Easy Handprint Elephant Craft for Toddlers
Learn how to make a simple Handprint Elephant Craft with your toddlers. It is a low prep activity that you can also use to teach them about elephants.
This elephant craft is simple, requires minimal materials, and is a low prep indoor toddler activity that can be done in an afternoon.
Plus, it’s a wonderful way to create a keepsake that captures your child’s tiny handprints and love for the gentle giants.
My kids absolutely love making handprint crafts, so we do a ton of them. They were so excited to make an elephant with their hand!
Here is your step-by-step guide on making your own handprint elephant craft with your toddlers.
Some of these links are affiliate links meaning if you purchase from these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything I share is my own opinions and things I personally use and love. You can learn more by reviewing my disclosure. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
DIY Handprint Elephant Craft
A handprint elephant craft is perfect for toddlers who love these beautiful animals. Let’s dive into the materials and steps to create your own handprint elephant:
List of Supplies
- Colored cardstock papers
- Pencil
- Craft glue
- Googly eyes
- Scissors
- Sharpies
- Elephant Template
Instructions
1. Trace and Cut out the Elephant
Download, and print the template. The template includes patterns for body base (handprint), head, inner ears, outer ears, tail base, tail tip and trunk. Make sure to use your child’s handprint for the body!
Select the colored craft papers for the elephant pattern that you want to use. I chose a blue. Then, cut out the template patterns for the elephant craft.
2. Assemble the Elephant
Use a matching sharpie to trace outlines on the pattern cutouts.
Attach the inner ear cutouts on the outer ear cutouts. Then, attach the ear patterns on both sides of the head.
Next, attach the trunk cutout near the bottom part of the head cutout.
Attach the tail tip cutout on the tip of the thumb of the handprint.
Attach the head on the palm side of the handprint body.
Attach googly eyes and the blush cutouts on the head.
3. Personal Touches
To make this craft activity personal and more memorable for your toddler, they can decorate the elephant with stickers, glitter, or additional drawings.
Benefits of Handprint Crafts
Here are a few benefits of making handprint crafts with your kids:
- Fine Motor Skill Development: Handprint crafts involve tracing, cutting, and gluing, which help toddlers develop their fine motor skills. These activities improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
- Creativity and Self-Expression: Crafting allows toddlers to explore their creativity and express themselves. Choosing colors, adding decorations, and personalizing their handprints fosters imagination and artistic expression.
- Learning Opportunity: Creating this handprint craft with your toddlers gives you a chance to teach your toddler new concepts.
Talk about animals, elephants, colors, shapes, and sizes, and introduce simple instructions they can follow. This makes the craft both fun and educational.
Tips for Success
- Prepare Materials in Advance: Gather all necessary materials before starting the craft. Having everything ready will keep your toddler engaged and prevent interruptions.
- Encourage Independence: Allow your toddler to take the lead in the craft process. Offer guidance and assistance when needed, but let them make choices and experiment.
- Be Patient and Flexible: Be patient and prepared for things not to go exactly as planned. Embrace the mess and the imperfections, and enjoy the process together.
Pin This Post For Later:
Handprint Elephant Craft Wrap-Up
This Handprint Elephant Craft is a simple and enjoyable activity that you and your toddler can enjoy making together.
Enjoy the crafting process and celebrate the adorable elephants you create together!
Check out more handprint craft ideas:
