Key Takeaways
- This guide shares step-by-step ideas for easy Halloween paper ghosts and ghost crafts kids can finish in about 10–20 minutes.
- Most projects use materials you likely have at home: paper, markers, glue, string, ribbon, tissue paper, cotton balls, and scrap fabric.
- These halloween crafts work for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and early elementary ages with simple adaptations.
- Finished little ghosts become cute, not-too-spooky Halloween decoration pieces for windows, doorways, mantles, and classroom display areas.
- The FAQ covers safety, mess, storage, and how long your paper ghost craft decorations usually last.
Introduction: Friendly Paper Ghost Crafts for Kids
October is the perfect time to clear the kitchen table, put down a bit of scrap paper, and let kids create an easy ghost craft after school, on a rainy weekend, or before a halloween party. This paper ghost craft for halloween kids is quick, inexpensive, and more cute than scary, so it works well for toddlers and preschoolers. Ghost crafts can involve drawing, cutting, gluing, and layering materials, which also helps build fine motor skills in young children.
Common materials for making ghost decorations include tissue paper, plastic bags, tulle, and old white sheets, but this article focuses on paper-first ideas. Ghost crafts are simple DIY decorations that can be made in various sizes, from small to extra large, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Making ghost crafts is a fun activity for all ages, including toddlers and preschoolers, and can be done using materials like tissue paper, plastic bags, or old sheets. You can also mix paper ghosts with simple fabric ghosts if you want a fuller halloween decoration around the house or porch.
Simple Paper Ghost Craft for Preschoolers
This is the easiest ghost craft here and a classic halloween craft for ages 3–5 with grown-up help.
Supplies
- White printer paper or construction paper
- Black marker
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue stick
- String or tape
- Optional: black paper, colored card, white paint, and paper squares
To begin, draw a large rounded ghost shape with a wavy bottom. Keep the ghost body wide in the middle so a child can cut along the edge without getting frustrated. Have kids draw eyes and a mouth with a black marker, then glue on cheeks, hats, or tiny shapes from scrap paper.
Using colored card or cardstock and other craft paper supplies is recommended for ghost crafts as it holds paint better than regular paper. A popular ghost craft involves using a pom pom dipped in white paint to create ghost shapes on colored card, which can then be decorated with eyes and mouths cut from black card. Tape the finished halloween ghost to a window, wall, or doorway to instantly decorate the space.
If you want easy halloween paper ghosts with almost no setup, print a large outline, let kids fill it with markers, and stick it to orange, purple, or green paper.
Paper Plate Ghost Craft for Kindergarten
This simple ghost craft is a little more detailed, making it a good craft for kids in kindergarten and early elementary school.
Supplies
- Plain white paper plates
- White tissue paper or thin strips of paper
- Black construction paper
- Glue
- Scissors
- String or ribbon
Turn the plate into the ghost head. Kids can cut eyes and a spooky face from black construction paper, then glue them in place. Next, cut long strips of tissue paper or paper and glue them to the lower half of the plate so they flutter like a ghost body when friends walk by.
Punch two small holes at the top and tie on string so the finished halloween ghost can hang from a ceiling, mantle, or classroom line. A row of paper plate ghosts across the room is an adorable group project and a festive way to build halloween spirit without anything too spooky.
Cut-and-Fold Standing Paper Ghosts
Standing ghosts can sit on shelves, desks, windowsills, or a night table. They are also great if you want a small collection of characters for imaginative play.
Supplies
- Heavier cardstock or construction paper
- A simple ghost template or hand-drawn ghost shape
- Scissors
- Tape or glue
A free ghost template can help children create ghost crafts by providing a shape to work with, which can be printed on colored card or paper. Printable templates for ghost crafts often include various facial expressions, allowing children to customize their ghost designs with colors and details. Using templates for ghost crafts can simplify the crafting process for young children, making it easier for them to create recognizable shapes without needing advanced skills, and they’re a nice change of pace from other cute paper craft ideas for kids.
Draw or trace a ghost body with two small flaps at the bottom. Cut it out, fold the flaps backward, and tape them down so the ghost stands. For another diy version, using damp white paper draped over an object can lead to the creation of a flowing paper ghost shape as it dries.
Kids can make sleepy, surprised, laughing, or spooky faces. Write names or “Oct 31, 2026” on the back so the craft becomes a keepsake.
