Halloween with a baby doesn’t need to be complicated and expensive. In fact, the most magical moments come from simple, stress-free crafts that spark laughter, create keepsakes, and give you adorable photo memories. This guide shares 15 easy, budget-friendly, baby-safe crafts that anyone (even parents with zero crafting skills) can do at home.
Handprint Ghost Art
Creating ghost art from your baby’s handprints is one of the easiest and most charming Halloween crafts. All you need is black construction paper, white non-toxic paint, and a brush. Gently coat your baby’s palm with the paint and press it firmly onto the paper. Once the handprint dries, flip the paper so the fingers point downward—it instantly looks like a little ghost. Add eyes and a smile with a marker or black paint, and you’ll have a keepsake worthy of framing or gifting to grandparents.
This craft usually takes 10 minutes, making it perfect for babies under 24 months. It’s very beginner-friendly, with a difficulty level of 1 out of 5. Safety is key, so always use baby-safe paints and keep wipes handy for quick cleanup. The cost is minimal—just a few dollars if you don’t already have paint and paper at home. To manage the mess, spread old newspapers or a plastic tablecloth over your work surface.
For variations, try making multiple ghost handprints on one sheet to create a “ghost family,” or use footprints instead for longer, spookier shapes. You can also cut out the ghost shapes after they dry and hang them on walls or string them together for a festive garland. With zero crafting skills required, this simple project guarantees a cute, memorable Halloween keepsake while keeping babies engaged in a fun, safe way.
Pumpkin Footprint Art
Turn your baby’s tiny feet into adorable pumpkin prints that double as keepsakes and decorations. Start with orange, non-toxic, washable paint and gently paint the bottom of your baby’s foot. Press it onto a sheet of white or black construction paper. Once the paint dries, use green paint or a marker to draw a stem on top of the footprint, instantly transforming it into a pumpkin. Add little leaves or vines if you want extra detail. These footprint pumpkins look especially cute when displayed in frames or on the fridge.
This craft takes about 15 minutes and has a difficulty level of 2 out of 5. It’s safe for babies 0–24 months, but always make sure to wash the paint off immediately after stamping. Lay down old towels or newspapers before starting to prevent paint smears on furniture or clothing. Materials cost less than $10, making this a budget-friendly seasonal project.
To change things up, try making a “pumpkin patch” by stamping both feet side by side, or stamp multiple pumpkins on one page. For a no-mess version, trace your baby’s foot onto orange paper instead of using paint, then cut it out and glue it down. Whether painted or cut-out, these footprint pumpkins capture the charm of babyhood in a festive, creative way.
Paper Plate Jack-o’-Lanterns
Paper plates are one of the simplest craft bases for parents with no prior crafting skills, and turning them into jack-o’-lanterns is quick and fun. All you need is a plain paper plate, orange paint or markers, and some black construction paper for facial features. First, color the plate orange—it doesn’t have to be perfect. Next, cut out triangle eyes, a nose, and a toothy smile from black paper, then glue them onto the plate. Add a green construction paper “stem” at the top, and your baby’s pumpkin is ready to shine.
This project takes about 20 minutes and is rated 2 out of 5 for difficulty. It’s safe and suitable for toddlers as young as 12 months, though parents should handle the cutting. Use non-toxic, washable paint and glue, and keep baby wipes nearby to clean hands quickly. The materials are inexpensive and usually found at home, costing less than $5 if you need to buy supplies.
For added fun, try using glitter glue around the edges, or let your toddler help stick on the shapes. If you want to avoid mess completely, use orange paper plates and simply draw faces with markers instead of painting. These paper plate pumpkins can be hung as wall decor, used as photo props, or strung together as a festive garland.
Baby’s First Halloween Crown
Creating a Halloween crown is a delightful way to dress up your baby without the fuss of a full costume. You’ll need orange or black construction paper, child-safe glue or tape, and simple decorations like stickers, foam shapes, or crayons. Cut a strip of paper long enough to wrap around your baby’s head, then secure the ends with tape. Let your baby decorate the strip with Halloween-themed stickers, or help them color with crayons. Once complete, place the crown gently on their head for a festive, wearable craft.
