Christmas Elf Paper Squishy Template

Little Christmas elf with a tall red hat and rosy cheeks as a paper squishy template

The Christmas elf is the sneaky star of the holiday season, popping up everywhere and causing mischief. As a paper squishy he is easy to hide, give away and move to a different spot every night.

✂️ What’s in the Template

The PDF holds an elf with a long pointy hat, round cheeks and a cheeky grin, about 5 inches (13 cm) tall. The back shows the hat and a jacket with a row of buttons. You get him in color, as a coloring page and as tiny mini elves, ready for US Letter paper.

At a Glance

Group
Holidays & Seasons
Size
about 4–5.5 in
Pages
3 × A4
Craft time
20–30 minutes
🧺 What You Need
  • Printer and regular printer paper (US Letter or A4)
  • Scissors
  • Wide clear packing tape (or laminating sheets)
  • Stuffing: cotton balls, yarn or paper scraps
  • Crayons or markers for the coloring version

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Print at 100% (turn off “fit to page”). Color the B/W version first.
2
Cut out the front and back along the outer line – the white border is the tape edge.
3
Cover both pieces with wide clear tape, overlapping the strips slightly, and smooth them out.
4
Place the front and back together exactly (colored sides out).
5
Tape all around the edge, leaving about 1 inch open where it says “leave open here”.
6
Stuff with cotton, yarn or paper scraps – not too full – and tape the opening shut. Done!

💡 Tips

  • The tall hat bends easily, so stuff the tip with just a little cotton.
  • Yarn in the belly makes him extra cuddly.
  • Cover the face carefully with tape so the grin stays bright.
  • Leave a little extra border at the pom-pom so it's easy to grab.

🎨 Color Ideas

Classic Red
Make the hat and jacket bright red and keep the pom-pom white.
Forest Elf
Pine green, brown and a bit of yellow make him look like he lives in the winter woods.
Rainbow Hat
Color the hat in stripes for an elf nobody can miss.

🔄 Variations

Sneaky Elf Visitor
Place the mini elf in a different spot every night and see who spots him first.
Advent Countdown
Make 24 mini elves and tuck them into little bags or jars – for kids ages 3 and up.
Elf Family
One big and several small elves make a whole elf family.

Safety: Stuffing and tape are not for children under 3. Never use real food or scented oils as stuffing.

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Why families love PureSketchy:

  • Completely free: Every squishy template with no sign-up, no newsletter, no subscription.
  • Color and B/W: Each template comes ready in color and as a coloring version – plus minis.
  • Kid-tested: Printed, cut out, taped shut and stuffed with yarn – it works.
  • Regular printer paper: No cardstock, no special paper, no laminator needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use the elf for an advent calendar?
Yes, the minis on page 3 cover a few days. Print the page several times to reach all 24 doors.

What's the best filling for the pointy hat?
Thin cotton or fluffed yarn works well, and a chopstick helps push it into the tip.

Is it okay for preschool crafting?
Yes, with an adult helping to cut and tape. The filling and tape aren't suitable for kids under 3.

Is the download free?
Yes, all templates on PureSketchy are 100% free for personal, preschool and classroom use – no sign-up needed.

Is there a German version?
Yes! You can find the German version here: Wichtel-Squishy.