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You’re in Luck: Crafting Leprechaun Footprints is a Breeze
By Jamie Taylor
Updated: March 21, 2022
Originally Published: March 3, 2022
Celebrating holidays can be a delightful experience, but it often brings stress for parents eager to create magical moments for their children. St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. Luckily, there are simple and charming ways to make the day memorable, like creating leprechaun footprints for your little ones to discover in the morning. These footprints serve as evidence that your home had a tiny visitor during the night. And the best part? Making these leprechaun footprints is incredibly easy and quick to clean up (as long as you choose the right kind of paint, of course).
As a parent, I understand how precious your free time is. You adore your kids but also crave some well-deserved “me” time, which means you might not want to spend hours crafting elaborate holiday surprises—especially when there are binge-worthy shows waiting for you! This is what makes creating leprechaun footprints so appealing: it’s fast, simple, and easy to tidy up. In a world that often feels devoid of magic, finding joy in making your kids happy is a wonderful experience.
Bottom Line: You can create a cherished childhood memory without draining your energy. It’s a win-win! Here’s how you can do it.
What Are Leprechaun Footprints?
In case you’re unfamiliar with the concept, leprechaun footprints are a trail of tiny green prints that you create in your home the night before St. Patrick’s Day. When your child wakes up, they find the footprints, which gives the impression that a leprechaun visited overnight, leaving behind goodies (and possibly a bit of mischief). It’s similar to the Elf on the Shelf idea, but instead of seeing the leprechaun, your child only sees the minuscule footprints.
How Do You Make Leprechaun Footprints?
First, you’ll need green, washable finger paint—this is key unless you want a mess on your hands (and floor… and walls). Then, make a fist and paint the pinky side green. Stamp that part of your fist onto the chosen surface (hardwood floor, paper, windows, etc.). Finally, add toes at the top using your pinky finger. It’s really that easy! If you prefer visual instructions, check out this helpful tutorial video below.
Are There Alternatives to Paint?
If you’re not comfortable using paint—washable or not—on your surfaces, you can opt for leprechaun footprint stickers. Simply leave a trail of stickers in a spot that’s easy for your child to find. Depending on their age, they may notice the stickers, but it’s still a fun and mess-free option that doesn’t break the bank.
Remember, the goal is to have fun. Choose whichever method feels right and simplest for you. At the end of the day, you’ll be creating another cherished memory with your child, and that’s a feeling that’s truly lucky.
For more ideas on making special memories, check out this other blog post.
Summary:
Making leprechaun footprints for St. Patrick’s Day is a delightful way to surprise your children without spending too much time or effort. With simple materials like washable paint or stickers, you can create a memorable experience that will bring joy to your kids. These little touches of magic can transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary.