It’s time to have some fun making memories with your kids this holiday season! Kids love doing crafty things, so set out a few supplies and enjoy making memories with them this Christmas!

The kids are going to go crazy for this adorable elf on the shelf photo craft of themselves.

It’s easy to do too- just download our free template, print it out, and get crafting! All you need are a few simple supplies!

If your kids love their Elf on the Shelf, you have to add this project to your holiday crafting list! Download the free template and make it this Christmas season.

Also, be sure to check out all of our photo crafts for kids for even more fun ideas.

Elf On The Shelf Craft Idea

Cover Image of the Elf On The Shelf Photo Craft with the word Elf On The Shelf Photo Craft in the middle

Supplies

Photo of your child
Colored cardstock or construction paper
Scissors
Glue stick
Brads
Marker or crayons (if using the color in version)
Small hole punch
Glue dot (optional, but useful)
Elf on the shelf template (click the “click here to get your freebies” image at the end of the post)

Click here to see our favorite kids’ craft supplies.

Directions

Start by downloading the template and printing it out. Once the template is printed, gather the materials for this fun activity. Get those scissors ready, and let’s help the kids bring this elf to life!

hand holding elf on the shelf craft templat e

First, guide your child to build the elf body by gluing the legs to the bottom of the body piece.

hand gluing legs to body of elf on the shelf craft

Next, help your child punch holes at the top of each of the arms and the top corners of the body.

hand punching hole in elf on the shelf photo craft

Click here to see why I recommend these craft supplies

Take the brad and push it through the arm and then the body. Don’t open the brad on the backside. Instead, push both prongs towards the inside of the body. This will hide them so you don’t see them from the front. Repeat with the other arm.

hand pushing brad through elf on the shelf photo craft

Create the hat by gluing the fluff to the bottom of the hat. Cut off any excess paper from the sides of the hat.

hand gluing fluff to to elf on the shelf craft

Glue the hat to the top of your child’s photo, then glue the bottom of your child’s photo to the elf’s collar.

hand gluing head to collar of elf on the shelf craft

Finally, encourage your child to take a glue dot and place it in between the brads, then secure the collar to the glue dot. You can also use glue, but it’s messier and harder to hold between the 2 brads.

hand gluing head to elf on the shelf photo craft

That’s it! Don’t you love this adorable Christmas craft?!

hand holding elf on the shelf photo craft

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More Christmas Ideas For Kids

Don’t let the festivities stop here! This elf craft can inspire an entire Christmas unit study for kids. Below are some of our top ideas to get your creative juices flowing!

Christmas Children’s Book Recommendations

Reading to your kids is not only a simple activity, but it has so many benefits! These include improved vocabulary, better reading comprehension, and focus. That’s why we always recommend starting a new theme with books.

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!

Finished example of the Elf On The Shelf Photo Craft

Easy Christmas Crafts

Crafting is a great activity for kids because it helps with fine motor skills, has opportunities for creativity, and can be fun! Add in more throughout December with some of our favorite ideas:

Related: Christmas Matching Worksheets

Merry Christmas Headband Printable – Start a new Christmas tradition with this cute printable! It’s a great way to bring the magic of Christmas into your home with a simple and fun craft activity. Plus, it’s perfect for holiday parties or as a fun accessory for Christmas day!

Snowman Headband Craft – Young children love dressing up, and this snowman headband craft is the perfect winter accessory! It’s easy to make and will keep your little ones entertained for hours. And who doesn’t love printable props for your Christmas party photos?!

Collage image of the Christmas Crafts For Kids

Reindeer Popsicle Stick Craft – Add a little charm to your holiday decorations with this cute and easy reindeer craft! It’s a great way to get creative with your kids and make some festive decor for your home.

Elf Toilet Paper Roll Craft – It’s that time of year! The elves are busy getting ready for Christmas, and now your kids can join in on the fun with this adorable toilet paper roll craft. This is a great elf craft for kids of all ages, and even Santa Claus himself will approve of it!

Christmas Printable Activities For Preschoolers

These Santa do a dot printables are the perfect no-prep activity to help with fine motor skills. Kids will have fun working on letter recognition and counting as they use their dot markers. These free printables are great for preschool, pre k, and kindergarten children!

Try this Elf Christmas Card Craft

We’ve got learning covered with these awesome Grinch worksheets, perfect for the classroom, at home, or as a fun activity for kids on their own. Trace the letter G, do an alphabet maze, and label the Grinch!

Collage image of the Christmas Activities For Kids

Kids will love these Christmas pattern block mats. These are a fun way to work on fine motor skills and shape recognition while having some holiday cheer. Download and print them at home for easy access!

These Christmas cutting strips are a fantastic way to work on fine motor skills and scissor practice. They also make great educational activities for preschoolers during the holiday season. Print them out and have your little ones cut along the lines for a fun and festive challenge!

Christmas Tree Tissue Paper Craft

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!

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