How to Catch a Leprechaun: DIY Leprechaun Traps!

As St Patrick's Day draws near, we know you're probably looking for a fun way to celebrate... and we have just the thing! 

Have you ever heard of a Leprechaun Trap? 🍀

Legend has it that, if you catch a leprechaun on the eve of St. Patrick's Day, he'll grant you three wishes! But leprechauns are notoriously fast, elusive creatures – which is where the trap comes in. 

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! 🍀🌈

Ready to get started? We'll break it down step-by-step! 

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! 

Have you ever made a leprechaun trap? Let us know in the comments!