This activity takes 10–15 minutes and has a difficulty level of 1 out of 5. It’s best for babies over 6 months, as younger infants may pull the crown off immediately. Always supervise, since paper can tear and pose a risk. To minimize mess, stick to stickers and crayons rather than glue or glitter, which can get everywhere. Materials are inexpensive, usually costing under $3.
Variations include making a “pumpkin king” crown with orange paper, a “ghost crown” with white paper and spooky doodles, or a “witch crown” with purple and green decorations. For a no-craft option, buy a plain paper party crown and simply decorate it with Halloween stickers. This quick and safe project lets your baby participate in the Halloween spirit without overwhelming parents.
Ghost Handprint Keepsake
Handprint crafts are always a favorite for parents because they capture a moment in time. For this one, paint your baby’s hand with non-toxic white paint and press it onto black or dark-colored construction paper. Once dry, flip the handprint upside down so the fingers become the “floating ghost.” Add two black dots for eyes and a tiny oval mouth to bring the ghost to life. You can even write your baby’s name and the year at the bottom for a precious keepsake.
This craft takes about 15 minutes with a difficulty of 2 out of 5. It’s safe for babies of all ages, though parents should be the ones applying paint and cleaning hands afterward. Lay down an old sheet or towel to protect surfaces, and keep wipes handy for fast cleanup. Materials are budget-friendly, with everything costing less than $5 if you don’t already have them at home.
You can turn this into a Halloween “family of ghosts” by adding handprints from siblings or parents. Another mess-free alternative is tracing your baby’s hand on white paper, cutting it out, and gluing it onto black paper instead of using paint. Whether framed, taped to the fridge, or turned into greeting cards for grandparents, this ghosty keepsake will be treasured for years.
Baby Pumpkin Onesie
This craft doubles as a simple costume and photo prop. Grab a plain orange baby onesie and decorate it with black felt cutouts in the shape of jack-o’-lantern eyes, nose, and mouth. Secure the felt with fabric-safe glue, or sew lightly if you prefer something washable and longer-lasting. Add a green baby hat as the “pumpkin stem,” and your little one is instantly dressed as the cutest pumpkin on the block.
The project takes 20 minutes, with a difficulty of 3 out of 5. It’s best for babies 3–24 months, as newborns may outgrow the onesie too quickly. Always ensure that glued decorations are firmly attached so nothing becomes a choking hazard. Materials may cost around $10–15, depending on whether you already own a plain orange onesie. Avoid glitter or loose embellishments that could shed onto your baby’s skin.
For a variation, use fabric markers to draw the jack-o’-lantern face instead of attaching felt, which makes the onesie washable and baby-safe. Another no-craft option is buying iron-on pumpkin face decals and pressing them onto the fabric. Whether you plan to use it as a costume for a Halloween photo shoot or just for festive lounging, this craft makes dressing up your baby effortless and memorable.
Halloween Sensory Bag
Sensory bags are perfect for babies who love to explore textures without the mess. To make one, take a resealable plastic bag and fill it with hair gel or aloe vera gel as the base. Drop in a few Halloween-themed items like cut-out foam bats, plastic spiders (large, baby-safe ones), or orange and black confetti. Seal the bag tightly with tape along the edges to ensure nothing leaks. Lay it flat on the floor and let your baby squish, press, and move the items around with their hands.
This activity takes 10 minutes and is rated 1 out of 5 in difficulty. It’s suitable for babies 6 months and up who are able to play on the floor. Always supervise, as the bag could tear if bitten or scratched. Use extra-strong freezer bags for durability, and avoid small items inside that could be choking hazards if the bag breaks. The total cost is under $8, making it affordable and fun.
For variations, try using orange-dyed water beads (sealed safely), or glow-in-the-dark stars for extra magic. A no-mess alternative is creating a Halloween-themed sensory board with fabrics like felt, satin, and lace instead of a gel-filled bag. Sensory crafts like this stimulate your baby’s curiosity while giving parents a simple, low-mess way to celebrate Halloween.
