45 Genius Trunk or Treat Ideas That Will Wow Every Kid on the Block
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I still remember the first time I pulled into a Trunk or Treat event, thinking my car’s cobweb decoration would be enough.
Spoiler: it wasn’t.
From haunted castles to interactive candy shoots, every car seemed to be a mini masterpiece. That’s when I realized – if you want to wow the kids, you’ve got to step up your game.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are 45 genius ideas that will take your trunk from basic to unforgettable!

28 trunk or treat ideas

1. Toy Story trunk or treat ideas
Transforming your trunk into a Toy Story-themed wonderland is a fun and creative way to stand out at a Trunk or Treat event. Whether you’re a huge fan of Woody, Buzz, or the adorable aliens, there are plenty of ways to bring Toy Story to life.
Start by decorating the backdrop of your trunk to look like Andy’s room. You can use a blue sheet with white cloud cutouts for the iconic wallpaper. Add oversized toys, blocks, or a sheriff badge to make the space feel like a toy chest exploded.
Here are some ideas:
- Woody’s Roundup: Add hay bales, a cardboard barn, and horseshoes to give off a Western vibe. Have someone dress as Woody or Jessie.
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Station: Wrap your car in silver foil to give it a spacey, futuristic feel. Add stars, planets, and alien cutouts. A mini rocket or spaceship can be a fun touch too.
- Pizza Planet: Create a galactic scene with the famous Pizza Planet logo. Include aliens, a claw machine made from cardboard, and neon signs.
- Sid’s Creepy Toy Lab: For a spookier version, recreate Sid’s room with creepy, mashed-up toys like a baby doll head on a spider body. Scatter broken toy parts for a haunted Toy Story twist.
Finally, have small themed candy bags ready, such as Alien or Woody-themed goody bags.

2. Circus trunk or treat ideas
A circus theme for Trunk or Treat is such a fun idea because it’s full of bright colors and playful elements! You can make your trunk look like a mini carnival or circus tent, complete with all the excitement of the big top.
Start with the classic red and white striped tent look. Use fabric or tablecloths to drape over your trunk to mimic the tent’s roof. Add a banner that says “Welcome to the Circus!” to grab attention.
Here are some fun ways to decorate:
- Ringmaster Setup: Have someone dress up as the ringmaster with a top hat and a coat. Use props like a microphone or a megaphone to make it look like they’re running the show.
- Animal Acts: Add stuffed animals like lions, elephants, and monkeys to create a circus animal theme. You could even create fake cages out of cardboard to display them. For an extra touch, have someone dress as a clown to entertain visitors.
- Popcorn and Cotton Candy Stalls: Decorate your space with fake popcorn boxes and cotton candy cutouts. You can use balloons to represent cotton candy. This could also be a great spot to hand out treats to the kids.
- Acrobat and Clown Characters: Incorporate fun circus performers like acrobats and clowns. You can hang decorations of trapeze artists or jugglers above your trunk, or even have a friend dress as a goofy clown.
- Circus Games: Set up small carnival-style games in front of your trunk. Simple games like a ring toss or bean bag throw can make it interactive and fun.
Keep everything colorful and over the top for that real circus vibe. And don’t forget to blast some circus music to set the mood!

3. Wizard of oz trunk or treat ideas
A Wizard of Oz theme is perfect for Trunk or Treat because it allows you to recreate the magic of the yellow brick road and Emerald City. Plus, you can easily bring Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Wicked Witch to life with fun decorations.
Start by decorating the back of your trunk with a yellow brick road leading to the Emerald City. Use yellow paper or fabric for the road and green shimmering material or paper for the Emerald City in the distance. You can hang a rainbow in the background for that magical touch.
Here are some ideas:
- Characters Galore: Dress up as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, or the Cowardly Lion. You could even have someone be the Wicked Witch hiding behind your trunk!
- Munchkin Land: Set up a small section of your trunk as Munchkin Land with colorful flowers, oversized lollipops, and miniature houses. You could even place a pair of striped witch socks and ruby slippers sticking out from under something to represent the Wicked Witch of the East.
- Emerald City Entrance: Create a sparkly green backdrop to represent the gates of the Emerald City. Use twinkle lights or metallic streamers to make it shine. A “Wizard” cutout or sign could be placed near the top.
- Wicked Witch Scene: Go for a spookier vibe by decorating the trunk with dark clouds, broomsticks, and a cauldron. Add a sign that says, “I’ll get you, my pretty!” with some flying monkeys nearby.
- Tornado Scene: Recreate the tornado scene using a gray, swirly backdrop. You could hang small cutouts of the house, a cow, and the Wicked Witch on broom flying through the “twister.”
Complete the look with themed treat bags shaped like Toto’s basket or mini witches’ hats.

4. Unicorn trunk or treat ideas
A unicorn theme for Trunk or Treat is magical, colorful, and sure to grab attention! You can turn your trunk into a whimsical, fantasy wonderland full of rainbows, sparkles, and, of course, unicorns.
Start by creating a backdrop of rainbows and clouds. Use rainbow-colored fabric or paper to drape inside your trunk and add fluffy cotton clouds. You can even throw in some pastel balloons for an extra pop of color.
Here are some fun ideas to bring it to life:
- Unicorn Cutouts: Place large unicorn cutouts in your trunk and around your car. You can create or buy unicorn head and body shapes to decorate. Add glittery horns and colorful manes for a magical effect.
- Rainbow Arch: Make a rainbow arch using balloons or streamers that flow out from the trunk. It can curve over the top of the car for a fun and eye-catching display.
- Glitter and Sparkles: Use glittery or shiny fabric, sequins, or metallic streamers to create a shimmering, magical atmosphere. This is the perfect excuse to go over-the-top with sparkles!
- Unicorn Candy Station: Create a small candy station with jars of colorful treats like rainbow lollipops, cotton candy, or “unicorn horns” (colorful candy sticks). You could even have a small basket that looks like a unicorn’s feedbag filled with candy.
- “Unicorn Land” Sign: Add a cute sign at the top of your trunk that says, “Welcome to Unicorn Land!” to invite kids into the magical scene. You can add twinkling lights for an extra enchanted feel.
Complete the look with some soft pastel-colored decorations, twinkle lights, and lots of glittery accents!

