If you’re hunting for easy, fun, and downright magical Elf On the Shelf Paper Crafts For Kids, you’re in for a treat.
These aren’t just quick “cut-and-glue” jobs – they’re memory-makers.
You’ll find ideas that spark imagination, laughter, and that cozy December chaos we all secretly love.
Whether you’re new to Elf on the Shelf Crafts For Kids or a seasoned pro, these paper-based creations are simple enough for kids and cool enough for dads to join in too.
1. Elf Paper Countdown Chain
Nothing builds Christmas anticipation like a countdown. Grab red and green paper strips, glue, and a mini elf face you can cut out or draw.
Let your kids help you glue the loops together – one for each day till Christmas.
Each morning, your elf can “cut” one link off the chain. It’s visual, simple, and pure excitement.
2. Elf Paper Stocking Garland
Use colored construction paper to make tiny stockings and string them together for your elf’s “laundry day.”
Have your kids write small messages or wishes inside each stocking. Hang the garland across a shelf or mantle, and let the elf “hang” around it.
It’s quick to make and turns into adorable festive décor.
3. Paper Elf Hat Craft
You can’t have an elf without that iconic pointy hat. Fold a green sheet into a cone, glue it, and add a red paper trim.
A cotton ball or paper pom-pom at the top seals the deal.
The kids can personalize it with stickers or glitter pens. Place it on your Elf or even wear one yourself during storytime for laughs.
4. Elf Paper Sleigh Ride
Cut out a sleigh shape from thick cardstock, decorate it with markers and gold accents, and add small folded paper gifts to the back.
Have your elf “sit” inside with a tiny paper reindeer or a toy car pulling it. It’s imaginative and gives your elf a fun way to make an entrance.
5. Elf Paper Snowflake Frame
This one’s part craft, part decor. Create large paper snowflakes and glue them around a printed photo of your Elf’s “funniest moment” from this season.
Stick it on your fridge or hang it above your mantel. It doubles as a mini memory board and adds that homemade festive touch that always feels special.
6. Elf Paper Mailbox
Every elf needs a place to receive “classified North Pole updates.” Take an empty cereal box, wrap it in red paper, and cut a slit at the top.
Add a paper flag on the side using a straw and tape. Your kids can write little notes or draw pictures for the elf to “receive” overnight.
It’s a cute way to sneak in letter-writing practice without them realizing it.
7. Elf Paper Gingerbread House
Cut brown cardstock into simple house shapes. Kids can “frost” them using white markers or glue and cotton.
Add colorful paper buttons, candy shapes, and a paper chimney.
It’s a mess-free twist on the traditional gingerbread house – perfect if you’re not in the mood for frosting explosions this year. Your elf can “move in” once it’s done.
8. Elf Paper Tree Forest
Take green paper triangles, fold them in half for dimension, and glue them onto popsicle sticks or small cardboard bases.
Line them up to create a mini forest for your elf to “explore.” It’s quick, but it transforms your shelf into a North Pole scene in no time.
Add cotton for snow, and the kids will go nuts for the setup.
9. Elf Paper Present Boxes
Use small square pieces of colored paper to fold mini gift boxes – origami-style if you’re feeling fancy, or simple cubes taped together.
Decorate with thin paper ribbons and bows. The elf can hold one, hide one, or scatter them around as if wrapping gifts for Santa.
These tiny boxes make perfect props for your shelf display.
10. Elf Paper Reindeer Masks
Cut out reindeer mask shapes using brown paper and attach them to popsicle sticks.
Use red paper for Rudolph’s nose and white circles for eyes. Let the kids color or add glitter.
The elf can wear one in the morning as part of a silly “disguise” scene, and your kids can join in with their own masks for some giggles.
11. Elf Paper Candy Cane Stand
Cut strips of red and white paper and twist them together to mimic a candy cane.
Roll and glue them into a little stand where your elf can “sell” imaginary candy. Add a paper sign that says “Elf’s Sweet Shop.”
This one’s ridiculously easy but adds instant cheer to any corner. The kids can even make their own candy canes to hang around.
12. Elf Paper Snow Globe Scene
Draw or print a small elf and winter background on cardstock, then cut a circle to frame it.
Glue cotton or white tissue bits inside to look like snow and cover it with a clear plastic sheet or sandwich bag.
Shake gently for that snowy magic. It’s flat, easy to store, and feels like an actual keepsake your kids will show off.
13. Elf Paper Gift Tag Workshop
Set up a “mini workshop” for your elf using colored paper, string, and scissors. Have your kids cut and decorate gift tags with festive doodles and names.
The elf can appear the next morning sitting among the tags as if he’s been busy labeling gifts all night.
It turns a simple craft into a storytelling setup – and the kids love catching him in action.
14. Elf Paper Fireplace Scene
Cut and layer brown and orange paper to make a cozy fireplace backdrop.
Add paper “logs” and a tiny yellow flame.
Let your elf sit beside it with a paper mug in hand – instant cozy vibes. It’s a fun one to build together, especially on a cold evening with cocoa in hand.
Your shelf suddenly feels like a North Pole living room.
15. Elf Paper Sleigh License
Print or draw a mini “Sleigh Driver License” on cardstock for your elf.
Add their name, a funny photo, and Santa’s signature for approval. Kids can design their own too – it’s a mix of art and giggles.
It’s perfect to leave next to your elf before his “big flight” back to the North Pole. Small, quick, but full of magic.
Final Thoughts
Paper crafts like these do more than fill shelves – they build stories.
When you watch your kids plan, cut, and laugh through the process, you realize it’s not really about the elf at all.
It’s about slowing down. About letting creativity spill over the table, glue sticking to fingers, and paper snowflakes flying everywhere.
Elf on the Shelf paper crafts for kids aren’t about perfection – they’re about connection. So grab some paper, a pair of scissors, and jump in.
You’ll create a mess, sure, but it’s the kind that memories are made of.
