do it without his team of magnificent reindeer. This craft turns a picture of your kid into a little reindeer ready to pull Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve night. And it will quickly be a keepsake to remember the year your kid made this craft with a picture of them!
Popsicle Stick Grinch – He’s grumpy, he’s green, and he hates Christmas. But despite all of his grinchiness, there’s something about the Grinch that just makes you root for him. Maybe it’s because he’s actually just misunderstood. Or maybe it’s because, deep down, we all know that he really does have a heart. What could be more fun than making your own Grinch popsicle stick craft this Christmas season? It’s perfect for kids of all ages, and it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
Kids’ Christmas Activities
Christmas time is here and that means it’s time to get in the holiday spirit! One great way to do that is by playing fun Christmas games together with everyone gathered for the season. A personal favorite of ours is this Roll a Santa. This game is perfect for family gatherings or parties with kids. If you’re looking for a festive activity that will get everyone in the holiday spirit, look no further!
Want a fun, festive way to help your kids practice their letter recognition, handwriting, and scissors skills? Then check out these reindeer worksheets! This activity is perfect for Christmas time, and it’s sure to put a smile on your students’ faces. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra practice during the holiday break.
Coloring is such a great activity for people of all ages! It’s so relaxing and therapeutic. It’s a great way to bond with kids and it’s also a lot of fun! These free elf coloring pages are perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Just print them out and let your kids go to town. They’ll have a blast adding their own special touch to these pages. And don’t forget to put on some festive Christmas music in the background. It’ll really get you into the holiday mood!
Do-a-Dot markers are a great way for kids to practice letter recognition and fine motor skills. And because they’re so easy to use, even the youngest artists can get in on the fun. So download these Christmas do a dot printables and start spreading some holiday cheer!
More Elf On The Shelf Fun
- Be ready with tons of elf fun with this elf on the shelf antics kit that plans everything for you!
- Get this elf arrival letter to leave around the house when the time comes.
- Wear this “Mama Elf” t-shirt all season long!
Share With Us
Did you make this activity with your kids or students? We’d love to feature them on our social media!
For a chance to have your child’s project featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!
Elf on the Shelf Handprint Craft For Kids
This simple elf on the shelf handprint craft is perfect for even the youngest family members, and it's a great way to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Plus, it's a fun way to create lasting memories!
Materials
- Colored cardstock or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Black pen (optional)
- Markers
- Pencil
- Elf on the shelf template
Instructions
- Download the elf on the shelf template, print, and cut out the pieces you need.
- Trace your child's hand onto a skin colored piece of paper and cut it out. Arrange the handprint with the fingers pointed up. Place the red hat paper on the fingers so they're completely covered and glue them in place. Cut around the fingers to reveal them again. Alternatively, you can also have your child color or paint the fingers instead of using paper.
- Place the hair on the line with the red paper and the handprint meet and glue it in place.
- Next, take the white hat band and glue it over the red finger hat and hair. Trim off the sides.
- Place the eyes just below the hair, one on each side. Optionally: Use a black pen to outline the eyes and draw on some eyelashes.
- Use a black marker to draw on the eyebrows above the eyes and the smile below the eyes, in the middle of the face.
- Next, use a pink marker to draw on the nose and the cheeks.
- Finish off by gluing the collar to the bottom and back of the palm section of the hand.
Elf on the Shelf Handprint Template
Sam is the crafter and founder of Simple Everyday Mom. She has been featured in Oprah Mag, Good Housekeeping, The Spruce Crafts, Country Living, The Bump and more. Read more.
Lourdes
Thursday 14th of December 2023
This is a great activity
Sam
Friday 15th of December 2023
Thank you!
Lizbeth
Thursday 14th of December 2023
Cute and thoughtful craft for the little ones!
Sam
Friday 15th of December 2023
Thanks so much!
Raye
Thursday 14th of December 2023
I do not see where I can input my email at the end of this, only comment <3
Sam
Friday 15th of December 2023
Sorry, it had a glitch! It has been replaced with the "click here to get your freebie" image.
Mark
Thursday 14th of December 2023
I don't understand . What form?
Sam
Friday 15th of December 2023
I apologize, the form wasn't appearing. It has now been replaced with the "click here to get your freebie" image. Just click that and it'll open the form in a new window for you. Thanks for letting me know!!
Jennifer
Thursday 14th of December 2023
Please email the Elf on the Shelf Handprint Template and other elf and santa templates please. Thank you!
Sam
Friday 15th of December 2023
Since you’re already an email subscriber, all you need to do is enter your email in the form at the end of any post and it’ll automatically redirect you to the download page ◡̈