5. alice in wonderland trunk or treat ideas
An Alice in Wonderland theme is perfect for creating a whimsical and slightly mad world in your trunk! The quirky characters and vibrant colors give you tons of creative options.
Start by transforming your trunk into a magical scene from Wonderland. Use a tea party theme as your backdrop with mismatched teacups, saucers, and a tablecloth draped over the edge of your trunk.
Here are a few ideas to bring Wonderland to life:
- Mad Hatter’s Tea Party: Set up a small tea table inside your trunk with teapots, teacups, and a “Drink Me” bottle. Scatter playing cards around, and hang clocks or pocket watches from the top. Have someone dress as the Mad Hatter or Alice to complete the look!
- Queen of Hearts Garden: Create a backdrop of red and white roses. You can make cardboard rose bushes with half of the roses painted red to represent the Queen’s garden. Add cutouts of the Queen of Hearts and some playing card soldiers.
- Cheshire Cat Vibe: Add a mysterious touch by placing a Cheshire Cat grin floating in the background. You can create a tree with the cat’s smile hanging from it, or even add purple and pink striped fabric to mimic his fur.
- Down the Rabbit Hole: Make it look like you’re entering the rabbit hole by decorating your trunk with swirling black and white patterns. Add a large “rabbit hole” cutout at the entrance, as if kids are stepping into Wonderland itself.
- Oversized Props: Use giant mushrooms, a large pocket watch, and oversized teacups or chairs to give that whimsical Wonderland vibe. You can also add a giant “Eat Me” cookie for fun.
Add a “Welcome to Wonderland” sign and maybe even throw in some glittering lights to give it that magical glow.

6. disney trunk or treat ideas
A Disney-themed trunk for Trunk or Treat is bound to be a hit with kids and adults alike! With so many beloved characters and magical settings to choose from, you can create an enchanting scene that brings the magic of Disney to life.
Start by picking your favorite Disney movie or go with an all-around Disney theme. Here are some fun ideas:
- Mickey and Friends: Go classic Disney with Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald Duck. Decorate your trunk with red, yellow, and black balloons, and cutouts of Mickey ears. You can even hang a banner that says “Mickey’s Clubhouse” or “Oh Boy!”
- Frozen: Turn your trunk into a winter wonderland with a Frozen theme. Use white and blue tulle to create an icy background. Add snowflake decorations, Elsa, Anna, and Olaf cutouts, and have someone dress as Elsa to hand out treats.
- Under the Sea (The Little Mermaid): Create an underwater adventure with blue fabric or streamers, fish, and seaweed decorations. Add Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder cutouts around the trunk. You can even have seashells and a “treasure chest” filled with candy.
- Toy Story: Bring the Toy Story gang to life by decorating your trunk like Andy’s room. Use blue fabric with white clouds, toy blocks, and have Woody, Buzz, and the aliens scattered around the setup. Add a sign that says “Welcome to Andy’s Toys.”
- Cinderella’s Castle: Create a fairytale setup with Cinderella’s carriage and castle. Use gold and white decorations to give it that royal vibe. Add a pumpkin (for the carriage) and glittery lights, and you can even include a glass slipper for extra magic.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Turn your trunk into a pirate ship with wooden planks, pirate flags, and treasure chests. Include Captain Jack Sparrow, swords, and gold coins to set the scene.
- Moana: Make your trunk a tropical island by using palm trees, coconuts, and ocean waves. Add Moana and Maui cutouts along with colorful flowers to give it that Polynesian feel. A “Heart of Te Fiti” decoration could be a fun addition too.
Don’t forget to play Disney music to set the mood!

7. little mermaid trunk or treat ideas
A Little Mermaid-themed trunk is perfect for creating an under-the-sea adventure at your Trunk or Treat event! You can make your trunk look like Ariel’s underwater world with lots of blue, shimmering decorations, and fun sea creatures.
Start by transforming your trunk into a colorful, oceanic backdrop with blue fabric or streamers draped to look like water. Add some fish, seashells, and seaweed to create an underwater vibe.
Here are some fun ways to bring The Little Mermaid to life:
- Ariel’s Grotto: Decorate the trunk with “treasures” Ariel has collected from the human world, like forks (aka “dinglehoppers”), jewelry, and trinkets. Add some glowing lights or pearls to give it that grotto look. Place a cutout or plush of Ariel in the center, surrounded by her treasures.
- Ursula’s Lair: Create a spooky section of your trunk that looks like Ursula’s cave. Use purple and black streamers, tentacle cutouts, and glowing seashells. You could even include her “poor unfortunate souls” as small figures trapped in bubbles.
- Flounder and Sebastian: Add Flounder and Sebastian cutouts or plush toys to your scene. You can hang them from fishing line to make it look like they’re swimming in the water. Incorporate colorful fish and sea creatures swimming around them.
- Coral Reef and Seaweed: Use green and blue streamers to mimic seaweed, and hang paper coral and bubbles around your trunk. Balloons can be used to represent bubbles rising from the ocean floor.
- King Triton’s Kingdom: Make your trunk look royal with shimmering gold and silver decorations. Create a throne for King Triton using a beach chair or a cardboard cutout, and scatter pearls and shells around to give it an undersea castle vibe.
- “Part of Your World” Sign: Hang a large sign at the top of your trunk that says “Part of Your World” in shimmering letters. This will add a magical touch to invite everyone into the scene.
Complete the look with an “under the sea” music playlist to bring Ariel’s world to life!

8. minions trunk or treat ideas
A Minions-themed trunk is a fun, silly, and colorful choice for Trunk or Treat! With their bright yellow color and playful personalities, you can easily create a cheerful, eye-catching scene.
Start by turning your trunk into Minion Central with lots of yellow and blue decorations. Cover the inside of your trunk with yellow fabric or paper, and add some blue accents to match the Minions’ overalls.
Here are some ideas to bring the Minions theme to life:
- Giant Minion Face: Turn the trunk of your car into a giant Minion face! Use yellow paper to cover the back, and add a large Minion goggle (using silver or gray paper) with a big, goofy grin. You can also cut out the overalls to complete the look.
- Minions Everywhere: Place plush Minions or cutouts all over the trunk. You can hang them from balloons or fishing wire to make it look like they’re flying or floating. Add bananas, since Minions love bananas, either as props or cutouts.
- Gru’s Laboratory: Turn your trunk into Gru’s lab with lots of gadgets, beakers, and “evil” plans scattered around. Add a Gru cutout or have someone dress as him to stand near the trunk, with the Minions helping him in their chaotic way.
- Banana Stand: Set up a small banana “treat station” where you give out banana-shaped candy or treats. Decorate it with banana signs and goofy Minions snacking on bananas.
- Minions in Action: Create scenes where the Minions are up to their usual antics—like building something or causing chaos. You could use toy construction props, or stack cardboard boxes with Minions tumbling over them.
- “Bello!” Sign: Add a sign at the top of your trunk that says “Bello!” (Minions’ way of saying hello). Use bright, playful letters to capture their fun vibe.
Throw in some yellow and blue balloons, streamers, and Minion goggles, and you’re all set for a Minion-filled adventure!

