Make a paper bag for your Halloween candy
Make and decorate a Halloween paper bag to hold candy using paper, scissors, glue, and markers; practice folding, cutting safely, and creative design.
About this activity
Make and decorate a Halloween paper bag to hold candy using paper, scissors, glue, and markers; practice folding, cutting safely, and creative design.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Clear a clean workspace and lay out your materials where you can reach them.
- 2
Step 2
Choose one sheet of paper for your bag size and place it flat in front of you.
- 3
Step 3
Fold the paper in half lengthwise so the long edges meet and press a sharp crease.
- 4
Step 4
Apply a line of glue along one inside long edge of the folded paper.
- 5
Step 5
Press the glued edge down to seal the paper into a tube and hold for a few seconds.
- 6
Step 6
Fold the bottom edge of the tube up about 3 cm and press a firm crease to make the base flap.
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Step 7
Open the folded bottom flap so the tube lies flat and you can see two corner points.
- 8
Step 8
Pinch both bottom corner points toward the center to make two triangle shapes and crease them.
- 9
Step 9
Fold one triangle flap across the bottom and put glue on it to start the base.
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Step 10
Fold the other triangle flap over the glued flap and press to seal the bag bottom.
- 11
Step 11
With adult supervision use scissors to cut a strip of extra paper to make a handle.
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Step 12
Put glue on both ends of the paper handle strip.
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Step 13
Press each glued handle end inside the top edges of the bag and hold until the glue sticks.
- 14
Step 14
Decorate the bag with markers and colouring materials using Halloween drawings or cut shapes.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished Halloween candy bag on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make a paper bag for Halloween candy?
Start with a rectangle of sturdy paper (construction or kraft). Fold it in half lengthwise, open, then fold each long edge toward the center to form a gusset. Fold the bottom up twice and glue or tape the seam to create the bag base. Press edges firmly and let dry. Turn inside out if needed, then decorate with markers, stickers, or cut paper shapes. Supervise cutting and gluing for younger kids.
What materials do I need to make a Halloween paper candy bag?
You’ll need a sheet of sturdy paper (construction, kraft, or recycled paper), child-safe scissors, glue stick or white craft glue, markers or paint for decorating, and tape. Optional extras include stickers, googly eyes, hole punch and ribbon for handles, patterned paper for accents, and stencils. Keep small decorations like sequins away from very young children or use them only with close supervision to avoid choking hazards.
What ages is making a Halloween paper bag suitable for?
This activity suits a wide range: ages 4–6 can join with adult help for cutting and folding; ages 7–10 can complete most steps independently with occasional supervision; ages 11+ can design more complex bags with handles and layered decorations. Adjust tasks: younger kids can focus on decorating while adults handle scissors and glue. Always match skill demands to the child’s fine motor abilities and provide safety guidance.
What safety tips and variations should I consider for this Halloween craft?
Safety: use child-safe scissors, non-toxic glue, and avoid small parts for toddlers. Supervise cutting and hot-glue use; keep decorations away from open flames. Variations: make bags from recycled brown paper bags or cereal boxes for sturdiness, add handles with ribbon, or create themed stencils (pumpkins, ghosts). This craft also encourages planning and fine-motor skills—adapt complexity to the child’s age and skill level.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can I use instead of glue if I don't have any?
Use double-sided tape or clear packing tape along the inside long edge and across the bottom flaps to seal the tube and base instead of liquid glue.
My bag bottom keeps opening—what did I do wrong and how do I fix it?
If the bottom opens, lift the two triangle flaps, reapply glue or tape to the overlapping flap edges, press the sealed bag bottom firmly for 30 seconds, and optionally tape across the outside for extra strength.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids have an adult pre-fold the lengthwise crease and cut the handle strip so the child can glue and decorate, while older kids can choose a larger sheet of paper and reinforce the handle with tape or ribbon.
How can we make the bag more special or longer-lasting?
Personalize and strengthen the bag by gluing a ribbon handle to the top edges, pasting cut-out Halloween shapes before sealing the bottom, or lining the inside with wax paper so candy doesn't stick.