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Free Printable Buddy The Elf Craft For Kids

We’re convinced one of the best Christmas movies of all time is Elf! Will Ferrel is the perfect Christmas elf!

Ever since it was released, we’ve made it a tradition to watch it every year as a family.

Now that our kids are older they’re loving the movie just as much too, so we decided to make this free printable elf craft for kids!

They’re a great Christmas craft for kids to do at home plus they come with a free template so it’s super easy to recreate.

Read on for step-by-step instructions or watch our video tutorial to see how simple this cute elf craft is to make!

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

Elf Yourself Craft

buddy the elf photo craft image collage with the words buddy the elf photo craft

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Elf Christmas Craft Supplies

Directions

Download the free printable template and print it out on heavy, white card stock.

Hands holding buddy the elf puppet craft template

Cut out all the pieces of the elf and your child’s face. Glue the elf hat on top of your child’s head.

Hands gluing Buddy the elf hat to kids photo

Put a little glue on the top of the white collar and glue your child’s photo on top of the collar.

Hands gluing Buddy the elf collar to kids photo

Using the small hole punch, punch out all the white circles on the elf printable.

Hands punch holes from Buddy the elf photo craft

Place the arms behind the body, then insert the brads and attach both arms.

Hands pushing brad through buddy the elf body template

Place the legs behind the body, then insert the brads and attach both legs.

Put some glue on the top of the elf’s body (where the neck would attach) and slide the white collar underneath the arm brads.

Position the back of the elf coat (the black piece) behind the green coat and glue only the top 1/2″ of it to the elf body.

Hands gluing black paper to back of buddy the elf craft

Using scissors, cut the excess black off the sides of the elf coat.

Buddy the elf photo craft for kids

Looking for some more fun Christmas activities to keep the kids busy? We’ve got you covered with this Christmas printables bundle! There are color by numbers, pattern block mats, do a dot printables, letters from Santa and so much more. No more hours of screen time – these activities will keep them engaged and happy!

That’s it! Your kids will have so much fun playing with themselves as an elf. It’s just like the Elf Yourself app but in real life!

If you want this Christmas elf craft to last longer, you can always laminate the printable elf sheet before you cut out all the pieces. Just make sure you have a sharp hole punch that will punch through the paper and the lamination.

Buddy the elf photo craft for kids

My kids got such a kick out of seeing themselves as Buddy the Elf and I’m sure yours will too! You could even stick some craft sticks to the back and make some elf puppets.

Don’t forget to download the free elf template by entering your email in the form at the bottom of this post.

Two buddy the elf photo crafts for kids

Christmas Unit For Kids

Create a week-long Christmas unit study to keep all the festivities and learning going! Below are some of our favorite ideas to get you started.

Kids’ Christmas Books

Reading aloud to kids is one of the best things you can do for their development. It can help them develop essential language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and listening comprehension.

In addition, reading aloud to kids also helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As they listen to the story, kids are actively engaged in trying to make sense of what they’re hearing.

They’re also exposed to new ideas and concepts that they can explore further on their own. Reading aloud to kids is a great way to foster their love of learning and set them up for success in school and beyond.

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!

Two buddy the elf photo crafts for kids

Quick Christmas Crafts

Crafting is a great way for kids to learn new skills and have fun at the same time. It helps them to develop their creative thinking, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. And, best of all, it’s a great way to bond with family and friends.

Add in some more fun Christmas crafts with these fun ideas:

Elf on the Shelf Paper Bag Puppet – Christmas is a great time for family, friends, and of course, easy elf crafts! This Elf on the Shelf craft is not only a fun activity for kids, but it also helps bring the Christmas spirit to life. All you need is a paper bag, some construction paper, and a glue stick to make this paper elf craft!

Reindeer Headband Craft – This festive reindeer craft is not only cute, but it’s also fun to make! Simply print out the free template, cut out the pieces, and assemble as directed. Once your child is finished, you’ll have a festive headband that’s perfect for the holiday season. Best of all, this craft can be made in just a few minutes, so it’s perfect for last-minute crafting.

Christmas crafts collage

Gingerbread House Paper Bag Craft – Looking for a bright and cheery gingerbread house decoration? This gingerbread house craft is just the thing!

It’s super cute, and the kids can customize it however they like with pom poms, popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, and more. Plus, it’s a fun little project to make – even the youngest of kids can join in!

Grinch Tissue Paper Craft – Calling Santa’s little helpers! The Grinch is a classic Christmas character, and this simple craft is a fun and easy way to bring him to life. Plus, it’s a super fun craft for fine motor practice. All you need is some tissue paper and a few other supplies and you’re ready to go!