9. noah’s ark trunk or treat ideas
A Noah’s Ark-themed trunk is a great idea for Trunk or Treat, especially if you want something fun, colorful, and faith-based! You can transform your trunk into a floating ark with pairs of animals, rainbows, and lots of cute details.
Start by creating the ark itself by adding brown paper or fabric to the back of your trunk to mimic wood. You can even build a simple cardboard ark shape around your car for extra flair.
Here are some fun ways to decorate:
- Animal Pairs: Add stuffed animals in pairs (two by two!) coming out of the ark. Place plush lions, elephants, giraffes, and birds around the trunk or hang some from the top as if they’re entering the ark. You could even use cardboard cutouts if you don’t have plush toys.
- Rainbow Backdrop: Hang a big rainbow behind the ark to symbolize God’s promise. Use rainbow-colored fabric, streamers, or balloons to create this effect. It adds a bright, colorful touch to the whole scene.
- Noah and the Animals: Have someone dress as Noah, complete with a robe and a staff, standing by the trunk to welcome the kids. You can also add cutouts or props of doves, carrying an olive branch for that classic detail.
- Storm Clouds and Rain: For a dramatic effect, add gray clouds and raindrops hanging from the top of your trunk. You can use cotton batting for the clouds and cut out paper raindrops. This helps to tell the story before the rainbow appears.
- Animal Boarding Ramp: Create a ramp leading into the “ark” with pairs of animals “walking” up it. You can easily make this out of cardboard, and scatter some hay around the bottom to make it feel realistic.
- “Welcome Aboard” Sign: Add a sign at the entrance of the trunk that says “Welcome Aboard Noah’s Ark!” or “All Aboard!” to invite kids into the scene.
Finish the setup with some animal-themed treat bags and maybe even play some soft rain and animal sounds for extra atmosphere!

10. scary trunk or treat ideas
If you’re looking to spook up your Trunk or Treat with a scary theme, there are so many creepy ways to make your trunk eerie and haunting. You can go full-on haunted house or pick a specific spooky theme to scare (and thrill) everyone!
Start by using a dark, eerie color scheme—think blacks, grays, and reds—along with flickering lights and cobwebs for that unsettling vibe.
Here are some creepy ideas to consider:
- Graveyard Scene: Turn your trunk into a creepy cemetery. Add tombstones, skeletons, and fog (using a fog machine) creeping out of the trunk. Place some skeleton hands reaching out of the ground or the trunk itself. For extra scare, have a zombie or skeleton popping out of the trunk!
- Spider’s Lair: Cover your trunk in spider webs and hang large, creepy spiders everywhere. You can have them crawling out of the trunk, up the sides of your car, or even dangling down above the kids. Add glowing red eyes to the spiders for an extra freaky touch.
- Haunted House: Transform your trunk into a mini haunted house. Add old, broken furniture (or cardboard cutouts), cobwebs, and flickering lanterns. Hang ghost decorations from the top and have a creepy figure like a witch or ghoul guarding the “doorway.”
- Clown Nightmare: For those who fear clowns, this will do the trick! Set up your trunk like a creepy circus with blood-splattered clown props, a jack-in-the-box with a sinister clown popping out, and clown faces peering from the shadows. Bonus points for scary carnival music playing in the background!
- Witch’s Den: Turn your trunk into a witch’s lair with cauldrons, broomsticks, potion bottles, and spooky green lighting. Place a bubbling cauldron filled with dry ice (or a fog machine) in the center and have witches’ hats and black cats scattered around.
- Vampire Crypt: Go full Dracula with a vampire-themed trunk. Add velvet drapes, gothic candelabras, and coffins (either a large cardboard one or mini ones for decoration). Hang bats from the roof of your trunk and splash some fake blood for an eerie touch.
- Mad Scientist Lab: Decorate your trunk as a terrifying laboratory, with beakers, test tubes, and strange glowing liquids. Have a Frankenstein monster in the making or body parts in jars. Add eerie green lighting and spooky sounds like crackling electricity to complete the scene.
Don’t forget to play creepy sound effects, use fog machines, and add flickering LED lights to give your scary trunk that haunted, chilling vibe!

11. church Trunk or teat ideas
A church-themed Trunk or Treat is a great way to celebrate Halloween while sharing faith-based messages in a fun, creative, and family-friendly way. You can focus on Bible stories, uplifting themes, and positive messages to create a welcoming, joyful atmosphere.
Here are some ideas to make your church-themed trunk shine:
- Noah’s Ark: Decorate your trunk as Noah’s Ark, with pairs of stuffed animals walking into the “ark.” Add a rainbow as a symbol of God’s promise and have a “Welcome Aboard” sign. Use plush animals or cutouts, and add a large boat-shaped display.
- Fruits of the Spirit: Highlight the fruits of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23. Decorate your trunk with large cutouts of fruit, each labeled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Use vibrant colors and baskets of real or fake fruit to bring it to life.
- Jonah and the Whale: Create a whale’s mouth at the entrance of your trunk! Use blue and gray fabric or paper to form the whale, and have Jonah (or someone dressed up) standing nearby. You can tell the story through decorations or add ocean-themed props like fish and seaweed.
- Daniel and the Lion’s Den: Set up a scene from the story of Daniel in the lions’ den. Use cardboard cutouts or plush lions around Daniel (a volunteer or figure). Add a cave backdrop and a “God is my strength” banner to emphasize the message of faith.
- Creation Theme: Represent each day of creation from the book of Genesis. Use different props for each day—like stars, the sun, animals, trees, and water. You can hang signs to represent each day, or display a glowing Earth at the center.
- Armor of God: Decorate your trunk based on Ephesians 6:10-18 and the Armor of God. Create shields, swords, helmets, and breastplates with labels like “Helmet of Salvation” and “Shield of Faith.” You can create a medieval or knightly backdrop to emphasize the protective power of faith.
- David and Goliath: Recreate the famous battle between David and Goliath. Use a giant figure for Goliath and have David with his sling nearby. Add stones labeled with words like “faith,” “courage,” and “trust” to show how he overcame fear through faith.
- Jesus Feeds the 5,000: Create a scene with baskets of bread and fish to represent the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000. You could use real bread or cardboard cutouts, with a backdrop of people gathered around. It’s a great way to talk about God’s provision.
- The Nativity: Although it’s not Christmas, a Nativity scene can still be a beautiful reminder of the birth of Jesus. Use figures or volunteers dressed as Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, and the Wise Men. Add a stable and star to bring it all together.
- Cross and Resurrection: Focus on the message of hope and salvation. You can create a scene with an empty tomb, a cross, and a sunrise in the background. Add a banner that says “He is Risen!” to emphasize the good news.
You can also hand out treats that include a Bible verse or a positive message to spread joy. Keep everything bright, colorful, and welcoming to make the event fun for everyone!

