Christmas gnome crafts are everywhere at this time of year, and it’s easy to see why. These little characters are cute, cosy, and full of personality, making them a lovely addition to any festive crafting session. This handprint gnome craft is especially sweet because it turns a child’s handprint into a keepsake you’ll want to look back on year after year. It’s simple, paper-based, and perfect for kids, whether you’re crafting at home, in the classroom, or as part of a holiday activity day. We also include a free printable template to make this even easier to set up and enjoy.

Christmas gnomes, sometimes called gonks, have become a big part of modern Christmas decor. You’ll see them everywhere from the Christmas tree to gift wrapping, and even outdoor displays. Traditionally inspired by Scandinavian folklore, gnomes are said to bring good luck and protect the home during the holiday season.
That makes them a fun and meaningful craft idea, especially when kids can make their own paper gnome with a big floppy gnome hat and a handprint beard. This handprint gnome craft is a lovely way to combine festive tradition with a personal touch, and it works just as well as a simple Christmas gnomes craft for kids as it does for adults who love keepsake crafts.

Materials Needed for This Christmas Gnome Craft
One of the things we love most about this handprint gnome craft is how few supplies you need. Everything can be made with basic paper craft materials, which makes it easy, affordable, and stress-free.
You don’t need a glue gun, sewing supplies, socks, or cones for this gnome craft. Instead, it’s all done with paper, glue, and scissors, making it a great option for younger children and group settings. Construction paper works perfectly for creating the gnome hat, details, and decorations, while a simple glue stick keeps things neat and manageable.

How to Make a Handprint Gnome
This is a simple Christmas gnome craft that kids can follow with minimal help, especially if you have the template printed and ready.
Below are the exact step-by-step instructions to follow for your own diy christmas gnomes.
How to make a christmas gnome paper craft
A cute and easy handprint gnome craft that turns little hands into a festive Christmas keepsake. With simple paper shapes, a free printable template, and a classic gnome hat design, this Christmas gnome craft is perfect for kids, classrooms, and cosy holiday crafting at home.
Materials
- Construction paper in different colors
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Free printable template
Tools
- Printer if using template
Instructions
- Trace your hand to make a handprint.

- Cut the gnome’s hat then trace it to the green paper.

- Then attach it to the handprint.

- Cut small circles from a white paper then stick them to the elf’s hat

- Cut the details and trace it to the red paper and cut again.

- Then attach them one by one to the gnome.

- Your Christmas gnome craft gonk is finished

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If you prefer, change up the colors and design of the hat, add different patterns or textures and make it truly your own. You can make a whole group of Christmas gonks in different colors and designs.

Download the Handprint Gnome Template PDF
To make this handprint gnome craft even easier, we’ve included a free printable handprint gnome template. This printable includes the gnome hat and key details so you can spend less time prepping and more time making. Simply download, print, and trace the pieces onto your chosen paper colours. It’s ideal for classrooms, Christmas craft stations, or busy December afternoons when you want a ready-to-go craft idea.
Terms of use: our chrismas gnomes craft template pdf is free for personal use and classroom use.
This Christmas gnomes craft is a lovely mix of creative fun and memory making. Because it uses a handprint, each gnome is completely unique, and it’s a wonderful way to capture how small those hands are at this time of year.
These paper gnomes look great displayed on a wall, fridge, or noticeboard, and they also make a thoughtful DIY Christmas gift for grandparents or family members. It’s an easy Christmas gnomes craft to make, but one that feels special and full of love.
If you enjoy handprint crafts, this gnome handprint idea is a great addition to your holiday crafting. It’s simple, cute, and works well as part of a wider Christmas craft theme. Whether you’re making one gnome or a whole family of gnomes, it’s a craft that kids genuinely enjoy making and adults enjoy keeping.

This handprint gnome craft is a fun, easy, and meaningful Christmas craft that kids will love. With simple materials, a free printable template, and a festive gnome theme, it’s a great craft idea for the holiday season. It’s perfect for creating keepsakes, decorating your space, or adding a handmade touch to your Christmas celebrations.
More Christmas Crafts for Kids
If you enjoyed this Christmas gnomes craft, we have lots more Christmas crafts for kids to explore, from simple paper crafts to festive handprint ideas and printable activities. There’s something for every age and ability, all designed to be easy, fun, and creative.
- Easy Handprint Santa Craft
- Rocking Angel Craft
- Rocking Penguin Craft
- Christmas Stocking Craft For Kids With Free Printable Template
If you found this handprint gnome craft helpful, please consider sharing the blog post with friends, family, or fellow teachers. It really helps others find these ideas and keeps more festive crafting fun going throughout the holiday season.

Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
