If you set up “Elf on the Shelf” every Christmas, you may find yourself in a similar role come March. With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, your children will likely start talking about Leprechaun traps. My son first encountered the idea at school, where his class had a project to make a Leprechaun trap. We spent the weekend scheming and building it together, determined to catch the tricky classroom Leprechaun. Unfortunately, on St. Patrick’s Day, the Leprechaun escaped, but not before leaving behind candy and fake gold coins as a treat. That first Leprechaun Trap has now turned into an annual tradition that my son eagerly awaits. Each year, the traps grow more creative and even more elaborate, but the outcome remains the same: that sneaky Leprechaun always manages to get away.
What is a Leprechaun Trap
Irish mythology says that if you catch a Leprechaun, they must grant you three wishes or their treasure. The idea behind a Leprechaun trap is to create a container that attracts a Leprechaun into being captured. Children can assemble and set the trap the night before St. Patrick’s Day. This is similar to “Elf on the Shelf”, as parents make the trap seem as though the Leprechaun has visited. In the morning children find the signs of the Leprechaun. This may involve leaving behind St. Patrick’s Day treats for the kids to enjoy. This could be anything from candy to gag gifts if your Leprechaun is especially sneaky.
How to Make a Leprechaun Trap – With Your Children
Start building a Leprechaun trap by choosing a container to catch your Leprechaun in. You can use a tissue box, cardboard box, plastic container, or a St. Patrick’s Day hat. Decorate your trap with colorful elements like rainbows, gold, shamrocks, and anything green or related to St. Patrick’s Day to attract the Leprechaun. Next, create a way for the Leprechaun to enter the container and get trapped. Build a ladder leading to an opening in the container, and use a wooden skewer to prop it up. When the Leprechaun goes for the bait, the skewer will fall, trapping it inside. Set it up so that the entrance closes when the Leprechaun steps inside. You’ll find plenty of inspirational trap designs online to help you and your children create and decorate your own!
How to be a Leprechaun – For Parents
The role of parents is to make it look like the Leprechaun has been to visit your home, has evaded or been captured by your trap, and left behind some St. Patrick’s Day fun. Just like “Elf on the Shelf” you can find different Leprechaun tips online to get some ideas on how your Leprechaun can leave their mark. They could be mischievous by rearranging things in the house or simply leave notes behind written in green ink with playful riddles for your kids to solve. If you have flour or glitter in your home, you could leave behind small footprints to show where on the trap your Leprechaun ventured. Whether the trap succeeds or not, you can leave a little surprise, like chocolate coins, or even a small gift. It adds to the magic, especially if the Leprechaun “escapes” but rewards the effort.
Have Fun
Make this craft a fun St.Patrick’s Day tradition. There are several books surrounding Leprechauns such as How to Catch a Leprechaun by Adam Wallace and Three Ways to Trap a Leprechaun by Tara Lazar. These books can look to get your children excited about their own Leprechaun trap and give them ideas into what they want to create. This tradition is a fun way to help your child exercise their playful creativity. Each year will bring new and surprising designs. Even if your Leprechaun gets away the memories you make while crafting your trap will be the real treasure this St. Patrick’s Day. Happy trapping, and may the luck of the Irish be with you!
