DIY Magic: Easy Elf on the Shelf Crafts for Festive Family Fun

Making elf-sized mail or prop signs is a breeze with Avery Easy Peel Address Labels - the pop-up edge speeds peeling and placement. During our review, Sure Feed tech helped reduce printer misfeeds, and we had clean prints from both laser and inkjet. Be aware templates sometimes misalign with sheets, so do a test page and nudge margins as needed. The pack price can feel steep, and occasional mis-feeds can waste labels, so buy once and print in batches to minimize waste.

For sturdy elf backdrops, mini signs, and cut-out props, Astro Color Cardstock's vivid hues and 65 lb weight hold folds and stand upright beautifully. During our review, the sheets fed cleanly through both laser and inkjet printers and worked well with electronic cutting machines for intricate elf accessories. Be aware colors can vary from screen expectations, and some assortments labeled 'pastel' read differently in person. Pricing swings by retailer, so shop around to get the best value for your craft stash.

Crayola Super Tips Washable Markers are handy for drawing elf backdrops, footprint trails, or tiny maps - the versatile point switches from broad strokes to detail lines easily. In our testing, the big color range kept kids engaged, though the cap colors don't always match the ink exactly. Washability is generally good, but some shades needed extra scrubbing on skin and fabrics. A few markers may arrive streaky or dried out, so consider grabbing an extra pack if you're crafting nightly.

This Melissa & Doug Dress Up Puffy Sticker Play Set doubles as an easy elf backdrop and a kiddo activity - the foldable, double-sided board with handle is great for travel or quick setups. We found the puffy stickers fun to mix and match and a nice way to build fine motor skills during holiday downtime. Keep in mind the stickers pick up dirt and can lose stickiness after a few uses, especially the tiny pieces. Wipe them gently to extend life, and help toddlers with the thinner shapes.

Set the stage for your elf's dinner party with the Calico Critters Dining Room Set - over 20 tiny, detailed pieces make scenes look delightfully real in photos. During our review, the well-made plastic accessories held up to repeated setup and fit standard Calico Critters figures, though some characters tipped when seated. With so many small parts, it's not suitable for kids under three and requires careful cleanup after the elf's visit. It's pricier than basic toy furniture, but the realism sells the scene.

Give your elf's treats instant personality with Wilton Candy Eyeballs - just dot a bit of icing and they stick to cookies, cupcakes, or marshmallow props. In our testing, they were the quickest way to make 'elf-watched' snacks that kids notice. The small packs are perfect for single projects, but they don't go far for big batches and aren't meant to be baked into batter (they can deform). Plan to apply after baking and grab extra packs if you're decorating a whole tray.

Brach's Santa's Choice Peppermint Candy Canes are perfect for quick elf scenes - use them as tiny ladders, sled rails, or a treat trail - and the classic flavor comes from real peppermint oil. In our testing, the individually wrapped canes made setup and sharing easy without sticky fingers. Note they're fragile in shipping and contain Red 40, which some families avoid. The 6 oz, 12-count box is budget-friendly but may not cover larger displays, so consider buying multiple if you decorate in batches.

These clear Command Mini Hooks are our go-to for Elf on the Shelf staging - think tiny stockings, garlands, or a candy-cane zipline - because they blend into walls and decor and install with no tools. In our testing they held lightweight props reliably when we cleaned the surface and followed the instructions. That said, several reviewers report unexpected falls and paint pull on removal, so go slow and consider using them on non-painted surfaces. Adhesive can yellow or dry out over time, so keep spare strips on hand.

For kid-friendly elf builds, Elmer's Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks make placement foolproof - the purple goes on where kids can see it and dries clear for tidy results. Our experience shows the washable formula cleans off hands and most fabrics, keeping craft sessions low stress. Just note that the tint can linger on some bright white papers and the caps can be tough for little hands. Close them tightly after use, or the sticks may dry out between nightly elf setups.

Scotch Magic Greener Tape is a smart pick for eco-minded elf crafting, made with a higher proportion of plant-based or recycled materials while keeping the familiar matte, write-on finish that disappears on paper. We found it performs like classic Magic tape for securing tiny props, gift tags, or secret notes from your Elf. A few users report the tape splitting or narrowing as it pulls from the roll, and some dispensers don't fit these refills. Check axle compatibility and unspool gently to avoid tearing mid-project.