Bat Paper Plate Mask
This craft turns an ordinary paper plate into a fun, baby-friendly Halloween mask. Cut the plate in half and paint it black. Add two large bat wings on either side using construction paper or cardstock. Cut out two small circles for eye holes, and attach a popsicle stick at the bottom so parents can hold the mask in front of their baby’s face for photos. It’s not something your baby wears—it’s more of a prop for adorable pictures.
The project takes 20 minutes and is a difficulty level 3 out of 5. It’s ideal for babies 6 months and up since younger ones may not enjoy holding props. Always ensure the materials are sturdy and that no sharp edges are left from cutting. Cost is minimal, around $5 for paper plates and paint. Parents should supervise at all times to avoid babies mouthing the paper or stick.
For variations, use glitter glue for sparkly bat wings or add googly eyes for fun (just make sure they’re firmly glued). A no-craft option is printing a bat mask from online templates, cutting it out, and taping it to a stick. These masks make charming additions to Halloween photo shoots while being super simple for parents to create.
Baby-Friendly Candy Corn Banner
For this easy decoration, cut out candy corn shapes from cardstock—large triangles painted with white, orange, and yellow stripes. Let your baby help by “finger smudging” the orange and yellow paint with their little hands (safe, non-toxic paint only). Once dry, punch holes at the tops and string the pieces together with yarn or ribbon. Hang the banner across a wall, crib, or mantel for a colorful Halloween vibe.
The craft takes about 25 minutes and is rated 2 out of 5 for difficulty. It’s safe for babies 6 months and older, with parents handling the cutting and stringing parts. Lay down newspaper or a plastic mat for easy cleanup. Total cost is under $10, making it a budget-friendly Halloween decoration. The banner is lightweight, so it’s safe to hang anywhere without worry.
You can personalize the banner by writing your baby’s name on one of the candy corn pieces or adding glitter accents. For a no-mess option, use pre-colored cardstock in candy corn colors and skip the painting altogether. This simple project creates a festive atmosphere and makes for wonderful photo backdrops.
Pumpkin Jar Nightlight
This craft transforms a recycled baby food jar into a glowing pumpkin lantern. Clean the jar, then cover it with orange tissue paper using Mod Podge or watered-down glue. Add a black construction paper face for a jack-o’-lantern look. Place a battery-operated tea light inside, and you’ve got a safe, glowing nightlight for your baby’s room. It’s cute, cozy, and totally baby-safe since no flames are involved.
The project takes 20–25 minutes with a difficulty of 3 out of 5. It’s safe for babies of all ages since parents handle all the crafting, and the jar stays out of reach once finished. Ensure the jar edges are smooth and free of chips before starting. The cost is minimal—under $7 if you recycle jars and use inexpensive battery candles. Parents should supervise if toddlers try handling the finished lantern.
For variations, paint the jar orange instead of using tissue paper, or wrap it in gauze to create a “mummy lantern.” A no-craft option is buying ready-made LED pumpkin lights for quick decorating. These little nightlights look magical in dim rooms and are sure to become part of your annual Halloween decor.
Baby Ghost Handprint Garland
This keepsake garland captures your baby’s little hands in a festive way. Dip your baby’s palm in washable white paint and press several prints onto black construction paper. Once dry, cut around each handprint, flip them upside down so the fingers hang like “ghost tails,” and draw two small eyes and a mouth. Punch holes at the top and string them together with ribbon to hang across a doorway or crib (out of reach, of course).
The craft takes about 25 minutes and has a difficulty rating of 2 out of 5. It’s safe for babies 0–24 months since parents do all cutting and threading. Lay down wipes and an old towel to handle the paint cleanup. Cost is less than $5 if you already have paint and paper at home. This becomes a fun annual tradition where you can watch your child’s ghost hands “grow” over the years.
