15 Halloween Crafts for Toddlers to Make

Discover 15 fun and easy Halloween crafts for toddlers. Spark creativity and enjoy safe, spooky festivities with these simple, kid-friendly DIY ideas.

Halloween isn’t just for the grown-ups and older kids—it’s a magical time for toddlers too! From the colorful decorations to the sweet treats, this holiday can light up their imaginations like a dazzling jack-o’-lantern. If you’re looking for enjoyable ways to channel all that excitement, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you’ll discover 15 spooktacular crafts that are tailor-made for tiny hands. Each craft helps boost motor skills, encourages creativity, and creates unforgettable bonding moments between you and your toddler. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and get ready for some Halloween-themed fun. Ready to dive into the world of ghosts, bats, pumpkins, and more? Let’s explore these adorable, hassle-free projects that will make your little ones squeal with delight!

1. Tissue Paper Ghost 

Tissue paper ghosts are a breeze to create and offer a playful intro to the spooky side of Halloween. Start by gathering some white tissue paper, cotton balls or crumpled paper, and a bit of string or ribbon. Toddlers can place a wad of cotton in the center of the tissue, then carefully wrap it to form a small “head.” By tying a ribbon underneath, you lock the ghost shape in place. Encourage your little one to draw silly or scary faces with a non-toxic marker—watching them focus on adding eyes and a mouth is half the fun! This craft can teach basic shapes and symmetry without feeling like a lesson. You can even hang these ghosts around the house or in a window to create a welcoming, yet spooktacular, Halloween display. The best part? It’s quick, simple, and perfect for wiggly toddler fingers.

2. Paper Plate Spider 

Grab some inexpensive paper plates, and you’re halfway to making an eight-legged friend that’s equal parts creepy and cute. Little ones can paint or color the plate black, but feel free to let them go wild with purple, orange, or even glitter if that’s more exciting. Next, attach eight strips of black construction paper for the legs—this is where you can talk to your toddler about numbers by counting each leg as you glue. Glue on googly eyes (two, four, or as many as you please!) and watch the spider’s personality spring to life. A pipe cleaner mouth or extra embellishments can give your arachnid extra flair. Once the spiders dry, hang them on walls or place them around the house. This craft isn’t just adorable; it also encourages fine motor skills and counting practice in a fun, imaginative setting.

3. Painted Pumpkin Rocks 

Painted pumpkin rocks blend a love of nature with the magic of Halloween. On your next stroll around the neighborhood, let your toddler pick out smooth, round stones that remind them of mini pumpkins. Once you’re home, spread out some old newspaper and break out the child-friendly paint. Toddlers can paint the entire rock orange, or mix different shades for a mesmerizing effect. When the paint dries, add a green “stem” at the top and a playful jack-o’-lantern face. If your toddler adores glitter, add a sprinkle before the paint sets. Compare the rock’s weight to a real pumpkin or encourage your child to stack the stones for a fun balancing game. These tiny “pumpkins” can sit on windowsills, along garden paths, or even be turned into a doorstep welcome sign. It’s a low-cost, high-fun project that’s sure to spark giggles.

4. Handprint Witches

Handprint witches transform simple hand outlines into whimsical Halloween figures, perfect for parents who want to preserve their toddler’s tiny handprint in a charming seasonal keepsake. Start with green cardstock, or let your child paint a white sheet green. Help your toddler trace their hand, then carefully cut out the shape. The thumb becomes the witch’s nose, and the remaining fingers become her hair—talk about a delightfully weird transformation! Add details: googly eyes, a quirky mouth, or even a little wart if you’re feeling extra playful. Top the witch with a tall black construction paper hat. You can also incorporate scraps of yarn for hair or sparkly stickers for a bewitching flair. This craft not only boosts creativity but also encourages toddlers to recognize shapes and body parts. Hang these witches on your fridge, bulletin board, or even inside homemade Halloween cards for grandparents.

5. Cotton Ball Monsters 

Cotton ball monsters are fuzzy, friendly creatures that your toddler will adore. Begin by gluing a cluster of cotton balls onto a paper plate or sturdy piece of cardstock. Let your child paint the cotton different colors—purple, green, and bright orange often give off a true monster vibe. Next, it’s time for eyes. Grab googly eyes in various sizes and watch your toddler delight in creating silly faces. Some monsters might have just one giant eye, while others might sport four or five! Encourage them to add details like pipe cleaner antennas, pom-pom noses, or little foam stickers for teeth. This craft feels like building a funny, cottony pet. You can emphasize counting and colors, or even compare textures by touching the soft cotton. When finished, these monsters can decorate your walls or stand guard in windows, scaring away any dull moments!

