Elf Costume for Kids: Elf or Gnome for Christmas Party
Every year in mid-November the same questions come up: the teacher has asked that the child come to the Christmas tree party as an elf or a gnome, and only two weeks are left before the show. An elf costume and a gnome costume look alike at first glance: red, green, a pointed hat. There are differences, though, and they are easiest to see when the whole group stands on stage in one photo.
We have put together what we would advise from our experience: how to tell the two looks apart, how to avoid getting the size wrong, which accessories you really need and which you can happily skip.
Elf or gnome: how the looks differ
An elf is Santa’s workshop helper. We usually recognise him by the green and red colour combination, the pointed hat, striped tights and shoes with curled toes. Some also clip on pointy ears.
At Lithuanian kindergarten parties the gnome looks more like a fairy-tale character: more red, a tall cone-shaped hat, sometimes a beard. We have a red gnome costume for children whose hat comes with a beard, so the child does not need to glue on or tie a separate beard.
The line between them is not strict. For example, our green and red gnome costume for children is almost indistinguishable from an elf in colour. If the teacher did not name a specific character, let the child choose: the costume he likes is the one he will wear without tears.
| Detail | Elf | Gnome |
|---|---|---|
| Colours | Green with red | Mostly red, sometimes with green |
| Hat | Pointed, often with a curled tip | Tall, cone-shaped, sometimes with a beard |
| Legs | Striped tights | Trousers or plain-coloured tights |
| Shoes | Curled toes | Simple, dark or red |
| When to choose | When the show is about Santa’s workshop | When the play is a fairy-tale or forest story |
Elf costume: choose the size by height, not age
The most common mistake is buying by age. Two five-year-olds in the same group can differ by ten centimetres. Children’s costume sizes match the child’s height in centimetres, so measure the child without shoes and choose the next size up. In our size chart the age is given only as a guide:
- 98 cm – roughly 2-3 years
- 104 cm – 3-4 years
- 110 cm – 4-5 years
- 116 cm – 5-6 years
- 128 cm – 7-8 years
- 140 cm – 9-10 years
- 158 cm – 11-13 years
Not every model comes in every size. For example, the Christmas elf costume for children is sewn in sizes 104, 116, 128, 140 and 158, but there is no 110. So for a child 108 cm tall, take 116: trouser legs are easy to turn up, but short sleeves cannot be lengthened.
One more thing parents think about only on the morning of the show: in December the kindergarten hall is often cool. These costumes are sewn from polyester, which does not add much warmth, so many children wear long-sleeved t-shirts or a thin jumper underneath. If you plan that, choose the larger size even if the height fits the smaller one. A looser costume bothers no one, but a tight one over a jumper will pinch the armpits by the second round of dancing.
Boys: the elf and gnome costumes parents buy most often
Last season the most bought Christmas costume of all was the Christmas elf costume for children. It includes a jacket, trousers, belt, hat and shoe covers. The shoe covers are very practical here: at kindergarten children usually wear slippers or trainers, and the shoe covers go on top and look like real elf shoes.
The gnome costume for children was also among the best sellers: a red jacket with a belt, green trousers and a hat. Sizes from 104 to 158. The costume suits girls too, so parents who buy for two children at once, or hope the younger sister will inherit it later, often choose it. One observation: the green shoes in the photo are not included in the set.
Read the contents of the set carefully. The red gnome costume with the bearded hat mentioned above includes a jacket, belt and hat, but no trousers. In that case plain red or dark trousers from your wardrobe, or tights, will do.
Girls’ elf costume and gnome dress
Girls more often choose a dress. The elf costume for girls was the second best-selling Christmas costume last season. The set includes a dress with a belt, a hat and tights, so there is nothing else to buy separately. The fabric is 100% polyester, and we currently have sizes 104, 116, 128 and 140.
For the smallest girls, the Christmas gnome dress for girls with a hat is a good fit. It is red with white edges, sewn in sizes 98 and 110, for roughly 1-4 year olds. For many girls this is their first kindergarten costume, and the same rule applies: if the child is between sizes, take the larger one. The set does not include tights, so it is best to find white or red ones in advance.
You will find all dresses, costumes and accessories in one place, in the category elf and gnome costumes.
Accessories: tights, shoes and hats
A well-chosen accessory completes the costume, but not all of them are essential. Here is what we would advise:
- Striped tights. These are what make an elf recognisable from a distance. Red and green striped tights for children and teens are 70 DEN thick, so in a cool hall they keep legs warmer than the thinnest ones. We have sizes 110, 140 and 158.
- Elf shoes. Elf shoes with curled toes are one size and fit feet of size 36-40. They will be too big for a kindergartener, but will suit a teenager or a teacher who will be the elf in the show herself. For little ones, the shoe covers from the costume set are simpler.
- Hats. If there is no costume or you need to dress the whole group, the fleece red gnome hat is a cheap way to create a shared look.
- Elf ears. Rubber ears in skin tone attach to the child’s ears. They look fun in photos, but not every child likes wearing them for long, so let them try them on at home before the show.
When the whole group buys costumes
Sometimes the order is placed not by one dad or mum, but by the parents’ committee for the whole group. In that case it is worth following a few simple steps so that on the morning of the show no child is left without a costume:
- Agree on one or two models, for example an elf costume for boys and an elf costume for girls. On stage, matching costumes look tidier than five different shades of green.
- Ask parents to send the child’s height in centimetres, not their age or the size on the shop label.
- Check that the sizes you need are in stock while they are still available. For some models, some sizes are already sold out, and in December stock runs out faster.
- A group order for the whole class almost always exceeds 49 EUR, and from that amount delivery to an LP parcel locker is free.
When to order to make it in time
Christmas tree parties at kindergartens and schools run from late November to mid-December, and that is exactly when parcel lockers get full. All products are in our warehouse in Lithuania, we ship orders on the same or the next working day, and a parcel to an LP parcel locker usually takes 1-2 working days. Shipping volume peaks in December and delays happen more often then, so we recommend ordering by the end of November.
Ordering early helps with size too. Try the costume on the same day you collect it, not on the eve of the show. If the size does not fit, an unused item in its original packaging with all labels can be returned within 14 days, and you can choose another in good time. Prices and deadlines are on the delivery terms page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an elf and a gnome costume?
An elf is usually green and red, with a pointed hat and striped tights. A gnome is more red, with a tall cone-shaped hat, sometimes with a beard. Either works at a kindergarten party.
What size costume should I buy for a five-year-old?
Measure height without shoes. Five-year-olds usually fit size 110 or 116, and if the child will wear a jumper under the costume, take the larger size.
Can a girl wear the gnome costume with trousers?
Yes. Our gnome costume for children is for both girls and boys. With striped tights it looks even more cheerful.
Can I return a costume that is the wrong size?
Yes, within 14 days of receiving the parcel. The item must be unused, in its original packaging and with all labels, so do not cut the labels off until you have tried it on. Read the conditions on the returns page.
If the child already knows what they will be, you will find all children’s elf costumes in the elf and fairy costume category. And if the group is still choosing characters, have a look at other Christmas costumes for the tree party: there are Santa, gingerbread man and Snow White costumes too.
Table Decorations
Party Accessories
Christmas Costumes