A Halloween Alternative: Paper Bag Scarecrow Craft for Preschoolers

Kids love Halloween, and crafting is a great way to spend quality time together that the kiddos will treasure. But not every family celebrates Halloween, so we're sharing a fun, fall-inspired alternative that everyone can enjoy!

Meet your new little harvest friend: a paper bag scarecrow! This simple craft uses things you probably already have on hand: a paper lunch bag, construction paper, glue, and whatever googly eyes or scraps are left in the craft bin. It's a genuinely toddler-friendly activity — nothing here requires fine motor skills a 2- or 3-year-old doesn't have yet.

Best of all, there's no right or wrong way to make a scarecrow. Let little hands choose the colors, arrange the pieces, and create a friendly farm character that's all their own. 

What You Need

• Paper lunch bags

• Construction paper scraps or foam sheets in fall colors 

• Googly eyes

• Glue sticks

• Tape
• Crayons or markers

• Safety scissors (adult-cut shapes for younger kids)

• Crumpled newspaper

• Optional: extra paper scraps for a hat, hair, or colorful patches

How to Make Your Little Harvest Scarecrow

1. Stuff the bag. Fill the bottom third of the paper lunch bag with crumpled newspaper so it can stand upright on its own.

2. Fold the top. Fold the top of the bag down to create the scarecrow's head and glue or tape it closed.

3. Add a friendly face. Glue on googly eyes and draw a big smile with a crayon or marker.

4. Make it a scarecrow. Cut a simple hat from construction paper, add paper-strip hair, or glue on little patches to give your scarecrow some personality.

5. Decorate away! Let your toddler choose the colors, add paper scraps, and scribble or draw on the bag. We've also included a free printable to help decorate your scarecrow! Download your free paper bag scarecrow printable

Make It a Harvest Conversation

While you're crafting, talk with your little one about the fall harvest. What grows on a farm? Have they ever seen a scarecrow? What fruits and vegetables do they like to eat?

You can even give your scarecrow a name and imagine what it might see out in the fields. These little conversations turn a simple craft into a chance to learn, laugh, and make memories together.

A Little Creativity Goes a Long Way

Line up your finished scarecrows on a windowsill, display them on a shelf, or let your child show their creation to the whole family. Each one will be different, and that's the beauty of crafting with preschoolers.

At Kenson Kids, we believe the best crafts aren't about making something perfect. They're about giving children room to explore, create, and enjoy special moments with the grown-ups they love.

As the holiday season starts revving up, now is the perfect time to help your little one build confidence and great habits with our "I Can Do It!" Reward Chart. It turns everyday routines like picking up toys, getting dressed, and saying please and thank you into small wins your child can see and celebrate, making the busy weeks ahead a little calmer for the whole family.

Happy harvesting and happy crafting!

Adult supervision recommended when using scissors or small craft pieces like googly eyes (choking hazard for children under 3).