When December hits, the house turns into a mini workshop – glitter on the floor, glue on my hands, and kids buzzing with excitement.
That’s where these Elf on the Shelf Paper Plate Crafts for Kids come in handy.
Simple, funny, and perfect for keeping little hands busy. Whether you’re a dad trying to survive winter break or just want to add some Elf on the Shelf crafts for kids magic, these ideas will save the day (and your sanity).
1. Paper Plate Elf Face Craft
Start by cutting a paper plate in half. Let your kid paint it peach or light pink for the face.
Use red and green paper for the hat, cotton for the trim, and googly eyes for fun.
Draw a cheeky smile – because no elf looks complete without it. It’s quick, festive, and looks adorable on the fridge or a wall corner.
2. Elf Collar Paper Plate Craft
Cut the inner circle of the paper plate out so it forms a ring. Snip triangles around the edge to look like an elf’s collar.
Paint every other triangle red and green, glue some jingle bells or pom-poms, and let your kid wear it for a goofy holiday photo.
You’ll get laughter and maybe a new family tradition.
3. Elf Sleigh Paper Plate Scene
Use a full paper plate as your base. Cut out a sleigh shape from red paper and glue it on.
Add cotton for snow and use small paper cutouts for elves riding the sleigh. Sprinkle glitter for that frosty sparkle.
It’s a fun storytelling craft – kids can name each elf or draw their own faces.
4. Elf Hat Paper Plate Craft
Cut a paper plate in half and color it bright green. Add a red paper stripe at the base, a yellow paper buckle, and a cotton ball at the tip.
Punch two holes and tie yarn to make it wearable. Simple, silly, and fun – your kid will love running around pretending to be the Elf on the Shelf himself.
5. Elf Paper Plate Mask
This one’s a hit during playtime. Cut two eye holes in a paper plate and let your kid paint it elf-style – green hat, rosy cheeks, maybe even some freckles.
Add paper ears on the sides and glue a craft stick handle at the bottom.
Suddenly, you’ve got a mini elf zipping around the house. It’s creative, silly, and makes for hilarious photos.
6. Elf Paper Plate Wreath
Use a paper plate as the base and cut out the center. Paint the outer ring green and glue small paper elves, bows, and mini ornaments all around it.
Add a red ribbon to hang it. This isn’t just decor – it’s a kid’s masterpiece hanging on your door.
It looks like something out of Santa’s workshop, but it’s 100% homemade.
7. Paper Plate Elf Drum
Flip two paper plates together (face-to-face) and staple or tape the edges.
Let your kid paint it red and green, then decorate it with stripes, dots, or glitter. Add ribbons or jingle bells around the rim for that festive sound.
It’s not just a craft – it’s an instant holiday jam session waiting to happen.
8. Elf on the Shelf Snow Globe Plate Craft
Cut out a circle from a clear plastic sheet (you can even use a sandwich bag).
Glue it over a paper plate scene showing your elf inside with cotton snow and tiny presents.
Shake it a little – it gives the look of a snow globe without the mess. Great for a shelf display or gifting grandparents something handmade.
9. Paper Plate Elf Door Hanger
Draw and cut out a small “elf door” from the center of a plate, paint the outer rim red and green, and decorate with tiny paper candy canes and stars.
Write “Elf Entrance” above it. Hang it on your kid’s door – it turns bedtime into a fun mystery. Just maybe, the Elf really will stop by.
10. Elf Paper Plate Puppet
Cut the paper plate in half and draw a cheerful elf face. Glue it to a craft stick or straw and add paper arms and legs that dangle.
Kids can decorate it however they like – sparkly hat, big eyes, silly grin. It’s great for storytelling or a mini puppet show when the Elf “comes alive.” Low effort, high fun.
11. Elf Candy Holder Plate
Fold a paper plate in half and staple or tape the sides, leaving the top open like a pouch. Decorate it as an elf’s outfit – green vest, red collar, gold buttons.
Fill it with small candies or notes from your Elf on the Shelf. It’s a clever way to sneak in tiny surprises that feel magical.
12. Elf Paper Plate Spinner Game
Draw different elf expressions – happy, sleepy, silly, mischievous – on the plate’s sections.
Attach a spinner arrow using a brad pin in the center. Kids can spin it and act out whatever face it lands on.
It’s like charades with an Elf twist, and it keeps little ones entertained long after bedtime stories.
13. Paper Plate Elf Village Scene
Use several paper plates to create an entire mini elf village. Cut one plate for snow hills, another for houses, and a third for elves.
Paint each piece, glue them on cardboard, and sprinkle cotton for snow.
It’s a fun weekend project that turns into a beautiful Christmas decoration kids can proudly display.
Final Thoughts
Crafting with kids isn’t really about how perfect the end result looks.
It’s about the giggles, the mess, and those five minutes when screens are off, and imaginations run wild.
Elf on the Shelf Paper Plate Crafts for Kids aren’t just about glue and paper – they’re tiny traditions in the making.
You don’t need fancy supplies or Pinterest-level skills.
You just need time, a few paper plates, and the willingness to laugh when things go sideways. That’s where the real Christmas magic begins.
