There’s something magical about making your own Elf on the Shelf Ornament Crafts for Christmas.
It’s not just another kids’ craft – it’s a tradition that adds humor, warmth, and a personal touch to your Christmas decor.
Whether you’re a dad like me trying to keep the little ones entertained or just want to add some elf-inspired sparkle to the tree, these ideas are simple, funny, and festive.
You don’t need to be a crafting expert – just grab a few supplies, clear the table, and let your imagination do the rest.
1. Mini Mason Jar Elf Ornament
Here’s one that looks store-bought but takes barely ten minutes.
Fill a small mason jar with fake snow or cotton. Drop in a mini elf figurine or print a paper elf face and glue it inside.
Add a red ribbon around the jar lid and tie a small tag that says “Elf Was Here.”
Hang it using jute twine for that rustic farmhouse look. Kids love spotting the elf inside – it’s like catching him in the act!
2. Candy Cane Elf Ornament
This one’s pure nostalgia. Wrap a mini elf doll around a candy cane like it’s holding on for dear life.
Secure it with a dab of hot glue or clear thread. You can hang it on the tree or tuck it into stockings as a surprise.
Add a small tag with your child’s name – suddenly it’s a keepsake. The contrast of red, white, and the mischievous grin makes it pop against green pine needles.
3. Clear Bauble Elf Trap Ornament
Okay, this one’s hilarious. Take a clear plastic ornament ball that opens in half. Inside, create a tiny “trap” scene – some glitter, a small ladder, and your elf figure mid-escape.
You can even write “Caught You!” on the outside with a paint pen. Hang it front and center on your tree.
It’s half decoration, half conversation starter – and kids will laugh every time they spot it.
4. Felt Elf Hat Ornament
Felt crafts never disappoint. Cut a small triangle from red felt, roll it into a cone, and glue the edge.
Add a white pom-pom on top and trim the base with white cotton or faux fur. Slip a gold string through the top and hang.
Make a bunch of them in different sizes – they look fantastic scattered across the tree. It’s simple, but it screams Christmas cheer.
5. Wooden Disc Elf Face Ornament
Grab some wooden slices (the kind you get in craft packs).
Paint them with a light skin tone, then draw or paint your elf’s face – rosy cheeks, big eyes, and that mischievous smile.
Add a small felt hat on top and glue a loop of twine at the back. These wooden ornaments have a rustic charm that fits right into farmhouse-style Christmas decor.
6. Bottle Cap Elf Ornament
If you’ve got a few soda caps lying around, this one’s perfect.
Line up three bottle caps vertically – flat side up – and glue them together. Paint them red and green, then draw a tiny elf face on the top cap.
Add buttons or sequins for detail. Hook a small piece of ribbon at the top to hang it.
It’s the kind of upcycled Christmas craft that looks like it came out of an old-school workshop. Simple, cheap, and surprisingly good-looking.
7. Clothespin Elf Ornament
This one’s straight-up fun for kids. Paint a wooden clothespin red or green.
Glue a small felt triangle hat on the top and add googly eyes and a tiny felt smile. You can even wrap the “legs” of the clothespin with pipe cleaner for extra flair.
Clip it onto the Christmas tree branch so it looks like the elf is hanging on for dear life. It’s quick, it’s funny, and it brings instant personality to your tree.
8. Cork Elf Ornament
Corks make surprisingly great bases for tiny elf ornaments.
Paint the cork red or green. Add small felt arms, a pointy hat, and draw on a cheerful face.
You can even glue a small scarf around its neck. Stick a loop of string at the top and hang it on your Christmas tree.
It’s got that eco-friendly, DIY charm that just works. And honestly, it’s a great way to repurpose those leftover wine corks.
9. Pom-Pom Elf Ornament
Soft, fuzzy, and adorable – this one’s a hit with younger kids.
Make two pom-poms, one larger (for the body) and one smaller (for the head).
Glue them together, add googly eyes, and top with a felt hat. You can even add mini pipe-cleaner arms. Attach a loop of string to hang.
The mix of textures gives your tree a playful look and keeps little hands busy on a chilly afternoon.
10. Paper Cup Elf Bell Ornament
Flip a small paper cup upside down and paint it red or green.
Punch a small hole at the bottom, run a string through it, and tie a bell on the end so it jingles when moved.
Decorate the cup with elf eyes, a smile, and tiny paper ears.
Hang it from your tree, and every time it jingles, your kids will swear the elf is moving. Simple supplies, big Christmas spirit.
11. Popsicle Stick Elf Ornament
Classic craft sticks never fail. Line up three sticks in a triangle shape, glue them together, and paint the frame red or green.
Cut out a small elf face from paper and glue it behind the triangle. Decorate the edges with glitter, pom-poms, or mini bells.
Add a loop of ribbon for hanging. It’s one of those crafts that looks festive even when it’s a little messy – which makes it perfect for kids.
12. Button Elf Ornament
Raid your sewing box for this one. Stack a few red and green buttons from largest to smallest, threading them on a piece of twine.
Top it off with a small felt hat and draw a smiling elf face on the smallest button.
The stacked look gives it a fun, toy-like feel, and it catches light beautifully on the tree. It’s a great quick project for a family craft night.
13. Snow Globe Elf Ornament
Grab a small clear plastic ornament and fill it halfway with fake snow or shredded paper. Add a tiny elf figurine inside – like he’s chilling in a snowstorm.
Seal it up and shake it for a mini winter wonderland. You can even personalize it with your child’s name or the year.
It’s whimsical, personal, and stands out from typical store-bought decor.
14. Pinecone Elf Ornament
Nature meets holiday fun here. Find a pinecone and paint the tips white like snow.
Add a small felt head with googly eyes and a pointy hat on top. Tie a string around the stem to hang it.
It gives your Christmas decor that woodland charm while still fitting into the Elf on the Shelf theme. Simple, inexpensive, and straight out of a cozy cabin vibe.
15. Photo Frame Elf Ornament
This one doubles as a keepsake. Take a small photo frame ornament and decorate it with red felt, glitter, and mini bells.
Slip in a photo of your Elf on the Shelf caught in action – maybe hanging from a garland or peeking from the bookshelf.
It’s personal, funny, and makes your Christmas tree feel like part of your family story.
Final Thoughts
Making Elf on the Shelf Ornament Crafts for Christmas isn’t just about filling your tree – it’s about creating stories.
Every ornament your kids make adds its own memory to your decor.
You start seeing creativity differently – it’s not about perfect edges or fancy materials, it’s about effort, laughter, and connection.
These elf crafts remind us that Christmas isn’t about how polished it looks, it’s about who you share the glue gun with.
So, next time you sit down to craft, don’t rush it. Make it messy, make it fun, and make it yours.