12. Easy Trunk Or Treat Ideas For Van
Decorating a van for Trunk or Treat gives you extra space to get creative! If you’re looking for easy ideas that don’t require too much time or effort, there are plenty of fun, simple setups that still make a big impact.
Here are some easy, but impressive, ideas to get you started:
Monster Mouth
Turn the back of your van into a giant monster! Use colorful cardboard or fabric to create big teeth coming from the top and bottom of the trunk. Add large googly eyes or create an eye above the trunk. The van’s open doors become the monster’s mouth where the kids grab treats.
Candyland
Decorate your van like a giant candy factory or Candyland game. Use bright-colored balloons, paper candy cutouts, and streamers to create a sugary wonderland.
Hang oversized lollipops, gumdrops, and peppermint swirls inside the van. It’s fun, colorful, and super easy to pull together.
Pirate Ship
Turn your van into a pirate ship with minimal effort! Cover the back of the van with brown or black fabric to mimic the ship, add a pirate flag to the top, and scatter fake gold coins and treasure chests around. You can also have a Jolly Roger flag hanging from the roof.
Camping Theme
Set up your van as a cozy camping scene. Use a fake campfire (made with logs, tissue paper, and fairy lights), fold-out chairs, and s’more props. Place a tent near the van or have a “campground” sign nearby. Add stuffed animals like bears or squirrels for a fun woodland vibe.
Pumpkin Patch
For an easy and seasonal idea, create a mini pumpkin patch in your van. Fill the space with real or fake pumpkins of different sizes, add some hay bales, and throw in a few fall leaves for good measure. You can use scarecrows or fall-themed signs to complete the look.
Superhero Headquarters
Transform your van into a superhero hideout by hanging superhero logos (like Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man) on the sides and placing action figures or cutouts around the van.
Use bright red, blue, and yellow colors for banners or streamers. Kids love superheroes, and this is an easy setup!
Under the Sea
Go for an underwater adventure! Cover the van in blue fabric or streamers to represent water, and add fish, seaweed, and bubbles (balloons). Include a few cutouts of sharks, dolphins, and maybe a mermaid. It’s simple and gives a magical, oceanic feel.
Hawaiian Luau
Decorate your van like a tropical island with leis, palm trees, and beach balls. Use grass skirts along the edges of your trunk, and throw in some tiki torches (plastic ones for safety). Add flower garlands and maybe a ukulele for that extra island vibe.
Sports Fan Van
Choose your favorite sports team and decorate the van with team colors, flags, and jerseys. Add a mini goalpost or basketball hoop, and scatter sports equipment like footballs, soccer balls, or baseballs around the trunk. Kids can grab their candy from a “team locker” or a cooler.
Ghostly Graveyard
Create a spooky but simple graveyard scene by adding a few tombstones (cardboard or foam) and skeletons around the trunk.
Drape some fake cobwebs, and place a couple of battery-powered candles or lanterns inside for a ghostly glow. This look is easy to pull together but still gives off a spooky vibe.

13. Trunk Or Treat Themes For Cars
Decorating your car for Trunk or Treat is such a fun way to get creative, and there are so many great themes to choose from! Whether you’re aiming for something spooky, cute, or easy, here are some awesome themes that are perfect for cars.
Haunted House
Turn your car into a mini haunted house! Drape your trunk with black fabric, add cobwebs, plastic spiders, and eerie decorations like ghosts, skeletons, and bats. A few flickering lights or LED candles can give it that haunted glow.
Jungle Safari
Transform your trunk into a wild jungle scene! Use green streamers or fake vines to mimic plants and hang stuffed animals like monkeys, tigers, and giraffes around the trunk. A “Safari Adventure” sign adds a fun touch, and animal-print fabric can line the trunk.
Wizarding World (Harry Potter)
Bring the magic of Harry Potter to life by creating a wizarding world inside your trunk. Add a brick wall backdrop for Platform 9¾, place a broomstick or wand, and hang house banners for Gryffindor, Slytherin, etc. A stuffed owl or golden snitch makes for perfect finishing touches.
Farmyard Fun
Go for a cute farm theme by adding hay bales, stuffed farm animals (like cows, pigs, and chickens), and a mini fence around your trunk. Create a barnyard look with a red barn backdrop, and you can even have “farmer” volunteers handing out treats.
Dinosaur World
Turn your trunk into a dino adventure by adding dinosaur cutouts, fake ferns, and maybe a volcano. You can place toy dinosaurs around the trunk and hang a sign that says “Jurassic Park” or “Dino Adventure.” Kids will love stepping into this prehistoric scene.
Outer Space
Create an out-of-this-world trunk with a space theme. Use dark fabric with stars or planets hanging from the roof of the trunk. Add a cardboard rocket, an astronaut figure, or alien cutouts. Glow-in-the-dark stars or planets can give it a cool nighttime effect.
Pirate Cove
Turn your trunk into a pirate’s hideaway! Cover it with black fabric, add a pirate flag, and scatter some fake gold coins and treasure chests. Place a skull and crossbones sign on the side, and dress as a pirate to hand out treats.
Candyland
Go sweet and colorful with a Candyland theme! Decorate with giant candy cutouts, candy cane poles, and colorful streamers. You can hang lollipops from the roof and have a candy-filled table right outside the trunk. It’s bright, fun, and sugary sweet!
Superheroes
Pick a superhero theme and run with it! Whether it’s the Avengers, Batman, or Wonder Woman, you can use logos, capes, and action figures to bring your favorite superheroes to life. Decorate with themed colors and symbols, and kids will love stepping into their favorite comic book world.
Mad Scientist Lab
Make your trunk look like a spooky laboratory! Add glowing “test tubes” (colored water bottles with glow sticks inside), plastic beakers, and a bubbling cauldron (fog machine optional). Hang a sign that says “Beware: Experiments in Progress” for a cool effect.

14. Easy Trunk Or Treat Ideas For Trucks
Trucks offer tons of space and flexibility for Trunk or Treat setups! You can go big or keep it simple, all while using the bed of the truck to your advantage. Here are some fun, easy ideas to turn your truck into a Halloween hit:
Pumpkin Patch
Fill the truck bed with pumpkins of all sizes, real or fake. Scatter hay bales and fall leaves around the truck. Add a few scarecrows or a wooden sign that says “Welcome to the Pumpkin Patch.” This setup is simple but perfect for a fall-themed Trunk or Treat.
Monster Truck
Turn your truck bed into a monster’s mouth! Use cardboard or foam to create big, jagged teeth around the edge of the truck bed. Add large googly eyes on the roof of the truck. This design is simple, colorful, and gives your truck a fun, monstrous vibe.
Campfire Setup
Create a cozy campsite in the back of your truck. Set up a fake campfire using logs, orange tissue paper, and fairy lights. Place foldable chairs, lanterns, and some stuffed animals around the “fire.” Add a tent or sleeping bags to complete the look. Bonus: Hand out s’more-themed candy!
Treasure Island
Turn your truck into a pirate’s treasure island. Cover the bed with brown or tan fabric to mimic sand and scatter gold coins, treasure chests, and pirate flags around. Hang a pirate flag off the back of the truck, and maybe even add a toy parrot perched on the edge.
Haunted Graveyard
A haunted graveyard is super easy to create in a truck bed. Place a few foam or cardboard tombstones in the truck bed, scatter fake skeletons and cobwebs around, and add some battery-powered lanterns or flickering lights. Throw in a fog machine for extra spooky vibes if you have one.
Western Town
Go for a simple Wild West theme by turning your truck into an old saloon or Western town. Use brown fabric to create a rustic look, add some cardboard cutouts of cacti, and place a few cowboy hats and boots around. You can add a “Wanted” poster for a fun detail.
Beach Party
Bring the beach to Trunk or Treat! Cover the truck bed with blue fabric for water and yellow or tan fabric for sand. Add beach balls, inflatable palm trees, and a beach chair. Scatter seashells and buckets with shovels around for that sunny, tropical vibe.
Spider Web Bed
Cover the entire truck bed with fake spider webs and scatter large plastic spiders throughout. Hang small spiders off the sides of the truck, and use black or orange fabric to enhance the spooky atmosphere. This is a quick and easy setup that still looks impressive.
Farm Animal Fun
Create a simple farm scene in the truck bed. Use hay bales and add stuffed or cardboard farm animals like cows, chickens, and pigs. Hang a “Welcome to the Farm” sign on the back of the truck, and scatter some fake vegetables or baskets of apples around.
Space Station
Transform your truck into a mini space station! Line the truck bed with silver or black fabric, add cutouts of stars and planets, and place an astronaut figure in the middle. You can add a cardboard rocket or spaceship and hang glow-in-the-dark stars from above.

