Using simple supplies from the Dollar Store, you can create this quick and easy Craft Stick Elephant with the kiddos in about 30 minutes. It’s a sweet low-prep craft that’s perfect for a rainy afternoon, zoo-themed lessons, storytime activities, or just a creative break during the day.
This project is especially great for younger kids because it uses familiar materials, simple shapes, and leaves plenty of room for personalization.
Dollar Store Craft Stick Elephant Kids Craft
Why You’ll Love This Craft
- Budget-friendly (mostly Dollar Store supplies)
- Minimal prep and cleanup
- Easy enough for kids, fun enough for grown-ups
- Encourages creativity and fine motor skills
Materials
- Jumbo Craft Sticks – Dollar Store
- Wiggle Eyes – Dollar Store
- Craft Felt – Dark Grey
- Black Marker – Dollar Store
- Low-Temp Glue Gun & Glue Sticks (recommended)
- Acrylic Craft Paint – Light Grey, Pink
- Paintbrush
- Sponge Dabber – Dollar Store
- Scissors
- Elephant Patterns (download & print)
Instructions
Step One
Gather all supplies. To create the elephant’s body, line up five jumbo craft sticks on your work surface. Using scissors, trim additional jumbo craft sticks to fit across the back and secure them in place with a glue gun and glue sticks.
Tip: You can use liquid craft glue for this project, but it will need extra drying time.
Step Two
Basecoat the elephant with light grey acrylic craft paint. Let dry completely and apply a second coat if needed.
No paint? Washable markers, crayons, or colored pencils also work well for decorating the craft sticks.
Step Three
Download, print, and cut out the elephant patterns. Trace the ears and trunk onto dark grey craft felt.
Step Four
Cut out the traced felt pieces, trimming just inside the lines for a clean, finished look.
Step Five
Attach two wiggle eyes using a glue gun. Create rosy cheeks by dipping a sponge dabber into pink acrylic paint and stamping one cheek on each side of the elephant.
Step Six
Glue the ears to the left and right sides of the elephant. Attach the trunk just below the eyes.
Step Seven
Finish by outlining the ears and drawing wrinkle lines down the trunk with a black marker to give your elephant personality and charm.
Make It Your Own
- Try different colors for a playful or pastel elephant
- Add a string loop on the back to turn it into wall art
- Use it as a puppet or storytime prop
- Pair it with a favorite elephant book for a themed activity
This Dollar Store Craft Stick Elephant is a simple reminder that meaningful creativity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. A few basic supplies, a little imagination, and some shared time together can turn into something really special.
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Looking for more easy, budget-friendly kids’ crafts? Try these adorable craft stick craft projects too:
- Craft stick farm animals
- Craft stick narwhal
- Turtle made from craft sticks
- Craft stick pineapple
- Craft stick love bugs
- Rocket made from craft sticks
- Craft stick tractor
- Craft stick barn
- Farm animals made from craft sticks
- Craft stick fairies
- Craft stick star wands
- Pumpkin made from craft sticks
- Craft stick nutcracker
- Craft stick reindeer
- Bird feeder made from craft sticks
- Craft stick catapult
- Jack-O-Lanterns made from craft sticks
If you make this craft, I’d love to see it! Share your finished elephants on social media and tag Creative Cynchronicity (on Facebook) or Creative Cynchro (on Instagram), or save this idea for later on Pinterest.
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