TL;DR: St. Patrick’s Day is a fun holiday for the whole family, and there are plenty of ways you can incorporate your toddler into the joy of the day. Some ideas include teaching them the history of the holiday, turning their food green for the day, and doing some easy and fun crafts at home.

Let's Celebrate St. Patrick's Day - Toddler Style!

If you have a toddler at home, St. Patrick’s Day can be a very fun holiday to celebrate! Wearing green, giving (gentle!) pinches to those who are not, and celebrating Irish culture is fun at any age. We are here with plenty of history, ways to celebrate, and easy-to-set-up ideas that you can do with your toddler on St. Patrick’s Day. Keep reading for our complete guide to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a toddler, including really easy and last-minute ideas that they will love.

What is the History Behind St. Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is a joyous and beloved holiday. But, do you really know the history? One way you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with your child is by teaching them some of the history behind the holiday, and you might even learn something new yourself along the way.

Here is a bit of history you can read, according to National Geographic Kids:

“St. Patrick might be the patron saint of Ireland—but he didn’t always live in Ireland. Patrick was born in Britain in the fourth century and didn’t arrive in Ireland until he was 16 years old, when he was sent to work in the country.

After he arrived, Patrick became interested in Christianity and started teaching others about the religion. He is said to have converted many of the country’s residents to Christians, and now St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on the day Patrick supposedly died.

The fact that Ireland is an island—as well as green with leafy trees and grassy hills—means that the nation is sometimes called the Emerald Isle. But the color that people originally associated with St. Patrick was blue! (Some ancient Irish flags even sport this color.) Green was finally introduced to St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the 18th century, when the shamrock (which is, of course, green) became a national symbol. Because of the shamrock’s popularity and Ireland’s landscape, the color stuck to the holiday.

Leprechauns are actually one reason you’re supposed to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day—or risk getting pinched! The tradition is tied to folklore that says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, which like to pinch anyone they can see. Some people also think sporting the color will bring good luck, and others wear it to honor their Irish ancestry.”

Source: National Geographic Kids

What are Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Toddler?

Want to celebrate with your kiddo but have no idea what to do? Here are some ideas you can try and traditions you can begin at home:

• Wearing green. This is the easiest way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Dress your family in green and delightfully point out how everyone else is, too!
• Eating green. A little drop of food coloring can add so much magic for a child. Get creative and add green to their morning eggs, their yogurt, or pancakes!
• Head to an event or parade. Is your town having a St. Patrick’s Day celebration? Look into your local library or community center to see if there is something you can attend this year.
• Do a little decorating. Grab some decorations or craft your own! Decorating your house with four-leaf clovers, rainbows, and leprechauns is sure to put a smile on your kiddo’s face.

Easy to Set Up St. Patrick’s Day Ideas

Scrambling for some ideas? Here are some great, easy-to-set-up St. Patrick’s Day ideas you can do at home:

• Scavenger hunt. Send your kiddo on a fun scavenger hunt with an easy printable. We found a great one right here for you! https://toddlerapproved.com/printable-st-patricks-day-scavenger-hunt/
• Shamrock crafts. Grab some blank paper, cut it into a shamrock shape, and let your child go crazy! Bonus points for adding gold coins, rainbows, and leprechaun faces!
• Green sensory bin. Set up a green-themed sensory bin for your kiddo! Add a drop of food coloring to a bin with water and add water-proof toys, such as our silicone sensory fidget toys, scoops, ice, and much more! 
• Cook Irish food. A great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is by cooking some traditionally Irish food. Corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, or even just some themed cookies are always great go-tos that your kids will love.

FAQ

Q: What can I get my toddler for St. Patrick’s Day?

A: While St. Patrick’s Day isn’t typically a gift-giving holiday, you can give your child chocolate gold coins, a new green sensory toy, or plant a shamrock plant together.

Q: What can I do with an older child for St. Patrick’s Day?

A: If your child has outgrown crafts, they will still love green food, a themed lunchbox, and wearing as much green as possible!

Q: What are some craft ideas for St. Patrick’s Day?

A: Rainbows, leprechaun masks, and simple clover-shaped paintings are easy and fun ways to craft on St. Patrick’s Day.

Written by Written by: Jaclyn Uloth, marketing copywriter and Mama of three boys, five and under.