15. Trick Or Trunk Ideas For Suv
SUVs are perfect for Trunk or Treat because of the extra space in the back! You can create a fun and creative theme while using the wide trunk space to make an impressive setup. Here are some easy and exciting ideas to turn your SUV into a fantastic Trunk or Treat stop.
Spider’s Lair
Turn the back of your SUV into a giant spider web! Cover the trunk with fake cobwebs and place large plastic spiders crawling around. Hang smaller spiders from the ceiling and add glowing red eyes or creepy lights. This setup is simple but spooky!
Mad Scientist Lab
Transform your SUV into a mad scientist’s laboratory! Use green and purple lighting, place test tubes, beakers, and bubbling cauldrons inside. You can add plastic body parts in jars and signs like “Danger: Experiments in Progress.” A fog machine can make it extra eerie.
Pirate Treasure
Create a pirate-themed trunk by covering the SUV with brown fabric to mimic a pirate ship. Place treasure chests filled with gold coins and jewels in the back. Add a pirate flag, plastic swords, and maybe a toy parrot for a fun pirate cove look.
Monster Mouth
Turn the open trunk of your SUV into a giant monster mouth! Use cardboard or foam to create large teeth coming down from the top and bottom of the trunk. Add big googly eyes on the roof of the car for a goofy, fun monster look. It’s easy and sure to make kids smile.
Jurassic Park
Turn your SUV into a prehistoric world by adding toy dinosaurs, jungle plants, and a “Jurassic Park” sign. You can use green fabric or streamers to make vines and bushes. Add dinosaur cutouts or figures around the trunk for a roaring good time.
Under the Sea
Create an underwater scene in your trunk! Cover the inside with blue fabric or streamers to look like water. Hang fish, seaweed, and jellyfish made from paper or balloons. Include Ariel, Nemo, or any sea creatures to bring the ocean to life.
Campfire Night
Set up a cozy campsite in the back of your SUV. Use a fake campfire made with logs, tissue paper, and fairy lights. Add some folding chairs, lanterns, and stuffed animals like bears or raccoons. You can even hand out s’mores-themed treats!
Candyland
Turn your SUV into a candy-filled wonderland. Decorate with giant candy cutouts, candy cane poles, and colorful streamers. You can fill the trunk with oversized lollipops, gumdrops, and cotton candy props. This is a fun, sweet theme that’s easy to put together.
Superhero Headquarters
Transform your SUV into a superhero hideout! Add superhero logos like Batman, Spider-Man, or the Avengers, and decorate with capes, masks, and action figures. Bright primary colors like red, blue, and yellow make it fun and lively.
Farmyard Fun
Create a farm scene in the back of your SUV with hay bales, stuffed farm animals like cows, pigs, and chickens, and a mini fence around the trunk. You can use a “Welcome to the Farm” sign, and add farm props like baskets of apples or vegetables.
16. Bluey trunk or treat ideas
A Bluey-themed trunk is perfect for younger kids who love this adorable Australian pup! The bright, playful colors and fun characters make it easy to create a cheerful, kid-friendly setup.
Start by decorating your trunk with Bluey’s signature blue and orange colors. Use blue fabric or streamers as the backdrop and add pops of orange and yellow throughout.
Here are some fun ways to bring Bluey to life:
Heeler House: Recreate the Heeler family home by adding a simple house backdrop with Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli cutouts. You can use cardboard to create the house shape and add windows with the characters peeking out.
Backyard Adventure: Set up your trunk like the Heeler’s backyard where all the magic happens! Add a small tree (real or fake), some toys scattered around, and maybe a cardboard “Magic Xylophone” prop. Include play items like balls, toy cars, or a mini grill to represent their imaginative games.
Keepy Uppy Station: Create an interactive element inspired by the show’s games. Set up a small balloon “keepy uppy” station where kids can try to keep a balloon in the air before getting their candy.
Blue and Orange Balloons: Fill your trunk area with blue and orange balloons to match Bluey and Bingo’s colors. You can draw simple faces on some to look like the characters.
“Let’s Play!” Sign: Add a welcoming sign that says “Let’s Play!” or “Welcome to the Heeler House!” in bright, playful letters that match the show’s fun vibe.
Character Cutouts: Place life-size or large cutouts of Bluey, Bingo, and their friends around your trunk. You can even have someone dress up as one of the characters to greet the kids.
Complete the theme with some fun background music from the show, and hand out treats in blue bags or containers!
17. Monsters Inc trunk or treat ideas
A Monsters Inc theme is a fun, colorful choice that’s both playful and slightly spooky! With the lovable characters like Sulley, Mike, and Boo, you can create a world that kids will instantly recognize.
Start by transforming your trunk into the Monsters Inc factory or Boo’s door vault. Use bright colors like blue, purple, and green to match the movie’s vibrant aesthetic.
Here are some ideas to bring Monsters Inc to life:
The Door Vault: Create a scene with multiple colorful doors! Use cardboard to make several small doors in different colors and hang them around your trunk. This recreates the iconic door vault scene from the movie.
Sulley and Mike Central: Place large cutouts or plush versions of Sulley and Mike Wazowski in your trunk. You can even have someone dress up as Mike (green shirt with a big eye) or Sulley (blue and purple fuzzy costume).
Scare Floor: Set up your trunk like the scare floor at Monsters Inc. Add “scare canisters” (painted jars or bottles), caution tape, and monster footprints. Create a conveyor belt look using cardboard.
Boo’s Door: Feature Boo’s pink flower-covered door prominently in your setup. You can place a small Boo figure or cutout peeking out from behind it. Add some toys and a “Kitty” (Sulley disguise) nearby.
Monster Eyes Everywhere: Create an eye-catching display (pun intended!) by adding googly eyes of all sizes all over your trunk. Since Mike is all about the eye, this fits perfectly!
“We Scare Because We Care” Sign: Hang a sign with this famous quote from the movie. Use the Monsters Inc logo and company colors for authenticity.
CDA Alert: For a fun twist, add yellow “CDA” (Child Detection Agency) caution tape and have someone dressed in a hazmat suit like the CDA agents.
Add some playful monster sound effects and the Monsters Inc theme song to complete the experience!
18. Mario trunk or treat ideas
A Super Mario-themed trunk is a hit with kids of all ages! The bright colors, fun characters, and iconic imagery from the games make it easy to create an exciting, nostalgic setup.
Start by creating the Mushroom Kingdom in your trunk. Use bright blues for the sky, green for grass, and add those iconic question blocks and pipes!
Here are some fun ways to bring Mario’s world to life:
Green Pipe Entrance: Create a large green pipe out of cardboard or pool noodles at the entrance to your trunk. Kids can “enter” the pipe to get their candy, just like Mario jumping into a warp pipe!
Question Blocks: Make yellow question blocks with question marks on them using cardboard boxes. Hang them from the top of your trunk or stack them around. You can even put candy inside some of them!
