Everyone could use the luck of the Irish, right? And even if you’ve only got one quick day to prep, you can still have enough leprechaun fun to fill up several pots of gold! With so many ideas for everything from full-blown St. Patty’s Day parties to little lunchbox treats, it’s time to spread a little leprechaun luck on this green day.

Digging around for little bits of festively green luck, I found dozens and dozens of clever ideas. Everything from capturing your own leprechaun to creating your own paper shamrocks to many recipes for both Irish-themed dinners to minty treats. Here are a few of my favorite ideas. For even more, log on to our St. Patty’s Day board on Pinterest.

For kids

Send your little ones off to school with a bit of extra luck in either their lunchbox or in their backpack. A baggie filled with golden Rolo candies and a rainbow of licorice makes a great surprise. Let them eat some cereal as a fun treat with a clever “Don’t fall for any leprechaun TRIX today!”

Of course you could make sure their lunch includes a selection of lucky green foods and treats. Celery, grapes, green apples and kiwi are always favorite snacks. Don’t forget to include some green desserts, too. Green Rice Krispie treats made out of Lucky Charms are a great idea. Or dip some mini pretzels and form a four-leaf clover lollipop.

For dinner

It’s not too late to turn your Thursday night dinner into an Irish-inspired feast, something that would be sure to appeal to all your hungry leprechaun hunters, too.

You could begin the meal with a beautiful plate of Irish Nachos which are basically thinly sliced baked potatoes served with cheese, bacon, a heaping dollop of sour cream and seasonings like rosemary, chives and cilantro and thyme.

Follow up the appetizer with the main entree — Irish Stew, complete with shamrock-shaped croutons made from puff pastry. The kiddos will gobble up this hearty, tasty stew and will likely fight over the cute croutons. You can also serve the entree alongside a beautiful loaf of traditional Irish Soda Bread.

And for dessert, make up a mint brownie trifle with decadent layers of brownie bites and creamy, pepperminty pudding.

For fun

If the kids are itching for a little shamrock fun this week, there are several quick ideas that will keep them busy.

Break out all the craft supplies and have the kids create their own leprechaun, making sure he is well dressed in his Irish finest, including that red beard and buckled shoes. Don’t forget to have their kids name their lucky little guys, too.

To mix things up a bit, pull out the Lego box instead of the craft box and let your kids create leprechauns out of the various blocks.

Games are always fun. You could play a quick round of St. Patty’s Day Bingo, embark on a treasure hunt for that pot of gold or challenge everyone’s skills with a Minute to Win It game.

– Jennifer Durrant