Easy, Eco-Friendly Halloween Ideas for Little Ones

Halloween doesn’t have to mean plastic pumpkins and throwaway costumes. At Acorn & Pip, we know that parents want to make the season magical and mindful — full of fun, but gentle on the planet. That’s why we’ve gathered our favourite easy, eco-friendly Halloween ideas for little ones. From crafty afternoons to simple dress-up inspiration, these are family-friendly swaps you can feel good about.

🎃 Craft Your Own Decorations

Skip the shop-bought plastic and create decorations with things you already have at home:

• Paper bats & ghosts: Cut shapes from recycled paper or old cereal boxes, then let the kids paint them black, white, or orange. String them up for instant atmosphere.

• Leaf lanterns: Collect autumn leaves on your next walk, press them flat, and glue onto jars with a tealight inside for a cosy glow.

• Pumpkin painting: For younger children, painting pumpkins is easier (and safer!) than carving. Plus, you can still eat the pumpkin afterwards.

👻 Dress-Up from the Dressing-Up Box

Fancy dress doesn’t need to be new to feel exciting:

• Classic sheet ghost: A bed sheet, two cut-out eyeholes, and lots of giggles.

• Mini black cat: Black leggings, a t-shirt, and a paper-pinned tail. Add whiskers with face paint.

• Pumpkin jumper: An orange jumper and a green hat makes a perfect no-fuss outfit.

Encourage kids to mix and match from what’s already in their wardrobes — it sparks imagination and cuts down on waste.

🍬 Plastic-Free Trick-or-Treat

If you’re hosting a little Halloween party or handing out treats, try these eco-friendly swaps:

• Mini crayons or pencils

• Stickers or temporary tattoos

• Wooden toys or spinning tops

• Homemade biscuits wrapped in paper bags

Small swaps make a big difference — and children love something they can keep.

🕯️ Create a Cosy Atmosphere

Halloween doesn’t have to be spooky to be special. Light a few candles (or LED tealights), play gentle music, and read a not-too-scary story by torchlight. It’s a simple way to make the evening memorable, especially for toddlers and preschoolers who may find trick-or-treating overwhelming.

🌱 Why We Love Eco-Halloween

Sustainability isn’t about perfection — it’s about little changes that add up. By re-using, re-imagining, and keeping things simple, families can enjoy all the magic of Halloween without the waste. Plus, these activities are as much about time together as they are about costumes and sweets.

✨ Final tip: Capture the memories. Whether it’s painted pumpkins or home-made costumes, take photos to look back on next year. They’ll become traditions your little ones remember — and ones the planet will thank you for.

📌 Looking for more thoughtful family inspiration? Explore our seasonal toy edit and children’s books collection — curated by parents, for parents.