Mushroom Kingdom Background: Use a blue backdrop with white clouds (cotton balls or cutouts) and green hills. Add brick blocks and those iconic floating platforms that Mario jumps on.
Character Cutouts: Include cutouts of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Yoshi around your trunk. You can also add enemies like Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and Piranha Plants coming out of the green pipes.
Power-Up Station: Display power-ups like Super Mushrooms (red with white spots), Fire Flowers, and Super Stars. You can make these out of cardboard or paper and place them throughout your setup.
Brick Blocks and Coins: Create brown brick blocks and hang gold coins (made from yellow cardboard) around your trunk. You can even have a “coin sound” play when kids grab their candy!
Bowser’s Castle: For a twist, create one side of your trunk as Bowser’s dark castle with red and black colors, lava (red and orange fabric), and a Bowser cutout.
Play the classic Super Mario Bros theme music to really bring the nostalgia and fun!
19. Beetlejuice trunk or treat ideas
A Beetlejuice theme is perfect for a quirky, spooky Trunk or Treat setup! With its iconic black and white stripes and bizarre characters, you can create something truly memorable.
Start by incorporating the famous black and white striped pattern that Beetlejuice is known for. Use striped fabric, streamers, or paper to create that instantly recognizable look.
Here are some fun ways to bring Beetlejuice to life:
Black and White Stripes Everywhere: Cover your trunk with black and white striped fabric or paper. You can also add striped balloons, streamers, and tablecloths to really emphasize the theme.
Beetlejuice Character: Have someone dress up as Beetlejuice with the iconic striped suit, wild green hair, and pale makeup. They can stand by the trunk and greet kids with his famous catchphrases!
The Waiting Room: Recreate the bizarre afterlife waiting room scene with numbered tickets and strange characters. Add some shrunken head props or other weird waiting room decorations.
Sandworm Attack: Create a large sandworm using black and white striped fabric formed into a tunnel or arch. Kids can walk through the sandworm’s mouth to get their candy!
“It’s Showtime!” Sign: Hang a marquee-style sign that says “It’s Showtime!” or “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!” in bold, circus-style lettering.
Handbook for the Recently Deceased: Create a prop version of the handbook and display it prominently. You can make it look old and weathered for authenticity.
Dante’s Inferno Room: Set up one section with red lighting and creepy decorations to represent the hellish dinner party scene. Add some rubber snakes or creative props.
Maitland House: Create a simple house front with the classic New England style, and add some ghostly white sheets or translucent fabric to represent the ghosts.
Play Danny Elfman’s iconic Beetlejuice theme music and add some eerie green lighting for that supernatural glow!
20. Star Wars trunk or treat ideas
A Star Wars-themed trunk is perfect for fans of the galaxy far, far away! Whether you go with the light side or the dark side, there are endless possibilities for creating an epic setup.
Start by choosing which part of the Star Wars universe you want to showcase. You can go with the Rebellion, the Empire, or a mix of both!
Here are some stellar ideas:
Death Star: Transform your trunk into the Death Star! Use a large gray or silver circle as the backdrop with the iconic Death Star trench and laser dish. Add TIE fighters and X-wings around it for an epic space battle scene.
Millennium Falcon Cockpit: Create the inside of the Millennium Falcon’s cockpit using cardboard controls, buttons, and switches. Add Han Solo and Chewbacca cutouts in the pilot seats. Hang stars and planets around to simulate flying through hyperspace.
Tatooine Desert: Set up a desert scene with sand-colored fabric, add Luke’s landspeeder (cardboard cutout), and include R2-D2 and C-3PO. Place binary sunset imagery in the background for that iconic moment.
Darth Vader’s Empire: Go dark side with an Imperial theme! Use black, gray, and red colors. Add a large Darth Vader cutout, Stormtroopers, and the Imperial logo. Play the Imperial March for maximum effect!
Jedi Temple: Create a light side setup with Jedi robes, lightsabers mounted on the walls, and cutouts of Yoda, Obi-Wan, and other Jedi. Use earthy tones and add the Jedi Order symbol.
Lightsaber Battle: Set up a scene with crossed lightsabers (pool noodles with LED lights work great!) and have volunteers dressed as Jedi or Sith handing out candy.
Cantina Scene: Recreate the famous Mos Eisley Cantina with alien cutouts, a bar setup, and the quirky characters. Play the cantina band music for an authentic feel.
Baby Yoda Station: Feature Grogu (Baby Yoda) prominently with his hovering pod. Add some bone broth props and cute Baby Yoda plushies or cutouts.
Don’t forget the Star Wars soundtrack and maybe some lightsaber sound effects to complete the experience!
21. Hocus Pocus trunk or treat ideas
A Hocus Pocus theme is perfect for Trunk or Treat, especially with the Sanderson Sisters being Halloween icons! This setup brings the magic and mischief of Salem to life.
Start by creating a witchy, magical atmosphere with purples, greens, oranges, and blacks. The Sanderson Sisters’ cottage is the perfect focal point!
Here are some bewitching ideas:
Sanderson Sisters Cottage: Create the exterior of the sisters’ cottage using brown fabric or cardboard. Add a crooked door, shuttered windows, and that iconic twisted chimney. Place cauldrons, spell books, and potion bottles around.
The Three Witches: Have three people dress up as Winifred, Sarah, and Mary Sanderson! This is a huge hit with fans. They can stand by the trunk and interact with kids in character.
Black Flame Candle: Create a large black candle prop (the famous Black Flame Candle) as a centerpiece. Use black paper rolled into a cylinder with an orange or purple “flame” on top made from tissue paper with a light inside.
Spell Book: Make a prop version of Winifred’s spell book with the eye on the cover. You can create this with cardboard and make the eye look like it’s watching people!
Bubbling Cauldron: Set up a cauldron with a fog machine or dry ice creating “smoke.” Add green lighting underneath for that magical potion effect. Kids can reach into the cauldron for their candy!
“I Put a Spell on You” Display: Create a sign or banner with this famous song title. Add musical notes and magical sparkles around it.
Graveyard Elements: Since the movie features the old cemetery, add some tombstones, particularly Billy Butcherson’s open grave with zombie hands reaching out.
Broomsticks: Hang broomsticks around your trunk or have them “parked” nearby as if the sisters just flew in.
Play “I Put a Spell on You” and other songs from the movie soundtrack to create that Hocus Pocus magic!
22. Nightmare Before Christmas trunk or treat ideas
The Nightmare Before Christmas is perfect for Trunk or Treat because it combines Halloween and Christmas in the most magical way! Tim Burton’s iconic style gives you so much creative freedom.
