Bookmarks are one of those small gifts that children actually use. Tuck one into a library book, hand them out at a class party, or slip one into every trick-or-treat bag for a reader-friendly alternative to sweets. This page gives you four different Halloween bookmarks to print, cut, and share, each with its own character and a cheeky bookish pun.
Four Bookmarks, Four Personalities
The sheet is US Letter size, 8.5 x 11 inches, with four tall bookmarks standing side by side, each about 1.85 inches wide and 9.5 inches tall. Each has a small punched-hole guide at the top for a ribbon or tassel, and a This book belongs to line at the bottom.
- The bat bookmark is deep purple with tiny stars, a glowing yellow moon with a black bat flying across it, a second smaller bat, and READ IF YOU DARE in Rye, a Wild West poster font, with just one more chapter… underneath.
- The mummy bookmark is wrapped in criss-crossing cream bandages, with a dark gap at the top where two big cartoon eyes peek out, and a white label reading ALL WRAPPED UP IN A GOOD BOOK.
- The black cat bookmark is bright orange with A PURR-FECT PLACE TO STOP at the top, paws here and come back soon in italics, and a black cat silhouette sitting on a pale full moon.
- The pumpkin bookmark is dark forest green with GOURD-GEOUS READS in orange and a stack of three pumpkins in graduating shades of orange, topped by a little candy corn.
Cutting and Finishing
- Print on white card stock, around 250 to 300 gsm, so the bookmarks stay stiff in a book.
- Cut along the edges of each bookmark with a paper trimmer for straight lines.
- Round the corners with a corner punch, or leave them square.
- Punch a hole at the marked circle and loop through a ribbon, yarn, or a ready-made tassel.
- For extra durability, laminate the bookmarks before punching the hole.
Bookmarks Instead of Candy
Bookmarks make a great non-food treat for trick-or-treaters, especially for children with allergies or families who limit sugar. They are flat, cheap to print in bulk, and useful long after Halloween. Pair a bookmark with a pencil or a sticker for a small bundle, or tie one to a bag of sweets for a two-in-one treat. Libraries and schools often hand them out during October reading events, and teachers use them as rewards for finishing a reading challenge.
Print Counts for Classes and Events
| Occasion | Bookmarks needed | Sheets to print |
|---|---|---|
| Class of 24 | 24 | 6 sheets |
| Grade level of 100 | 100 | 25 sheets |
| Trick-or-treaters (busy street) | 150 | 38 sheets |
| Library story time | 40 | 10 sheets |
Personalising the Bookmarks
Every word can be changed. Double-click to rewrite the puns, add a child’s name to the belongs to line before printing, or replace the line with a school or library name. A few alternative puns:
- Boo-k worm on the bat bookmark.
- I’m stuck on this book on the mummy.
- Cat-ch you on the next page on the black cat.
- Read-y for a spooky story? On the pumpkins.
Each bookmark background is a single shape you can recolour. The bat and cat silhouettes are editable vector art; select them to recolour from their swatches. The stacked pumpkins and the mummy bandages are grouped, so they move as one piece. Fonts are Rye, Luckiest Guy and Montserrat, all Google Fonts.
A Craft Activity for Kids
Bookmarks also make a quick Halloween craft. Print the page in black and white, and let children colour the designs themselves with markers or coloured pencils. Add googly eyes to the mummy, glitter glue to the moon, or orange yarn tassels to the pumpkin bookmark. It is a calm activity that works well at the end of a busy class party, in a library craft corner or at home on a rainy October afternoon. Children who finish early can design a fifth bookmark on a blank strip of card.
Which Bookmark Suits Which Reader?
Each design has its own mood, so you can match bookmarks to readers. The bat bookmark, with its dark sky and dare, suits older children and teens who like their stories a little creepy. The mummy bookmark, with its goofy peeking eyes, makes younger readers laugh and is a favourite in early-years classrooms. The black cat bookmark feels cosy rather than scary, perfect for cat lovers and gentle autumn stories. The stacked pumpkins work for anyone, and they stay seasonal through November, so they are a good choice for teachers who want bookmarks that outlast Halloween night. If you are handing them out to a mixed group, print an even mix and let each child choose their favourite from a basket; the choosing is part of the fun.
Gift Ideas Using the Bookmarks
For a thoughtful Halloween gift, pair a bookmark with a spooky book for a niece, nephew, or a teacher. Wrap the book in brown paper, tie it with orange ribbon, and tuck the bookmark under the ribbon. Book clubs can use the bat or cat design as a seasonal thank-you for members. Bookshops and libraries can add their name to the bottom line and hand them out at October events as a friendly reminder to visit again.
Bookmark Questions
Which paper gives the best result?
A smooth white card around 300 gsm keeps colours bright and stops the bookmarks from bending inside a heavy book.
What size are the bookmarks?
Each is about 1.85 x 9.5 inches, a comfortable size for most chapter books and picture books.
Can I print just one design?
Yes. Delete the other three and duplicate your favourite to fill the page.
Will they work in black and white?
They print clearly in black and white and become colouring bookmarks.
Can I add a photo?
You can place your own image from the editor onto any bookmark, for example, a school logo.
Print a stack, punch the holes, and add the tassels. The best Halloween treats are the ones that last until the final chapter.
