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St. Patrick’s Day has a lot of traditions. From shamrocks to green…everything, there are a lot of things people do to celebrate this Irish holiday. And whether you’re Irish or not, you can still start a special tradition with your family every March 17th. You can catch a leprechaun! We’ve got all the tricks and tips you’ll need to trap one this year. 

But first, what is a leprechaun? 

You can probably visualize what a leprechaun looks like. But what’s the story behind them? And why are they related to St. Patrick’s Day? Leprechauns are part of the Irish folklore, said to be a sort of fairy, who would mend the shoes of other fairies. They’re known to be mischievous and tricksters in order to protect their golden treasure.

The magical legend of the leprechaun still lives on today. In fact, he’s said to be the reason you wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. (Leprechauns will pinch you if you don’t!) Now that you know a little more about the leprechaun, put some green on and get ready to catch one this year. 

How to catch a leprechaun 

Part of the fun about the leprechaun story is trying to catch one yourself. Here are some easy leprechaun trap ideas that your children will enjoy, and look forward to checking on the next morning. 

Set out leprechaun bait 

Tempt the leprechaun with the things he loves most: gold. You can find golden coins or use HERSHEY’S KISSES Milk Chocolates with Almonds! Use glitter or golden paint to make little pots of gold. Or, are your kids wondering what do leprechauns eat? We heard they really go crazy for some Shamrock Pretzel Delights

ROLO Pretzel Delights

Build a leprechaun trap 

Because leprechauns are believed to be small, you can make a bunch of traps out of household items. Find an old shoe box, cut a hole in it and leave out your golden bait. Get crafty and make him a magical ladder out of TWIZZLERS Rainbow Twists to climb into the traps. Decorate with four-leaf clovers for extra luck in catching one! 

Leave your shoes outside

One popular story about the leprechaun is that he repairs shoes. Have everyone (yes, you too!) leave a pair of shoes out for the leprechaun to “fix.” 

How to spot a leprechaun visit

Maybe you weren’t able to trap a leprechaun, but here are some fun ways to show the kids he’s made an appearance.

Make leprechaun footprints

Take some green or black construction paper and cut shoe prints out to leave a trail. The prints could look like they’ve stepped around the trap you laid out or lead to the front door as if he’s escaped.

Move furniture or rearrange items in the house

The leprechaun is known to be sneaky and play tricks. Before anyone else is up (or you can do this the night before), make it look as though he’s been turning up couch cushions or moved planters and toys around looking for gold.

Leave notes, signed with an Irish kiss.

Write fun riddles or messages signed by the leprechaun himself. Hide them throughout the house and make a scavenger hunt or clue game out of it. For some extra sweet surprises, seal each note with a HERSHEY'S KISSES Milk Chocolate from the leprechaun.

 
KISSES Milk Chocolates Green 6

Repair or fill shoes 

Remember those shoes you left out? Show off how the leprechaun has paid a visit by filling the shoes with everyone’s your family’s favorite Hershey’s candy. Remove, retie or even replace shoelaces to make it look as though he’s tidied the shoes up. 

Wishing you all the luck a four-leaf clover can bring 

Whether you catch a leprechaun or not, you and your family are sure to have a fun adventure trying!