Start by deciding whether to focus on Halloween Town, Christmas Town, or a mix of both. The swirly hill where Jack stands is an iconic image to recreate!
Here are some ideas to bring this spooky-sweet world to life:
Spiral Hill: Create the famous spiral hill using black fabric with white swirls. Place a Jack Skellington cutout on top of the hill against a full moon backdrop. This is one of the most iconic images from the movie!
Halloween Town: Decorate with dark, spooky elements like twisted trees, bats, ghosts, and Jack-o’-lanterns. Use lots of black, orange, and purple. Add character cutouts of the Mayor, Oogie Boogie, Lock, Shock, and Barrel.
Christmas Town: Create the opposite side with bright, cheerful Christmas decorations—but with a twisted Halloween edge. Mix ornaments with spiders, candy canes with bones, and snowflakes with Jack’s face.
Oogie Boogie’s Lair: Set up a casino/gambling theme with dice, playing cards, and bugs (plastic ones!). Use burlap fabric and green lighting to create Oogie Boogie’s creepy lair. You can even create a large Oogie Boogie figure!
Jack and Sally: Feature the main couple prominently with large cutouts or have people dress as Jack in his pinstripe suit and Sally in her patchwork dress.
Sandy Claws Kidnapping: Create a fun scene with Santa tied up in a chair or sack, referencing when Jack’s helpers kidnap “Sandy Claws.”
“What’s This?” Sign: Hang a banner with “What’s This?” written in Jack’s wondering style, referencing his discovery of Christmas Town.
Zero the Ghost Dog: Don’t forget Jack’s loyal ghost dog! Add a Zero cutout with his glowing pumpkin nose (orange light).
Play the movie’s soundtrack, especially “This is Halloween” and “What’s This?” to set the perfect mood!
23. Cookie Monster trunk or treat ideas
A Cookie Monster theme is adorable, fun, and perfect for younger kids! With the lovable blue Muppet and his cookie obsession, you can create a sweet and playful setup.
Start by using lots of blue to represent Cookie Monster, and add tons of cookie props and decorations!
Here are some fun ideas:
Giant Cookie Monster Face: Turn your entire trunk into Cookie Monster’s face! Use blue fabric or paper to cover the trunk area, add his big googly eyes (made from white and black paper), and create his wide mouth. Place chocolate chip cookies around his mouth like he’s eating them.
Cookie Jar Central: Set up multiple cookie jars (real or cardboard props) overflowing with cookies. Have Cookie Monster cutouts reaching into the jars. You can place candy inside the jars for kids to grab.
“C is for Cookie” Sign: Create a large sign that says “C is for Cookie, That’s Good Enough for Me!” in playful, colorful letters. This is Cookie Monster’s famous song and will be instantly recognizable.
Cookie Explosion: Scatter giant cardboard chocolate chip cookies everywhere! Hang them from the top of your trunk, stick them on the sides, and pile them around. Make them oversized for extra impact.
Sesame Street Scene: Add other Sesame Street characters like Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and Grover around your trunk to create a full Sesame Street vibe.
Blue Balloons: Fill the area with blue balloons to match Cookie Monster’s fur. You can draw simple cookie monster faces on some of them.
Interactive Cookie Toss: Set up a simple game where kids can toss “cookies” (bean bags or small foam circles) into Cookie Monster’s mouth before getting their treats.
Milk and Cookies Station: Include milk carton props next to the cookie jars, since milk and cookies go together! You can use real milk cartons decorated with Cookie Monster stickers.
Play the “C is for Cookie” song and other Sesame Street tunes to keep the energy fun and upbeat!
24. Willy Wonka trunk or treat ideas
A Willy Wonka theme brings pure imagination to your Trunk or Treat! With the magical chocolate factory and all its whimsical elements, you can create a sweet, colorful wonderland.
Start by incorporating lots of purple (Wonka’s signature color), gold, and bright candy colors. Think magical, mysterious, and utterly delicious!
Here are some golden ticket-worthy ideas:
Chocolate Factory Entrance: Create the iconic Wonka factory gates using cardboard painted in bright colors. Add a “Wonka” sign in swirly, magical letters. Place a red carpet leading to your trunk as if kids are VIP guests!
Golden Ticket Display: Make oversized golden tickets and display them prominently. You can even hand out small golden ticket replicas with the candy! Add a sign that says “You Found a Golden Ticket!”
Candy Wonderland: Fill your trunk with giant candy props—lollipops, candy canes, gummy bears, and chocolate bars (make oversized versions from cardboard). Use bright, vibrant colors everywhere.
Chocolate River: Create a flowing chocolate river using brown fabric with ripples or waves. Add a pink candy boat and Oompa Loompa cutouts rowing it. You can use a small kiddie pool painted brown for effect.
Oompa Loompas: Place Oompa Loompa cutouts throughout your setup, or have someone dress in the costume with green hair and white overalls. They can hand out candy while singing!
Everlasting Gobstopper Station: Display jars filled with colorful round candies to represent Everlasting Gobstoppers. Label them clearly and make them look magical and mysterious.
Fizzy Lifting Drinks: Create bottles labeled “Fizzy Lifting Drinks” using clear bottles with colorful liquid inside. Add bubbles around them to show the fizzy, floating effect.
Wonka’s Top Hat and Cane: Feature Willy Wonka himself with his purple coat, top hat, and cane. Have someone dress as Wonka to greet visitors with his quirky charm!
“Pure Imagination” Sign: Hang a whimsical sign with “Pure Imagination” written in flowing, magical letters with sparkles and swirls.
Play “Pure Imagination” and other songs from the movie to create that magical Wonka atmosphere!
25. Ghostbusters trunk or treat ideas
A Ghostbusters theme is perfect for Trunk or Treat because it’s fun, recognizable, and just spooky enough! With the iconic logo, proton packs, and ghosts, you can create an awesome ghost-hunting station.
Start by using the classic Ghostbusters colors: black, white, and red. The famous “no ghost” logo should be front and center!
Here are some ideas to trap those ghosts:
Ghostbusters Logo: Create or print a large Ghostbusters logo (the ghost in a red circle with a line through it) and display it prominently on your trunk. This is instantly recognizable!
Ecto-1 (The Car): Transform your car to look like the Ecto-1! Add white and red stripes along the sides, place the Ghostbusters logo on the doors, and add emergency lights on top (battery-operated ones work great). Even simple additions make it recognizable.
Proton Pack Station: Create cardboard proton packs and display them in your trunk. You can even have kids “wear” them for a quick photo op before getting candy! Add the proton wand with LED lights for effect.
Ghost Containment Unit: Build a ghost trap or containment unit using cardboard boxes, wires, and blinking lights. Add a “Warning: Ghosts Inside” sign. You can have it slightly open with ghost cutouts escaping!
Slimer: Feature the green ghost Slimer prominently! Use green fabric, balloons, or a Slimer cutout floating around your trunk. Add green slime dripping from places for extra effect.
“Who You Gonna Call?” Sign: Create a big sign with “Who You Gonna Call? GHOSTBUSTERS!” in the classic font. This catchphrase is perfect for getting people excited.
