DIY Leprechaun Trap

Written by: Melody Crist

🍀 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to catch a leprechaun?! 🍀

These elf-like creatures are only a few feet tall, but they are notoriously very difficult to catch. They move so quickly that sightings are very rare– if a leprechaun ever runs through your house in a sudden flash of green, blink once and you’ll miss him! They are tricky, mischievous and elusive; but legend has it that, if you’re lucky enough to capture one, he will grant you three wishes– or leave behind some of his gold. 🌈

Making an enticing leprechaun trap is easy. With a few household items, some creativity, and plenty of candy (these creatures are known for their love of rainbow-colored sweets), you’ll be able to lure even the most cunning of leprechauns. The night before Saint Patrick’s Day, simply leave the trap out and wait! 🍀

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• A shoe box 
• Green paint 
• Black paint (optional)
• Paintbrushes
• Cotton balls (optional)
• One large popsicle stick or wooden dowel
• Markers, glitter, or anything else you might want to use to decorate the trap 
• Rainbow-colored candy! Some examples are skittles, sour patch kids, and sour candy belts– but you can use anything you’d like! 
• Chocolate gold coins 

Here’s how to make it: 

Step 1: Open the shoebox and lay it on its side. If the top of the box is unattached, place the top in front of the box so that the inside is facing up. 

Step 2: Using green paint, paint the outside of the shoebox (you may need multiple coats). Allow the paint to dry between coats. 

Step 3: Using green or black paint, paint the inside of the shoebox. Allow the paint to dry. 

Step 4: Decorate your trap! We used glitter and decorative four leaf clovers, but you can use anything you think might attract a leprechaun– let your imagination run wild! 

Step 5: Add candy! Scatter your rainbow-colored sweets inside the lid of the shoebox. To make the trap extra enticing, use cotton balls to place a bed of clouds underneath your delicious rainbow! 

Step 6: Find an ideal spot for your soon-to-be-captured leprechaun. When you’re ready to arrange the trap, use the popsicle stick or wooden dowel to prop it open. 

Once your trap is set up, all you need to do is wait! Catching a leprechaun on the eve of Saint Patrick’s Day is said to bring good luck– and if yours is satisfied with the trap’s array of colorful candy, he may even leave you some gold coins in exchange. 

👉 Click HERE for a printable copy of the DIY Leprechaun Trap.