If you’re looking for a sweet and simple way to sprinkle a little festive fun into your day, this elf handprint craft is your go-to.
It’s an easy Christmas craft for kids that’s equal parts adorable, sentimental, and giggle-inducing, especially when you realize how tiny those little hands used to be!
Every year, I love pulling out the handmade holiday treasures we’ve created over time. And this cheerful Christmas handprint elf is one of those crafts you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you use the free printable template or let the kids get messy with paint, it’s a fun, memory-making project that adds a bit of handmade magic to your holiday decor.
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What You’ll Need to Make an Elf Handprint Craft
Before you dive in, gather your supplies. Most of these are probably already in your craft drawer (or scattered around your kitchen table, if we’re being honest).
Supplies
- White construction paper
- Green construction paper
- Red pom pom
- Cotton balls or cotton batting
- Googly eyes
- Pink marker or crayon
- Black marker
- Scissors
- Glue stick
You can grab a colorful pack of construction paper on Amazon, perfect for craft marathons with the kids when the Christmas excitement is at epic levels!
Step-by-Step Elf Handprint Craft Instructions
Step 1: Create Your Handprint
Start by tracing your child’s hand on a piece of white paper and cutting it out. This will be your elf’s face and body.
Next, trace that same hand onto green paper. This time, cut out just the fingers section. That’ll be your elf’s festive hat!
If you’d rather skip the tracing, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a free printable elf handprint template at the end of this post.
Painting option: You can also paint your child’s hand white and green to make a stamped version of this craft. Just let it dry before adding all those cute details!
Step 2: Attach the Hat
Grab your glue stick and attach the green elf hat to your white handprint.
Step 3: Make the Elf Hat Fluffy and Festive
Now it’s time to add some Christmas cheer! Use your glue stick to attach cotton along the bottom edge of the hat and one cotton ball on top.
That’s the classic elf hat fluff that makes this craft so irresistibly cute.
Want to mix things up? Try swapping the cotton for tissue paper, white pom poms, or even sparkly tinsel for a glittery twist.
Step 4: Add the Elf’s Face
This is where your handprint elf really comes to life. Glue on two googly eyes and a bright red pom pom nose.
Then, with your black marker, draw a cheerful smile. Add pink cheeks for a rosy glow. Just a light touch of crayon or marker will do the trick.
Step 5: Let It Dry and Show It Off
Once everything’s glued down, let your elf handprint dry for a bit (patience, young elves!).
Then proudly display it on your fridge, hang it up with a little ribbon, or use it as part of a homemade Christmas card. Every time you see it, you’ll smile, remembering those busy, glitter-covered fingers.
Creative Ways to Use Your Elf Handprint Craft
You’ve made one adorable elf… now what? Here are a few fun ways to enjoy your festive little friend:
- Make a Mini Elf Family: Create a whole lineup — one handprint elf for each family member!
- Turn It into an Ornament: Punch a hole at the top, thread a ribbon through, and hang it on your Christmas tree.
- Gift Tags with a Twist: Add names and tie them to wrapped presents for a handmade touch.
- Classroom Fun: Teachers can use these for a quick, low-mess holiday craft day. Just print out the template for easy prep.
Wrapping Up the Christmas Cheer
And there you have it… your very own Christmas elf handprint craft! Simple, festive, and oh-so-sweet.
It’s one of those crafts that’ll have you saying, “Aww, look how tiny your hands were!” every December from now on.
So grab your glue sticks, cue up the Christmas playlist, and make a little elf magic together.
I can’t wait to see your creations. Share them on Instagram and tag @avisualmerriment so I can cheer you on, glitter glue and all!
More Christmas Handprint Crafts
If you loved this craft, be sure to check out these Christmas handprint crafts the kids will enjoy!
Free Elf Handprint Template Download
If you’re short on time (because, hello, holiday chaos), you can download my free elf handprint craft template below.
Ready to print, trace, and decorate, it’s perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and even older kids who love a quick, festive project.
Now for the download! If you don’t have the password as yet, signup is simple with an email address.
After you have your password, the link below will take you straight to the download.
Plus you will also have access to all of the other amazing free printables in the library. Yay!
Already a subscriber? Just enter the library from the button link below with your password. Then look for the “Christmas Elf Handprint Template”.
Printables in the freebies library are for personal use but if you wish to use this printable for your class, then you are more than welcome to do so.
I do have copyright limitations on what you can use my free printables for, view these in my terms and conditions.
Free printable handprint craft template below:
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