Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament: A Fun Christmas Craft for Kids

One of the best parts of the holiday season is pulling out handmade ornaments year after year. Each one tells a story — the slightly lopsided reindeer from preschool, the glittery star from kindergarten, the painted pinecone from a family craft night. Those small, imperfect ornaments are the ones that end up meaning the most. The Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament is exactly that kind of project. It’s simple, affordable, and full of charm, making it the perfect activity for classrooms, family gatherings, or a cozy afternoon at home.

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popsicle sticks decorated to look like an elf

What you’ll need to make the elf popsicle stick ornament

construction paper glue scissors googly eyes popsicle sticks and green paint

The supplies are minimal and easy to find: popsicle sticks, green paint, a paintbrush, construction paper, scissors, glue, and googly eyes. A template for the elf’s hat and ears makes the whole process even easier. With these few items, children can create their own cheerful elf to hang on the tree or give as a gift.

How to make this christmas craft

three popsicle sticks glued together with the bottom painted green

The process starts with three popsicle sticks. Paint the bottom portion of each stick green, which becomes the elf’s outfit, and set them aside to dry.

On the middle stick, draw a simple smile with a marker to give the elf its friendly face. Next, cut out the hat and ears using the provided template, tracing them onto construction paper in the right colors — green or red for the hat, peach or tan for the ears. Attach the hat to the top of the popsicle sticks and the ears to the sides.

three popsicle sticks glued together with the bottom painted green a mouth and rosy cheeks with elf ears and an elf hat

Now it’s time to add the details that make each elf unique. Glue on googly eyes above the smile, attach a red “dress” cut from construction paper to cover the lower part of the sticks, and add rosy cheeks with pink paper circles or a marker.

Some kids like to add glitter, sequins, or even a tiny pom-pom at the tip of the hat. The beauty of this project is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it — every elf comes out with its own personality.

Why teachers and parents love this craft

What I love about this craft is how skill-building it is without ever feeling like work. Painting and gluing strengthen fine motor skills. Tracing and cutting improve hand-eye coordination. Following the steps in order teaches sequencing, while decorating encourages creativity and self-expression. Younger kids might need more help with the cutting, but they’ll love placing the pieces and adding their own touches. Older kids often run with it, designing accessories or experimenting with different colors.

In a classroom, the Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament works beautifully as a holiday art project. Teachers can prepare the hat and ear templates ahead of time, then let students assemble and decorate their elves during a party or art center. Once finished, the ornaments can be hung on a classroom tree or displayed on a bulletin board. At home, this project is just as special. Kids can make their elves while listening to Christmas music, watching a holiday movie, or after reading a festive story.

connect it to a good book

Adding a read-aloud ties the craft to literacy in a fun way. How to Catch an Elf by Adam Wallace is lighthearted and silly, making kids laugh while they work. Elf on the Shelf by Carol V. Aebersold connects directly to the theme and sparks plenty of conversation about holiday traditions. For a classic, The Elves and the Shoemaker by the Brothers Grimm (in picture book form) offers a story that pairs perfectly with the craft. Reading together before or after making the elves makes the experience feel more complete and memorable.

Extend the activity

The ornament also opens the door to extension activities. Children can write a short story about their elf — giving it a name, imagining where it lives, or describing what it does on Christmas Eve. For math, they can measure the popsicle sticks or count how many materials they used. For art, they can experiment with different hat shapes, clothing styles, or colors. These little add-ons make the project even more meaningful while sneaking in extra learning.

A special craft to cherish for years to come

From a practical standpoint, this craft is as budget-friendly as it gets. Popsicle sticks and construction paper are staples in most classrooms and homes. Paint, glue, and scissors are already on hand. With the templates for the hat and ears, everything comes together smoothly, even for larger groups of kids. The ornaments are lightweight and sturdy enough to hang easily with ribbon or an ornament hook.

elf popsicle stick ornament popsicle sticks decorated to look like an elf

But what really makes the Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament special is the joy it brings. Kids feel proud when they see their ornament hanging on the tree. Parents and teachers love that the project is simple but still creates something worth keeping. And when those ornaments are pulled out year after year, they become part of a family’s holiday traditions.

Christmas is about more than presents under the tree. It’s about creativity, laughter, and time spent together. The Elf Popsicle Stick Ornament captures all of that in one little craft. Whether you’re a teacher planning a low-prep classroom project, a parent looking for a weekend activity, or a grandparent hoping to create keepsakes with the kids, this craft is a wonderful choice. It’s easy, affordable, and full of holiday spirit — the kind of project that makes the season feel a little more magical.

Grab your free elf ornament craft template below

free elf popsicle stick ornament template

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