Kids Elf Costume
Spread holiday cheer in a classic red and green elf outfit.
The Kids Elf costume is a festive holiday favorite, perfect for Christmas plays, family photos, and themed parties. This classic look features a bright green and red color palette with playful pointed details and jingle bells. It is a comfortable, cheerful outfit that is easy to assemble using simple garments and felt accessories.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $15–40
Try it on
See yourself as Kids Elf
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What you need for a Kids Elf costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Kids Elf costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Green tunic or t-shirt
A bright green felt tunic or an oversized green t-shirt cut with a jagged zig-zag hemline.
DIY: Cut the hem and sleeves of an oversized green t-shirt into sharp zig-zag points.
Red collar with jingle bells
A pointed red felt collar worn over the shoulders, adorned with small gold jingle bells at the tips.
DIY: Cut a starburst shape out of red felt and sew or glue small craft bells to the points.
Black waist belt
A wide black belt with a prominent gold or yellow buckle to cinch the waist.
DIY: Cut a strip of black felt and glue a square of yellow felt to the front as a faux buckle.
Red and green striped tights
Stretchy knit leggings or tights featuring horizontal red and green stripes.
DIY: Use solid red leggings or green sweatpants as a comfortable alternative.
Pointed elf hat
A cone-shaped green felt hat with a red folded brim and a white or gold pom-pom at the tip.
DIY: Roll a sheet of green felt into a cone, glue the seam, and attach a red felt band and craft pom-pom.
Pointed shoe covers
Curved, pointed green or red felt covers that slip over standard sneakers.
DIY: Trace and cut two matching boot shapes from felt, sew the outer edges, and slide them over regular shoes.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Kids Elf costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the red and green striped tights or leggings.
- 2
Pull the green tunic or oversized t-shirt over the head.
- 3
Fasten the black belt around the waist, adjusting it so the gold buckle is centered.
- 4
Place the red pointed collar over the shoulders, ensuring the jingle bells hang freely.
- 5
Slip the pointed elf shoe covers over a pair of comfortable sneakers.
- 6
Place the pointed elf hat on the head, angling it slightly to one side for a playful look.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair neat and tucked behind the ears to showcase the hat. Optional: Add a touch of pink blush to the cheeks and nose for a cold-weather, rosy-cheeked holiday glow.
Kids Elf for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with an adult Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus costume for a festive duo.
- group
- Assemble a workshop crew with multiple kids in matching green and red elf outfits carrying toy tools.
- kids
- This guide is designed specifically for toddlers and children of all ages.
- Plus size
- Use an oversized green sweatshirt for a roomy, comfortable fit that easily layers over warm clothing.
- pet
- Dress a small dog or cat in a simple red and green collar with jingle bells and a mini elastic strap hat.
Tips
- If wearing the costume outdoors for a parade or cold weather, layer a long-sleeve thermal shirt underneath.
- Secure the felt hat with bobby pins or an elastic chin strap to keep it from falling off during play.
- Use safety pins to secure the shoe covers to the laces of the sneakers so they do not slide around.
- Opt for soft felt fabrics to ensure the costume is scratch-free and comfortable for toddlers.
Kids Elf costume FAQ
- What do you need for a basic DIY kids elf costume?
- You only need a green t-shirt, red and green striped leggings, a black belt, and a pointed green hat. You can easily make the collar and hat using cheap craft felt.
- How do I make elf shoes at home?
- Cut two identical pointed boot shapes out of green or red felt, sew the top and front seams together, and leave the bottom open to slip over your child's regular sneakers.
- Is this costume suitable for school holiday plays?
- Yes, it is lightweight, easy to move in, and does not restrict movement, making it perfect for stage performances and school events.
Did you know? The modern depiction of Christmas elves wearing green pointed outfits and curled shoes was popularized in the United States during the 19th century through holiday literature and illustrations.