Elf Idea: Elf Decorates the Tree

A little elf on a ladder hangs a big ornament on a small fir tree while tinsel drapes over him – coloring page for the Elf Decorates the Tree elf idea.

He is a little too small for the big tree, so your elf got a mini tree of his own. He stands on a ladder, hangs up an ornament, and is half tangled in tinsel. This elf tree-decorating idea takes about ten minutes.

😜 What Did the Elf Do?

Your elf stands on a small ladder and hangs a big ornament on a mini fir tree. Tinsel lies across him. The kids find the mini tree decorated in the morning and help your elf finish.

At a Glance

Setup time
about 10 minutes
Mess level
●○○ super tidy
Age
ages 3+
Daycare-friendly
yes – decorating a mini tree together
🧺 Supplies
  • Mini tree (fir branch or small tree)
  • Small ornaments
  • Tinsel
  • Cardboard ladder
  • Your elf

🛠️ How to Set It Up, Step by Step

1
Place the mini tree somewhere easy to see.
2
Lean the ladder against the tree.
3
Hang a few ornaments and one big one last.
4
Set your elf on the ladder and drape a little tinsel over him.
💡
Pro Tip
Decorate the mini tree in the colors of your big tree so it clearly belongs to the family.

⚠️ Safety: Small ornaments and beads are not for children under 3. Use large or paper ones for them.

🔄 Variations

For little ones
Just two big ornaments and very little tinsel.
For preschool and classroom
Each child makes a tiny paper ornament for the mini tree.
No mess
A paper tree that is only taped to the wall.

✉️ What the Elf Writes

The big tree was too tall for me, so I made my own. Do you like it?

You'll find matching printable notes in our elf letters.

🖍️ The Prank Picture as a Coloring Page

The coloring page fits the scene: the kids color the ornaments and glue a bit of real tinsel on the page. Click “Print Now” to print the picture as a full-size coloring page.

Goes Well With

Your Benefits at PureSketchy:

  • Completely Free: Every elf printable with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
  • Made for Coloring: Clear black lines – kids color everything themselves.
  • Your Elf, Your Name: There is always space to write in your own elf's name.
  • Everything in One Place: Prank ideas, papercraft props, printable sets, letters and guides all fit together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which mini tree should I use?
A small fir branch in a jar, a tiny tree from a store, or a paper tree. Anything works as long as it is small.

Where do the tiny ornaments come from?
Use small beads, pom-poms, or mini ornaments. Watch for small parts if you have kids under three.

Where does the ladder come from?
A little ladder made of cardboard or a toy ladder. You can also build one from craft sticks.

Is the tinsel a problem?
Drape it loosely over your elf and keep it away from toddlers. To clean up, just lift it off.

Is the download free?
Yes, every printable on PureSketchy is 100% free for personal use, preschools and schools – no sign-up needed.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version at Wichtel schmückt den Baum.