6. Mason Jar Luminaries 

Mason jar luminaries glow with a gentle, spooky light that sets the perfect Halloween vibe. You’ll need clean, empty jars, some tissue paper, and child-friendly glue mixed with water. Let your toddler tear pieces of orange, purple, or black tissue paper into random shapes—tearing can be a fantastic workout for little hands. Then, they can paint the glue mixture all over the jar and layer the tissue paper on top. Once the jar is fully covered, you can add construction paper shapes for ghost faces, pumpkin grins, or bat silhouettes. After drying, pop a battery-operated tea light inside and watch the Halloween magic come alive. Place these luminaries on a safe surface or a windowsill to create an eerie glow. This easy activity teaches toddlers about layering and color mixing, all while igniting their imagination with a warm, flickering ambiance.

7. Spooky Masks

Turn your toddler into a mini ghoul, witch, or jack-o’-lantern with playful spooky masks. Whether you opt for paper plates or sturdy cardstock, cut out eye holes and invite your child to paint or draw a scary or silly face. They can craft a vampire with fangs, a cat with whiskers, or a pumpkin with a big grin—no rules, just creative freedom. Add elastic or string to hold the mask in place, and don’t forget finishing touches like feathers, glitter, or colorful stickers. If you have leftover scraps of paper or felt, those can become ears, horns, or even a curly mustache. Once they wear their handcrafted disguise, toddlers step into an imaginative world where they become characters in their own spooky stories. These masks also work perfectly for Halloween photo sessions or costume parties, making them both fun and functional.

8. Popsicle Stick Broomsticks 

Embrace the enchanted vibe of Halloween by crafting mini broomsticks from simple popsicle sticks. Your toddler can paint the stick brown or black to mimic a classic broom handle. Then, attach a frayed piece of construction paper, raffia, or even real straw if you’ve got some on hand. Show them how to cut tiny slits to create a bristly effect—it’s like turning everyday paper into a magical broom! You could also tie a small ribbon around the top for a pop of color. Hang these mini broomsticks on the fridge or attach them to Halloween gift bags for added flair. Beyond the fun factor, this craft teaches toddlers about different textures and basic cutting skills. Plus, it’s a cute conversation starter: “Which witch rode this miniature broomstick?” Imagination takes off faster than you can say “hocus pocus”!

9. Paper Cup Frankensteins

Paper cup Frankensteins are a goofy take on the famous green monster, perfect for toddlers who adore quirky characters. Paint the outside of a paper cup green (or grab green cups to simplify) and let the artwork begin. Your toddler can glue on black felt or paper for the monster’s hair, adding a jagged line for that signature creepy style. Draw or glue on giant eyes that cross or look in different directions—Frankenstein doesn’t have to be symmetrical! A silly mouth with missing teeth amps up the hilarity. For added authenticity, poke two small holes on opposite sides of the cup and insert short dowels or pipe cleaners as “bolts.” This craft merges creativity with fine motor practice as they manipulate small pieces. Display these friendly Frankensteins around your kitchen, or use them as candy holders for Halloween night treats.

10. Egg Carton Bats 

Egg carton bats might just be your new favorite way to recycle. Snip out three consecutive cups from an empty egg carton, leaving them attached. The middle cup is the bat’s body, while the left and right cups become the wings. Your toddler can paint the entire strip black or decorate it with colorful splatters—encourage them to think of swirling midnight skies. Once dry, fold the outer cups slightly downward to form wings. Glue or draw on googly eyes and add pointy paper ears if you like. These little bats can hang from strings in your living room, porch, or even from a doorknob to greet visitors. This craft not only provides a second life for egg cartons, but it also helps toddlers learn about shapes, symmetry, and the wonders of the animal kingdom, all wrapped up in a Halloween theme.

11. Coffee Filter Pumpkins 

Coffee filter pumpkins are delightfully simple and uniquely vibrant. First, grab some round coffee filters—white or unbleached both work fine. Your toddler can color them with orange and yellow washable markers. Don’t worry about staying in the lines; let them scribble like wild. Next, lightly spritz the filter with water. The colors will bleed together, creating a marbled effect reminiscent of swirling autumn leaves. Once they’re dry, help your toddler cut out a simple pumpkin shape or just leave the coffee filter as-is. Attach a construction paper stem and draw a silly or spooky face. Each pumpkin will have a distinct tie-dye vibe that stands out from standard paper cutouts. It’s a craft that shows how blending colors can create something new and magical. Plus, toddlers love the “wow” moment when the water transforms their scribbles into a watercolor masterpiece.

