Elf Hat Dumpling Paper Squishy

Paper squishy dumpling wearing a red stocking cap with a white pom-pom and a jolly face

Add a red stocking cap with a pom-pom and the dumpling becomes a little holiday elf. It’s the perfect Secret Santa gift for class, daycare or family.

✂️ What’s in the Template

The PDF has the elf hat dumpling as a flat squishy about 4.7 in wide with front and back, and as a 3D dumpling to fold, both in color and to color. With the mini dumplings on page 5 you get a whole elf crew. Prints on US Letter.

At a Glance

Group
Dumpling Collection
Size
flat about 4.7 in · 3D about 2.2 in
Pages
5 × A4
Craft time
20–45 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

📄 What’s on the Pages

Page 1
Page 1: Flat Squishy in Color
Front and back, about 4.7 in, with a red stocking cap and pom-pom.
Page 2
Page 2: Flat Squishy to Color
The same shape as a coloring page for your own colors.
Page 3
Page 3: 3D Dumpling in Color
A flower net of six petals around a hexagon – about 2.2 in across when folded.
Page 4
Page 4: 3D Dumpling to Color
The flower net in black and white to color.
Page 5
Page 5: Mini Dumplings
Mini elves for an Advent calendar or the dumpling blind box.

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1
Print page 3, cut it out and pre-fold.
2
Cover it with wide clear tape.
3
Fold up the six petals and tape them edge to edge.
4
Stuff with cotton and twist the tips together into the cap’s point.

💡 Tips

  • The pom-pom sits at the tip – keep it visible when twisting.
  • Color red areas with marker; they really pop under tape.
  • On the flat elf, stuff the cap tip only lightly.
  • A loop of string on top turns it into an ornament.

🎨 Color Ideas

Classic Elf
A red cap, white pom-pom and a light dumpling.
Forest Elf
A green cap with a brown pom-pom, straight from the pine woods.
Candy Cane Elf
A cap with red and white stripes like a candy cane.

🔄 Variations

Secret Santa
Give a 3D elf with a name tag at a gift swap.
Advent Calendar
Make 24 mini elves in different cap colors.
Holiday Duo
Set it under the tree next to the reindeer dumpling.

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)

How long does the 3D elf take?
About 20 to 30 minutes, coloring included.

Can I color the cap differently?
Sure, on the coloring page you pick the cap’s color and pattern.

Does it fit in the bamboo steamer?
Yes, one 3D elf or several minis fit inside.

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-Dumpling.