Paper Chain and Garland Ghost Crafts
Paper garlands quickly fill a room with a festive halloween feel. They also make an easy halloween crafts station for groups.
Supplies
- White printer paper
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Black marker
- Tape or stapler
An easy method for making ghost shapes involves folding a piece of paper accordion-style and cutting out the ghost shape, which can be used to create linked ghost decorations. Draw a half ghost along the folded edge, cut carefully, and unfold to reveal connected little ghosts, just like many other fun paper activities for all ages.
Let kids decorate each ghost with different expressions: happy, silly, surprised, sleepy, or scared. This is a fun way to talk about emotions while making art. Tape multiple short chains together to hang across mantles, stair rails, bulletin boards, or a classroom doorway.
Mixed-Media Ghost Crafts: Adding Fabric and Texture
If your child likes texture, turn a flat ghost into a mixed-media craft with fabric, cotton, and yarn.
Supplies
- White paper for the ghost shape
- Small fabric scraps, gauze, or white fabric
- Cotton balls
- Glue
- Markers
Glue gauze or thin fabric across the paper ghost body to make it look soft and floating. Pull cotton balls apart and glue them lightly onto the ghost for a fluffy, misty effect. Pinking shears can be used to cut fabric for ghost crafts to prevent fraying and create a unique zigzag edge.
For fabric ghosts, adults can tie white fabric over a styrofoam ball with ribbon, then set it beside the paper ghosts. You can also bring in older-looking book pages or vintage-style paper for a more timeless vintage paper craft look. Just keep small pieces away from very young toddlers and supervise gluing to avoid too much mess.
Classroom and Party Ideas with Paper Ghost Crafts
Teachers and parents can turn these ghost craft ideas into stations. Set up one table for paper plates, one for garlands, and one for standing ghosts. I admit, this looks organized even when the kids are busy and the table is full.
For a halloween party, create a “ghost craft table” where each child chooses an idea. Use a large sheet of dark paper as a “ghost town” background and let children glue their finished ghosts into the scene. Add a short Halloween story time, then count the ghosts together, or set up a second station for kids to design their own DIY paper squishies.
LED tea lights can be used to create glowing ghost lanterns with paper cut-outs for eyes and mouths. Decorating windows, doorways, or mantles with paper ghost crafts can add a festive Halloween atmosphere. Send the ghosts home as party favors, take a photo of the finished display, and ask kids for more comments about their favorite design.
Tips for an Easy, Low-Mess Ghost Craft Session
Many adults want easy halloween crafts that are quick to set up and clean up. Paper ghost crafts can be a fun and mess-free way for children to celebrate Halloween, especially if you prepare before kids sit down.
Here are the main points to consider:
- Prepare ghost outlines in advance for toddlers.
- Use washable markers, glue sticks, and child-safe scissors.
- Place materials in shallow trays so kids can find and return items.
- Keep liquid glue for older kids only.
- Let projects with cotton balls or heavy glue dry flat before you display them.
- Store finished ghosts away from water, direct sun, and heavy books.
The best part is that none of this has to be complicated. A few paper shapes, a black marker, and a little creativity are enough to create a cute display that will be a hit, and once kids are hooked you can explore even more ideas from Simply Paper Crafts.
FAQ
How old should kids be to make these paper ghost crafts?
Toddlers around age 2–3 can help with gluing pre-cut ghost shapes, adding cotton, or placing eyes. Preschoolers and kindergarteners can cut and decorate their own ghosts with supervision. Older kids, around ages 7–9, can design ghost craft ideas from scratch.
How long do paper ghost decorations usually last?
Basic printer paper ghosts can last through the full Halloween season if kept dry and away from heavy handling. Use cardstock or laminate favorite ghosts if you want to reuse them for multiple Octobers.
What if I don’t have white paper at home?
Use the back of mail, paper grocery bags painted white, or any light-colored paper. Colorful ghosts on purple, orange, or green backgrounds still read clearly as halloween ghost decorations.
Can these ghost crafts work for a big group or classroom?
Yes. Prepare supplies in bulk, set up clear stations, and choose one or two simple projects for large groups. Flat paper ghosts and paper plate ghosts are easiest when many kids are crafting at once.
How can I store the paper ghosts after Halloween?
Lay flat ghosts in a large envelope or folder. Place standing ghosts in a shallow box labeled with the year. Keep everything in a cool, dry spot so kids can rediscover their ghost crafts next October.
