Halloween Crafts for a 3-year-old

Three very simple, safe crafts you can do together: a paper plate pumpkin, a handprint ghost, and a toilet-paper-roll bat. Each one is short, uses common materials, and builds motor skills and creativity. Always supervise closely.

Materials (keep everything washable and toddler-safe)

• Paper plates or thick paper
• Washable orange, black, and white paint (or crayons/markers)
• Black and green construction paper
• Toilet paper rolls
• Googly eyes or stickers (optional)
• Glue stick and child-safe glue
• Safety scissors (adult use) or pre-cut shapes
• Popsicle sticks or string (for handles/hanging)
• Old newspaper or a smock for easy cleanup

Craft 1: Paper Plate Pumpkin

1. Give your child a paper plate and help them paint it orange. Let them use a big brush or a sponge for fun texture. (Adult helps with painting.)
2. While it dries, cut small triangles and a mouth from black paper. Let the child choose the face pieces and press them onto the plate with a glue stick.
3. Cut a small green stem from construction paper and glue it at the top.
4. You can tape a popsicle stick to the back to make it a puppet, or punch a hole and add string to hang it.

Craft 2: Handprint Ghost

1. Put a little white paint on a tray and help your child press their hand onto a sheet of black or dark paper. Lift to reveal the print. (Or trace their hand with a washable marker.)
2. Once dry, cut out the handprint shape (adult does cutting). The fingers become the ghost's top.
3. Draw two eyes and a mouth with a black marker, or stick on googly eyes.
4. Attach a piece of string to hang the ghost, or glue to a popsicle stick to make a puppet.

Craft 3: Toilet Paper Roll Bat

1. Paint the toilet paper roll black and let it dry.
2. Fold and cut bat wings from black paper (adult helps). Glue the wings to the roll.
3. Glue on googly eyes or draw eyes and a mouth.
4. Optional: fold a strip of paper and glue under the roll to make the bat stand, or add string to hang.

Safety Tips

• Always supervise scissors, glue, and small pieces (googly eyes, stickers).
• Use washable, non-toxic paint and markers.
• Pre-cut shapes if your child cannot safely use scissors.

Simple Teaching Points for a 3-year-old

• Colors: name orange, black, white, green as you use them.
• Counting: count fingers for the ghost or count eyes and triangles for the pumpkin face.
• Fine motor practice: sticking, painting, and tearing paper a little (with help) build hand skills.

Cleanup Tips

• Cover the table with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth.
• Keep wipes and a bowl of soapy water nearby for quick hand and surface cleaning.
• Put paints in small cups to limit spills.

Have fun, sing a Halloween song while you craft, and celebrate each little finished piece. These simple projects are great for a short attention span and make cute decorations or gifts.

Note for caregivers: adapt every step to your child’s skill and attention level. Short sessions (10–20 minutes) work best for most 3-year-olds.