Halloween Monster Generator

Press New monster for a Halloween monster to draw, dressed up and out for the night.

Halloween Monster Generator: 30 monsters

A hedgerow witch, startled by every doorbell, wearing one mitten and a scarf that trails, carrying a pocket of hazelnuts for cracking, howling at the moon and being shushed.

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Monsterhedgerow witch
Twiststartled by every doorbell
Wearingone mitten and a scarf that trails
Carryinga pocket of hazelnuts for cracking
Doinghowling at the moon and being shushed

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Monster of the day

A hedgerow witch, startled by every doorbell, wearing one mitten and a scarf that trails, carrying a pocket of hazelnuts for cracking, howling at the moon and being shushed.
A raven, followed by a very keen puppy, wearing a balaclava knitted by an aunt, carrying a carved pumpkin that has a lopsided grin, creeping along a fence on tiptoe.
A vampire, cross until somebody shares a toffee, wearing a bow tie and polished shoes, carrying a seed catalogue with the corners turned down, peering down from a skylight.
A sea witch, who tries one riddle on every household, wearing a dinner jacket and a paper carnation, carrying a bucket shaped like a pumpkin, loitering in the mist beside a bus stop.
A vampire, new to the neighbourhood, wearing a hat with flaps tied under the chin, carrying a carpet bag that will not close, hopping from paving stone to paving stone.
A phantom coachman, sulking because it rained, wearing a quilted waistcoat that rustles, carrying a lollipop as wide as a steering wheel, stepping out of the mist at a crossroads.
A turnip-headed figure, cross until somebody shares a toffee, wearing odd socks in two different stripes, carrying a wand mended with tape, juggling toffees and dropping most of them.
A kobold, so well mannered that nobody is frightened, wearing reflective arm bands and a bicycle clip, carrying a bicycle lamp, knocking at the wrong door.
A ghost, soaked by a sudden shower, wearing a cardboard crown and a curtain for a robe, carrying a wooden football rattle, writing a thank-you note under a street light.
A kobold, who has learned exactly one magic trick, wearing a pirate hat made of black card, carrying a wedge of pie balanced on a napkin, taking a tiny dog round the block.
A pixie, stuck minding a little cousin, wearing a party dress and a wide sash, carrying a garden rake and a bulging sack, lurking at the back of the pumpkin patch.
A giant crow, as old as the hills and proud of it, wearing pyjamas under an open anorak, carrying a board game that has its lid taped on, bobbing for apples at a party.
A hag, the youngest of nine, wearing a cagoule down to the ankles, carrying a pillowcase of sweets, peering down from a skylight.
A boggart, whose laces keep coming undone, wearing a balaclava knitted by an aunt, carrying a sock full of marbles, learning the steps of a new dance.
A selkie, so well mannered that nobody is frightened, wearing a pumpkin costume stuffed with cushions, carrying a list of doors and half of them ticked, writing a thank-you note under a street light.
A phantom coachman, bashful and keeping to the back, wearing a cardboard crown and a curtain for a robe, carrying a hat stand in case of hats, loitering in the mist beside a bus stop.
A ghost knight, sleepy and determined to stay up, wearing a jockey's silks in orange and black, carrying a bunch of balloons shaped like bats, leaving muddy prints up a clean path.
A giant spider, tall enough to look over the hedge, wearing fairy wings held on by elastic, carrying a list of doors and half of them ticked, returning a dropped glove.
A wizard, narrow enough to stand behind a drainpipe, wearing a lion's mane made of wool, carrying a board game that has its lid taped on, drawing a moustache on a pumpkin.
A ghost, smaller than the rest and sure of growing, wearing a shower cap and slippers, carrying a small cauldron used as a handbag, edging past a dozing cat on a wall.
A screech owl, who knows every dog on the street by name, wearing a paper hat from last year's crackers, carrying a box of spare batteries, waving at every window.
An enchanted broomstick, full of beans for no clear reason, wearing a quilt wrapped twice round and belted, carrying a board game that has its lid taped on, loitering in the mist beside a bus stop.
A patchwork bear, new to the neighbourhood, wearing a paper cone hat stuck all over with foil stars, carrying a ghost chain glued from grey paper, howling at the moon and being shushed.
A yeti, soaked by a sudden shower, wearing swimming goggles and a rubber ring, carrying a hat stand in case of hats, making faces in a shop window.
A haunted portrait, rushing to fit in one more street, wearing a pumpkin costume stuffed with cushions, carrying a pet rock on a lead, wearing a second costume over the first.
A pixie, homesick already, wearing a wide hat trimmed in paper bats, carrying a string of fairy lights and nowhere to plug them in, juggling toffees and dropping most of them.
A pixie, stuck minding a little cousin, wearing a hand-me-down jumper with the sleeves rolled, carrying a huge ring of rusty keys, holding the gate for everyone behind.
A giant rat, grown out of last year's costume, wearing one mitten and a scarf that trails, carrying a string of fairy lights and nowhere to plug them in, trying on everyone else's hats.
A giant spider, tall enough to look over the hedge, wearing a wide hat trimmed in paper bats, carrying a trombone, holding the gate for everyone behind.
A clockwork figure, startled by every doorbell, wearing earmuffs shaped like pumpkins, carrying a bag of sweets saved for later, turning up at the edge of a photograph.

