Halloween décor doesn’t always have to be complicated, expensive, or Pinterest-perfect. Sometimes, the simplest projects are the ones that bring the biggest smiles. If you’ve ever struggled to find something cute, budget-friendly, and kid-friendly, I have a secret weapon for you — paper bag witch boots.
Yes, those humble paper lunch bags sitting in your pantry can become a spooky yet adorable craft that works for classroom parties, porch décor, or even Halloween table settings. As someone who has hosted more than one last-minute Halloween gathering, I can confidently say that paper bag witch boots have saved me from being “that mom” who shows up empty-handed.
Let’s go through 21 insanely creative ways to make and decorate Halloween paper bag witch boots, along with tips, personal stories, and clever little hacks to make them extra special.
1. Classic Black Paper Bag Witch Boots
The simplest version is often the most iconic. Take brown paper lunch bags, paint them with matte black acrylic paint, and draw boot details with a white paint pen. Add curled tips at the bottom for a dramatic, wicked look.
I’ve done this as a classroom craft and let kids fill them with popcorn — they doubled as both party favors and décor. According to a 2023 Statista survey, 78% of U.S. households participate in some form of Halloween decorating, so even a small project like this can get kids excited about joining in.
2. Glittered Witch Boots
If you want something extra sparkly, cover the bags with mod podge and sprinkle black or purple glitter on top. Trust me, nothing says Halloween glam like glitter witch boots twinkling on your porch steps.
Pro tip: line your workspace with newspaper because glitter has a way of multiplying like black cats in October. I once skipped this step and found sparkles in my coffee for weeks.
3. Polka Dot Witch Boots
For a whimsical look, paint the paper bags in fun colors (lime green, orange, or purple) and add contrasting polka dots using a sponge or the back of a pencil. This works beautifully for kids’ parties, because the cheerful dots keep it spooky-cute instead of scary.
4. Striped Stocking Boots
A witch isn’t complete without striped stockings! Paint the lower part of the paper bag in stripes — alternating black and orange or black and purple. You can even glue on actual ribbon stripes for a 3D effect.
Last year, I paired striped paper bag boots with a cardboard cauldron centerpiece filled with candy, and it became the most photographed spot at my Halloween dinner party.
5. Witch Boots Treat Bags
Instead of using them purely as decoration, fill the boots with Halloween candy, popcorn, or small toys. Fold and staple the top shut, then add a little tag that says, “Witching You a Happy Halloween!”
This doubles as party favors and makes cleanup after the party ridiculously easy — no extra candy bowls required.
6. Flying Witch Boot Garland
Punch two small holes near the top of each bag, string them onto a black ribbon, and hang them like a garland. Add curled paper tips at the bottom so it looks like a row of flying witch boots.
This is an excellent choice for decorating mantels or classroom bulletin boards, giving you maximum impact with very little effort.
7. Paper Bag Witch Boots with Buckles
Cut little squares from gold or silver cardstock to make boot buckles. Glue them near the “ankle” of the paper bag to mimic classic witch footwear.
It’s a small detail, but those little metallic buckles catch the light beautifully and make your décor look more polished.
8. Glow-in-the-Dark Witch Boots
Use glow-in-the-dark paint on black paper bags for a spooky nighttime effect. These are perfect for outdoor porch displays.
I once made a row of these leading up to the door for trick-or-treaters — not only did it look amazing, but parents loved that it made the walkway safer for kids in costumes.
9. Lace-Up Paper Bag Witch Boots
Draw or glue on “shoelaces” to give the boots a vintage Victorian vibe. You can use thin black ribbon or even orange yarn for a pop of color.
This is also a fun way to teach kids about symmetry and patterns if you’re doing this as a classroom craft.
10. Witch Boots Centerpieces
Take a couple of decorated paper bags, fill them with rice or dried beans for weight, and stick artificial flowers, feathers, or even black glitter branches inside.
When I hosted a Halloween tea party, these witch boot centerpieces became conversation starters. Guests were snapping pictures like paparazzi.
11. Puffy 3D Witch Boots
Stuff the paper bags with tissue paper or crumpled newspaper to give them a puffed-up, 3D look before painting them. This makes them look more realistic, like actual boots sitting on the porch.
Kids love this version because they can stomp around with them like real witch shoes before you set them up as décor.
12. Paper Bag Witch Boots with Spider Charms
Hot-glue tiny plastic spiders or paper cutouts onto the boots. This adds texture and a spooky-crawly vibe.
Last Halloween, I did this and hid one glitter spider in each boot. The kids had to find them before opening the candy inside. It turned into a mini scavenger hunt.
13. Upside-Down Witch Boots
For a funny twist, position the paper bags upside-down so it looks like the witch is buried under something — maybe your candy bowl or a faux cauldron.
This is a fantastic conversation piece for parties and gives off a Wizard of Oz vibe.
14. Metallic Foil Witch Boots
Cover the bags in metallic wrapping paper (black, silver, or purple) and draw boot details with a sharpie. This gives them a glamorous, modern look.
This is great if you’re hosting a grown-up Halloween party and want décor that feels more chic than cutesy.
15. Patchwork Witch Boots
Cut little squares of patterned scrapbook paper or fabric and glue them onto the paper bag in a patchwork pattern. It makes the boots look like they belong to a very thrifty witch.
This is a great way to use up leftover craft scraps. I once used fabric from an old tablecloth, and it looked straight out of a Tim Burton movie.
16. Witch Boots with Mini Brooms
Attach mini brooms (you can make these from twigs and raffia) to the side of the boots. It’s a charming touch that really tells a story.
This idea works beautifully if you’re putting the boots near your front door décor, creating a scene like the witch just stopped by.
17. Witch Boots with Bells
Glue tiny jingle bells to the tips of the boots so they make a sound whenever you move them.
I used these for a daycare Halloween party once, and the kids giggled every time the boots jingled. Bonus: you can hear them if they get knocked over by the wind outside.
18. Painted Pattern Boots
Get creative with Halloween-inspired patterns — think bats, moons, stars, or cats. Hand-paint them or use stencils for clean lines.
This is a great way to make each boot unique if you’re doing multiple for a larger display.
19. Oversized Giant Witch Boots
Instead of lunch-size paper bags, use large grocery bags to create giant statement boots for your porch or yard.
When I did this last year, neighbors stopped by just to ask how I made them. They became the star of my front yard display — and cost me less than $5.
20. Glitter Tipped Witch Boots
Leave most of the boot matte black but cover just the tips with chunky glitter. It’s a subtle, stylish way to add sparkle without going full disco-ball mode.
Pair these with a blacklight, and you have a subtle but stunning entryway accent.
21. Personalized Witch Boots
Finally, customize each boot with names — family members, kids, even pets. This turns them into personalized Halloween stockings, which can be filled with goodies.
This was a hit at my house last year — my dog even had her own “witch boot” filled with pumpkin treats.
Conclusion
Halloween paper bag witch boots are proof that creativity doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Whether you’re planning a classroom craft, a porch display, or a party centerpiece, these 21 ideas give you endless ways to play with color, texture, and personality.
The best part? They’re kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and you can whip them up in under an hour with supplies you probably already have. Try one idea or mix several — and don’t be surprised if your neighbors ask for your “secret recipe” for Halloween magic.