12. Yarn-Wrapped Mummies 

If you have a toddler who loves unraveling balls of yarn, yarn-wrapped mummies are the perfect solution for channeling that energy. Begin by cutting a simple mummy shape from cardboard—something with arms and legs or just a rectangle with a head shape. Then, offer your toddler some white or off-white yarn to wrap around and around the cardboard form. The process feels a bit like dressing a doll, and it’s a great exercise for developing coordination. Once fully wrapped, let them glue on a pair of googly eyes peeking out from between the layers. The result? A goofy, huggable mummy that’s soft to the touch. You can embellish with bows, ribbons, or a felt scarf for a pop of color. Place these mini mummies around your living room or in a table centerpiece for a cute, eerie twist on traditional décor.

13. Ghost Footprint Art 

Looking for a keepsake that captures your toddler’s tiny toes forever? Ghost footprint art is both sentimental and seasonally spooky. Spread a sheet of black construction paper on the floor and prepare white, washable paint. Gently coat your toddler’s foot with the paint—try using a brush so it’s less tickly—and have them step onto the paper. Once the footprint is dry, flip it upside down so the heel becomes the ghost’s head, and the toes become the ruffled bottom. Draw two black eyes and a ghostly mouth, or let your toddler place small stickers for facial features. You can frame this little masterpiece or turn it into a Halloween card for grandparents. Beyond the cuteness, it’s also a tactile experience that helps your child develop awareness of their body—nothing like a ticklish paintbrush to liven up craft time!

14. Toilet Paper Roll Mummies

Toilet paper roll mummies combine upcycling with the thrill of Halloween creativity. Start by grabbing an empty cardboard tube. You can paint the tube white or leave it as-is if you prefer that earthy cardboard color for a more rustic mummy vibe. Next, cut long, thin strips of white paper or gauze bandages—your toddler can practice their cutting skills if they’re up for it. Then, wrap the strips around the tube, overlapping to create that classic mummy bandaged look. Encourage your toddler to add googly eyes peeking out from between the layers. You might also let them glue a “bow tie” made from scrap fabric if they want a fancy mummy. These quirky creatures are small enough to be displayed anywhere, from the dinner table centerpiece to a windowsill. It’s a fantastic project for reusing materials and sparking imaginative play.

15. Halloween-Themed Finger Puppets

Finger puppets let your toddler bring their Halloween fantasies to life, one fingertip at a time. Start with felt or construction paper cut into small, tubular shapes that fit snugly on a child’s finger. Encourage them to create mini ghosts, pumpkins, or witches. They can glue on googly eyes, draw silly smiles, or add yarn hair for a playful witch’s look. Little bits of fabric or felt transform into hats, cloaks, and wings, giving each puppet its own personality. Once the glue dries, your toddler can stage a puppet show with spooky scenes—complete with howling ghosts and cackling witches. These portable crafts are also handy for on-the-go entertainment; toss a few in your purse or diaper bag to keep your child amused in waiting rooms or long lines. It’s an easy and interactive way to celebrate the spooky season wherever you wander.

Conclusion

Halloween crafts for toddlers offer a doorway to a world of wonder and discovery. From glue-covered fingers to squeals of delight when the paint first hits the paper, these activities create tiny bursts of joy that make spooky season a whole lot sweeter. More than just decorations, these crafts are stepping stones to boost creativity, enhance fine motor skills, and strengthen the bond between you and your child. Whether you’re making a cuddly monster or a shimmering luminary, each project transforms ordinary materials into symbols of fun, imagination, and childhood magic. As you hang your toddler’s mini-masterpieces around the home, you’ll witness a homey, handcrafted Halloween come to life. So, gather those pipe cleaners and construction paper, and let your family’s creativity run wild. Remember, it’s the memories made along the way that truly cast a spell.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my toddler hates getting messy?
   You can adapt many crafts to avoid direct contact with paint or glue. For instance, use stickers or pre-cut shapes to minimize the mess while keeping the fun alive.

2. Can I use these crafts for a toddler party?
   Absolutely! Most of these crafts use simple materials and can be prepped in advance, making them perfect for a low-stress, hands-on party activity.

3. How do I store all these Halloween crafts?
   You can hang them on the fridge for the season, then store them flat in a large zip-top bag or a craft box to revisit next year. Some parents even frame their favorite pieces.

4. Are there any safety tips I should remember?
   Always supervise toddlers with small items like googly eyes or pipe cleaners. Choose non-toxic paint and glue whenever possible, and cover surfaces to protect them from spills.

5. Is it okay to let my child lead the craft?
   Yes! Encourage toddlers to explore their creativity. The final product might look a bit different from the “perfect” example, but it’ll be uniquely theirs, and that’s what counts.

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