Note: I am not a professional and do not claim to be an expert. Please be sure to always read instructions for all tools and products. Safety is very important and should be your top priority. Wear necessary protection when using tools (eye wear, hearing protection, gloves, etc.) and dust masks when sanding or cutting. Sarah Flips It is not responsible for any injury or damage. All of my designs are not professionally designed and are for private use only.
Turn leftover wood into holiday magic! Learn how to make a DIY Elf on the Shelf house using scrap wood you already have—fun, festive, and budget-friendly.
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There’s something truly magical about seeing your child’s eyes light up during the holiday season—and this year, that magic showed up in the form of a little wooden house. Using scrap wood I had on hand, I created a DIY Elf on the Shelf house, and let me tell you: it instantly became the star of our Christmas setup.
From the “Elves Only” sign to the tiny red door and snowy rooftop, this project turned into more than just a fun craft. It sparked imagination, brought our Elf’s antics to life, and gave my kids something to look forward to each morning. If you’re looking to add a little wonder (and a lot of smiles) to your Elf’s daily adventures, I truly believe every family should build one of these. It’s simple, it’s budget-friendly—and the memories are priceless.
Materials You’ll Need:
Tools:
- Jigsaw
- Drill with a large bit (¼” or larger)
Lumber:
- Scrap wood (½-inch plywood or thinner)
Materials:
- Wood glue
- popsicle sticks
- Optional: Cricut for signs
- wire for decor
- faux snow
- string
- sandpaper
- hinges (for the door or roof)
- acrylic paint
How to Make a DIY Elf on the Shelf House
1. Plan Your Size and Design
Start by measuring your elf and deciding how big you want the house to be. Keep in mind your storage space—don’t go too big! Make sure it’s tall enough for the elf to stand up (though if it’s a tight fit, no big deal).
2. Cut Your Wood
Use ½-inch plywood (or whatever scrap wood you have) to cut two square sides and a front/back panel with a pitched roofline. The roof angle doesn’t need to be perfect—just eyeball a classic roof pitch or follow a basic 45-degree cut.
3. Add Door and Window Openings
Before assembling, sketch where you want the door and window. Use a jigsaw to cut out the shapes. For arched doors, use a piece of string like a protractor to trace the arch. Drill a hole in the window first so you can insert the jigsaw blade and cut it out.
4. Assemble the House
Use wood glue along the edges and clamp the corners to keep everything square. Then use a brad nailer to secure the panels together. When attaching the roof, you may need to cut angles so they meet cleanly at the peak. Consider adding hinges to the roof for easy access later.
5. Attach to Base
Glue the house to a base piece of wood. You can also use a brad nailer from the underside of the base to attach it more securely.
6. Fill, Sand, and Paint
Use wood filler at the seams, then sand smooth starting with low-grit and working up. Paint with any acrylic paint you like—no need for anything fancy!
Optional Finishing Touches
- Tiny LED lights
- Miniature furniture inside
- Chimney (if you’re feeling brave with angles!)
- Hinged roof for easy access
What kind of wood should I use for a DIY elf on the shelf house?
You can use almost any type of scrap wood you have on hand. Half-inch plywood works great, but quarter-inch plywood or MDF can also be used. The goal is to keep it lightweight and easy to assemble.
What are some easy decorations for a DIY elf house?
Decorating a DIY elf house can be one of the most fun and creative parts of the project—and it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some easy decoration ideas using materials you likely already have at home:
- Popsicle Stick Shutters and Trim
Use popsicle sticks or tongue depressors to create shutters, window frames, or even roof trim. Cut them to size and glue them on for a simple, rustic look. - Acrylic Paint
Paint your elf house with basic acrylic craft paint. You can keep it simple with solid colors or add details like bricks, wood grain, or snow with a small brush or sponge. - Yarn or Twine Accents
Use yarn or twine to create “trim” around windows or doors, wreath bases, or even tiny curtains. You can also braid yarn for a cute doormat or roof detail. - Decorative Molding from Household Items
Flexible materials like old electrical wire, string, or even the cord from a broken hot glue gun can be glued into an arched shape around the door or window to act as faux molding. - Mini Signs and Wreaths
Use thin wood scraps, cardboard, or cardstock to create a “Welcome” sign or a nameplate for your elf. You can draw on it, use stickers, or cut vinyl if you have a Cricut. A small pom-pom or ring of yarn makes a great wreath! - Interior Touches
If you’re adding interior access, use scraps of fabric or felt to make rugs, pillows, or blankets. Tiny furniture can be made from small boxes, spools, or even LEGO pieces.
Final Thoughts
Let your imagination run wild—this is a fun, flexible DIY that’s perfect for getting into the holiday spirit. Want to see more creative ideas? Browse the blog for seasonal crafts, décor hacks, and creative projects for the whole family.