Christmas Activities

One of the most fun activities for kids is using dot markers. They are not only fun for kids to use but they offer a great workout for their little hands! These Christmas do a dot printables will keep your young ones busy all season long!

A Christmas play dough kit is the perfect way to keep your little ones busy during these cold winter months! This Christmas play dough kit is loaded with fun and festive toys and sparkly playdough to help your kids with hands-on sensory play!

Christmas activities collage

Santa is coming from the North Pole and we have these free printable Santa worksheets to help your little ones learn the letter S.

We’ve also included some fun printables that’ll help them with handwriting and scissor skills! This one’s perfect for young children and is a great way to get them into the holiday spirit. No prep is needed – just download it now and get ready for a lot of fun!

Your little elves are going to love our Christmas matching worksheets! These printables are a great way to practice visual discrimination and problem-solving. As they match the objects on each page, they’ll also work on their fine motor skills! Kids of all ages will have the best time with these fun and festive activities.

2 buddy the elf kids photo crafts

These Merry Christmas Big Hungry Bear activities are a great way to combine storytime with fun, hands-on learning! You can use these activities after reading the book or as a standalone activity. They’re perfect for preschoolers and kindergartners who are learning handwriting, numbers, and more. Older kids will love them, too!

More Buddy The Elf Fun

Can’t get enough of Buddy the Elf? Then snag some more cool stuff to use this Christmas season!

This Buddy The Elf wreath will have everyone who comes to your door laughing!!

Show off your Christmas spirit with any of these Elf Movie t shirts with his classic sayings!

Spruce up your tiered tray decor with this adorable Elf-themed wooden decor.

Share With Us

Did you make this elf craft with your children or students? If so, we’d love to see how they turned out!!! Post a picture of your completed project on our Facebook wall or in our private Facebook group.

More Christmas Ideas For Kids

Two buddy the elf photo crafts for kids

Elf Yourself Craft For Kids

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

Make this simple and fun photo elf craft for kids this Christmas!

Materials

  • Heavy, white cardstock
  • Brads
  • Glue
  • Photo of your child's face (about 2")
  • Laminating sheets (optional)

Tools

  • Scissors
  • Small hole punch
  • Laminator (optional)

Instructions

    1. Download the Elf craft printable and print out on heavy, white card stock.Hands holding buddy the elf puppet craft template
    2. Cut out all the pieces of the elf and your child's face.
    3. Glue the elf hat on top of your child's headHands gluing Buddy the elf hat to kids photo.
    4. Put a little glue on the top of the white collar and glue your child's photo on top of the collar.
    5. Using the small hole punch, punch out all the white circles on the elf printable.Hands punch holes from Buddy the elf photo craft
    6. Place the arms behind the body, then insert the brads and attach both arms.
    7. Place the legs behind the body, then insert the brads and attach both legs.Hands gluing black paper to back of buddy the elf craft
    8. Put some glue on the top of the elf's body (where the neck would attach) and slide the white collar underneath the arm brads.
    9. Position the back of the elf coat (the black piece) behind the green coat and glue only the top 1/2" of it to the elf body.
    10. Using scissors, cut the excess black off the sides of the elf coat.

Did you make this craft?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Elf Template Printable PDF Sign Up

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Angela

Saturday 23rd of December 2023

Please send Buddy the Elf craft

Sam

Saturday 23rd of December 2023

Since you’re a subscriber, you just need to click the “Click Here To Get Your Freebie” image at the end of the post and then enter your email in the form. After that, it’ll automatically redirect you to the download page ◡̈

Lindsay

Friday 22nd of December 2023

Please send Buddy the Elf cutout.

Sam

Saturday 23rd of December 2023

Of course! All you need to do is click the “Click Here To Get Your Freebie” image at the end of the post and then enter your email in the form Once you've been confirmed as an email subscriber (by clicking the link in the first email), you simply enter your email in any of the forms and it'll automatically redirect you to the download page.

Greg

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

Please send Buddy the Elf cutout.

Dathen

Saturday 23rd of December 2023

@Sam, I signed up but never received the link for download. It's taking me to a page with coloring sheets.

Sam

Thursday 21st of December 2023

Of course! All you need to do is click the “Click Here To Get Your Freebie” image at the end of the post and then enter your email in the form Once you've been confirmed as an email subscriber (by clicking the link in the first email), you simply enter your email in any of the forms and it'll automatically redirect you to the download page.

sabaritha

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

It so cute.

Sam

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

Thanks 🙌

Tricia

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

Buddy the elf is cute for the kids!

Sam

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

Thanks, Tricia!

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