Every year on March 17th, our house gets a tiny visitor.
He’s small.
He’s sneaky.
He loves glitter.
And he absolutely cannot resist causing a little bit of chaos.
Yes… the leprechaun comes to visit.
I have to come clean. This was not on my bingo card when I had kids. I didn't even know this was a thing. Then one day my kid comes home from school saying the leprechaun hit the class room, things were tossed and treats were left. Then the neighbor friends are talking about the mishap at their house. My kids wanted to make a trap like everyone else...so why would I stop them? Then...it turned into this whole thing every year. Just like the Elf on the Shelf though, I definitely keep it easy. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, expensive, or Pinterest-perfect. Just a little silly surprise when the kids wake up is enough to make it magical.
Today I’m sharing some of our favorite naughty and nice leprechaun ideas you can pull together with things you already have at home.
(be sure to go to the bottom of this post for a note you can save and print out from the leprechaun!)
Nice Things the Leprechaun Can Do
Let’s start with the sweet stuff — because sometimes he behaves.
Leave a Rainbow Breakfast
Add a few drops of food coloring to pancake batter or milk.
Leave a note:
"I added a little rainbow magic to your breakfast!"
Bonus: Arrange fruit in rainbow order on a plate. Easy and adorable.
Leave Chocolate Gold Coins
Scatter a few chocolate coins on the kitchen table or in lunchboxes.
It feels special, but it’s simple.
You can even put them in a small jar with a tag that says:
"You were too clever to catch me this year!"
Turn the Toilet Water Green
Okay this is technically mischievous… but harmless and hilarious.
Add a few drops of green food coloring to the toilet tank (NOT the bowl). When it flushes — surprise!
This one never gets old.
Leave a Tiny Craft or Activity
Set out a simple St. Patrick’s Day coloring page, a small craft kit, or even green beads to make a “lucky” bracelet.
He can leave a note:
"I heard you’ve been creative lately… keep it up!"
You know I love any excuse for a little DIY.
Naughty (But Harmless!) Leprechaun Tricks
Now let’s talk about the chaos. Because what’s a leprechaun without a little mischief?
Nothing destructive. Nothing stressful. Just playful.
Hide All the Shoes
Pile everyone’s shoes in one random spot.
The bathtub.
The couch.
In front of the fridge.
Leave a note:
"Looking for these?"
Switch the Cereal
Pour cereal into different boxes.
Cheerios in the Frosted Flakes box.
Granola in the Lucky Charms box.
It takes 5 minutes and causes maximum confusion.
Toilet Paper Trail
Unroll a little toilet paper trail from the bathroom to the kitchen like he got into trouble.
Add green footprints (you can make these with washable paint and your finger).
Turn Clothes Inside Out
Flip jackets or pajamas inside out in drawers.
It’s small enough not to cause frustration but funny enough to notice.
Flip Pictures Upside Down
Easily flip paintings and pictures upside down. Super easy and even more fun to see if they notice.
Tape the Remote
Put a small piece of clear tape over the TV remote sensor.
When it “doesn’t work,” leave a note nearby that says:
"Oops! I might have pressed too many buttons!"
Go Big: Leprechaun Trap Fail
If your kids make a leprechaun trap, you can:
- Leave gold glitter behind
- Bend a paperclip “escape tool”
- Leave tiny footprints
- Knock over a chair like he barely got away
Write a note like:
"You almost caught me! Maybe next year!"
It makes their effort feel noticed and magical.
Keep It Simple (Don’t Overdo It)
I’ve learned this the hard way — you do NOT need 47 different tricks.
Pick 2–3 small things. That’s it.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s surprise. It’s laughter. It’s that little sparkle in their eyes when they wake up and say:
"HE WAS HERE!"
And honestly? That’s the part I love most.
Quick & Easy Combo Idea (If You’re Short on Time)
If you only have 10 minutes the night before:
- Add green food coloring to the toilet tank
- Scatter chocolate coins
- Leave a handwritten note
- Turn pictures upside down
Done. Magical. Zero stress.
Creating these little traditions is what makes a house feel like home. Not the expensive decor. Not the over-the-top setups. Just tiny, thoughtful surprises.
Are you team “nice leprechaun” or team “chaos leprechaun”?
I think ours is a little bit of both.
Right click to save this note, and then print from your phone or computer! Make sure to cut below the line :)
Pin for later or next year!
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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