Ghostbuster Uniforms: Have people dress in tan jumpsuits with the Ghostbusters patches, name tags, and proton packs. They can hand out candy while “busting ghosts.”
Floating Ghosts: Hang white sheet ghosts or ghost cutouts from fishing line around your trunk. Make them look like they’re being captured by the proton streams!
PKE Meter and Equipment: Display other ghost-hunting equipment like PKE meters, ghost traps, and walkie-talkies around your trunk to complete the headquarters look.
Play the Ghostbusters theme song—it’s catchy and everyone knows it! Add some ghost sound effects for extra fun.
26. Inside Out trunk or treat ideas
An Inside Out theme is colorful, emotional, and perfect for kids who love this Pixar movie! With the five emotions and their vibrant colors, you can create a visually stunning setup.
Start by featuring the five main emotions—Joy (yellow), Sadness (blue), Anger (red), Fear (purple), and Disgust (green)—each in their signature colors.
Here are some ideas to bring emotions to life:
Headquarters Control Panel: Create the emotion headquarters with a control panel made from cardboard. Add buttons, levers, and screens showing Riley’s memories. Place the five emotion characters around the panel.
Memory Orbs: Make colorful memory orbs using clear plastic ornaments or balloons filled with different colored tissue paper or lights. Hang them around your trunk—use gold for core memories, and other colors for regular memories.
Character Cutouts: Display large cutouts of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust in their spots at headquarters. You can even have people dress as the emotions with color-coordinated outfits!
Islands of Personality: Create mini sections representing Riley’s personality islands—Family Island, Friendship Island, Honesty Island, Hockey Island, and Goofball Island. Use props and signs to identify each one.
Train of Thought: Build a small train using boxes or cardboard representing the Train of Thought that travels through Riley’s mind. Add the conductor and some cargo.
Abstract Thought Chamber: Create a trippy section with geometric shapes and fragmented pieces to represent the Abstract Thought area. Use colorful cardboard cutouts in various shapes.
Dream Productions: Set up a small “movie studio” section with a clapperboard, director’s chair, and a sign that says “Dream Productions.” This represents where Riley’s dreams are made.
Emotion Color Zones: Divide your trunk into five color-coded sections, each representing one emotion. Use balloons, streamers, and fabric in yellow, blue, red, purple, and green.
“Take Her to the Moon for Me” Sign: Include this touching quote from Bing Bong with stars and a rocket ship for the emotional fans.
Play the movie’s beautiful soundtrack to enhance the emotional (and fun!) atmosphere!
27. Skeleton trunk or treat ideas
A skeleton theme is a classic Halloween choice that’s spooky, fun, and easy to pull off! Skeletons are instantly recognizable and you can go as silly or scary as you want.
Start by using lots of black and white as your base colors, with skeleton bones as the main decoration.
Here are some bone-chilling ideas:
Skeleton Graveyard: Create a graveyard scene with tombstones, skeleton figures rising from graves, and fog creeping along the ground. Use a fog machine for extra spooky atmosphere!
Dancing Skeletons: Hang skeleton cutouts or poseable skeletons in fun, dancing positions around your trunk. You can have them doing the thriller dance or just being silly. This adds a playful touch!
Bone Yard: Cover your trunk with bones—plastic bones, cardboard bones, bone garlands, and bone balloons. Create a “pile of bones” that kids have to reach into for candy.
Skeleton Family: Create a whole skeleton family with adult and child skeletons arranged like they’re having a party or gathering. Give them props like cups, plates, or musical instruments.
X-Ray Vision: Make it look like an X-ray room with skeleton X-rays hanging in the background. You can print X-ray images or create your own skeleton silhouettes on black backgrounds.
Glow-in-the-Dark Skeletons: Use glow-in-the-dark skeleton decorations, tape, or paint to make your setup extra cool when the sun goes down. The glowing bones will look amazing!
Skeleton DJ: Set up a skeleton as a DJ with headphones, a turntable, and music equipment. This creates a fun “skeleton party” vibe and you can play spooky music!
Skeleton Pet Cemetery: Include skeleton dogs, cats, birds, and other animals for a creepy pet cemetery theme. Add small tombstones with funny pet names.
Anatomical Display: For an educational twist, label different bones and parts of the skeleton. This can be both fun and informative for kids learning about the human body.
“Bad to the Bone” Sign: Create a sign with this punny phrase and add music notes. Play “Bad to the Bone” or other skeleton-themed songs!
Add some eerie lighting, maybe some purple or green spotlights, to make those bones really stand out!
28. Ghost trunk or treat ideas
A ghost theme is a classic, friendly-spooky choice for Trunk or Treat! Ghosts can be cute and funny or a little eerie, making them perfect for all ages.
Start by using lots of white fabric, sheets, and ghost shapes. You can go with traditional white ghosts or add some color for variety!
Here are some ghostly ideas:
Floating Ghosts: Hang white sheet ghosts from fishing line at different heights around your trunk. Make them look like they’re floating through the air! Add black circles for eyes and mouths in different expressions—some happy, some surprised, some spooky.
Ghost Family Gathering: Create a group of ghost characters having a party or gathering. Give each ghost a different personality—one wearing a bow, one with glasses, one holding a pumpkin. This makes them friendly and fun!
Haunted House with Ghosts: Set up a small haunted house backdrop with ghosts flying out of windows and doors. Use gray or black cardboard for the house and white ghosts “haunting” it.
Ghost Sheet Tunnel: Create a tunnel of hanging white sheets that kids walk through to get their candy. Add ghost faces on the sheets and some gentle lighting behind them for a glowing effect.
Glowing Ghosts: Use white balloons with ghost faces drawn on them and put glow sticks inside to make them glow. Hang these around your trunk for an enchanting nighttime effect!
“Boo!” Theme: Cover your trunk with “BOO!” written in big letters with ghost illustrations. Make it playful and fun rather than scary.
Ghost Tea Party: Set up a whimsical ghost tea party scene with ghosts seated around a small table with teacups and treats. This Victorian ghost theme is both spooky and charming!
Pac-Man Ghosts: For a fun twist, create the colorful ghosts from Pac-Man (Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde) in red, pink, cyan, and orange. Add a Pac-Man cutout “chasing” them!
Ghost Balloons: Fill the area with white balloons with ghost faces. You can also use white garbage bags stuffed lightly and tied to look like floating ghosts.
Friendly Ghost Station: Make it clear these are friendly ghosts by giving them happy faces, accessories like bow ties or flowers, and a “Friendly Ghosts Welcome You!” sign.
Add some spooky but not too scary music and maybe some fog for atmosphere. Keep it light and fun!