As a variation, add glitter for sparkling ghost tails or write your baby’s name and year on each handprint. A no-craft option is tracing their hand on white paper, cutting it out, and decorating without paint. It’s adorable, sentimental, and a beautiful way to mark your baby’s first Halloweens.
No-Sew Baby Pumpkin Hat
This sweet costume craft needs only an orange baby beanie, some green felt, and fabric glue. Cut a small leaf and curly stem shape out of the felt and glue them to the top of the hat. Once dry, your little one has a soft, no-sew pumpkin hat perfect for photos or playtime. It’s cozy, comfortable, and requires almost no crafting skill to pull off.
The project takes about 15 minutes and is a difficulty 1 out of 5. It’s safe for babies 0–12 months, as long as parents supervise and ensure the glued pieces are secure. Cost is under $10 if you buy the hat new, but even cheaper if you repurpose an old beanie. It’s low-mess, quick to complete, and the finished result makes for adorable photo opportunities.
For variations, use a black beanie with white felt eyes for a ghost version, or purple with green felt for a witchy twist. A no-craft option is buying seasonal hats online, but making it yourself adds a personal touch and memory. Parents will love how easy and Instagram-worthy this little accessory is.
Baby-Friendly Sensory Spider Web
This interactive decoration doubles as a sensory toy. Stretch white yarn or soft ribbon across a baby-safe plastic laundry basket or cardboard frame to resemble a spider web. Tuck in large felt spiders (no small parts!) or soft pom-poms that your baby can grab and pull out. It’s a safe way for babies to explore textures while keeping the spooky fun going.
The craft takes about 20 minutes, difficulty 3 out of 5. It’s ideal for babies 6–24 months who enjoy sensory play. Always supervise closely to avoid babies tangling in the yarn. Cost is around $7–10, depending on materials. Cleanup is simple—just remove the yarn and tuck away the felt pieces when playtime is over.
For variations, use orange and purple yarn for a colorful Halloween web. If you don’t want to craft, a no-sew toy spider web play mat can be purchased online. Parents love this project because it’s safe, stimulating, and keeps babies entertained while staying in the Halloween spirit.
Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Footprint Path
This creative keepsake doubles as décor. Paint your baby’s feet with glow-in-the-dark, non-toxic paint and press them onto black construction paper. Once dry, cut them out and arrange them in a line along the floor, wall, or hallway like a little glowing “ghost path.” It creates a fun atmosphere for Halloween night and makes for great photos.
The project takes 20–30 minutes and has a difficulty rating of 2 out of 5. It’s suitable for babies of all ages, but especially fun for toddlers who enjoy stomping their feet. Always wash feet thoroughly afterward with baby wipes or warm water. The cost is under $10 if you buy glow paint, and cleanup is easy with old newspaper underfoot.
For variations, add painted pumpkin or bat stickers alongside the footprints. As a no-mess option, buy glow-in-the-dark sticker footprints and skip painting. This glowing pathway is both adorable and unique, leaving parents with a Halloween decoration that doubles as a memory of their child’s tiny steps.
Pumpkin Patch Baby Footprint Art
Turn your baby’s tiny feet into a festive pumpkin patch painting. Dip each foot in non-toxic orange paint and press them upside down on white cardstock to make little pumpkin shapes. Once dry, use a green marker or paintbrush to add curly vines and stems at the top. You can write your baby’s name and the year for a keepsake that doubles as wall art or a memory book page.
This craft takes about 25 minutes and has a difficulty rating of 2 out of 5. It’s suitable for babies 0–24 months, with parents handling the painting and decorating. Cleanup is simple—just keep wipes or a warm soapy washcloth nearby. Cost is under $7 if you already own basic paints and paper. Parents love this one because it’s quick, adorable, and captures a moment in time you’ll cherish forever.
For variations, use different paint colors to make a “rainbow pumpkin patch,” or press both hands alongside the pumpkins to create little “ghosts” in the same scene. A no-craft option is printing a digital pumpkin patch template and gluing baby photos in place of painted footprints. This project is heartwarming, seasonal, and perfect for the fridge or a baby scrapbook.
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