Next step More Halloween things to draw

Monster: all 60 monsters

The restless dead 12

banshee A wailing spirit of Irish folklore. Draw streaming hair and a wide open mouth.
ghost A soft upright shape with no feet. Fade the lower edge into nothing and keep the eyes simple.
ghost knight Faint armour with nothing in the visor. Let the background show through the breastplate.

Show all 60 monsters (57 more)

The restless dead, continued

ghost pirate A see-through sailor in a big hat. Draw the hat solid and the rest in outline only.
headless rider A figure of European folklore since the Middle Ages, sometimes carrying the head. Draw the collar empty.
mummy Wrap it in bands that all slant one way, with one loose end trailing behind.
phantom coachman A tall hat, a long whip and a caped coat, all in pale grey. The coach is optional.
poltergeist The name is German for a noisy spirit that moves things. Draw no body, only floating cups and chairs.
skeleton Draw the rib cage as a barrel of curved lines and the grin without lips. Count nothing.
vampire A very pale face, two small fangs and neat, old-fashioned clothes. Keep it tidy.
white lady A ghost of folklore dressed all in white. Leave the dress as bare paper and shade round it.
wraith An old word for a ghost. Draw a thin grey figure that you can see the wall through.

Shape-changers and night beasts 12

black dog In English folklore it is unnaturally large, with glowing red or yellow eyes. Draw two bright discs.
bog creature A heap of weed, moss and mud with two pale eyes. Let it drip.
giant bat Wings like two open hands with skin between the fingers. Big ears and a small furry body.
giant crow A heavy bill and ragged wing tips. Draw it hunched, with one bright eye turned to the viewer.
giant rat A long scaly tail and round ears. Sit it upright, whiskers forward, like a guest at a table.
giant spider Eight legs arched higher than the body. Keep the body small and round and the legs thin.
kelpie A shape-changing water spirit of Scottish folklore, often a horse. Draw a dripping mane full of weed.
pooka An Irish shape-changer that may appear as a horse, a goat, a cat, a dog or a hare. Draw one with odd ears.
screech owl A round head, a heart of a face and wings spread wide. Draw the beak open.
selkie In folklore it changes between seal and human by taking off a seal skin. Draw the skin worn as a cloak.
werewolf In folklore, a human able to turn into a wolf. Draw it halfway: wolf ears and a torn shirt cuff.
yeti An ape-like creature of Himalayan legend. Draw shaggy white fur, long arms and big flat feet.

Witches and their company 12

black cat A witch's familiar was said to take an animal's form. Draw an arched back and a tail like a bottle brush.
enchanted broomstick A broom standing by itself on its bristles. Give it a slight lean and a few motion lines.
hag In folklore, a wizened old woman. Draw a long chin, a shawl and a walking stick.
hedgerow witch A witch of lanes and gardens. Draw a basket of herbs, muddy boots and a hat with leaves in the band.
newt Small, smooth and long-tailed. Draw it peering over the rim of a jar, a pocket or a hat.
raven All black with a shaggy throat. Perch it on something and tilt the head.
sea witch Draw a hat of driftwood, a shawl of fishing net and shells where there might be buttons.
tawny owl A round head, dark eyes and mottled brown feathers. Draw it perched on a shoulder or a hat brim.
toad A wide flat mouth, eyes on top and a warty back. Sit it squarely, like a paperweight.
witch A pointed hat with a wide brim. Get the hat right and everything under it can be anything.
witch's apprentice A hat that is too big and a broom that is too long. Draw sleeves rolled up for work.
wizard A long beard, a tall hat and wide sleeves. Stars on the hat are optional.

Made and mended things 12

clockwork figure A key in the back, rivets at each joint and movements that tick. Draw the pose stiff.
empty suit of armour A helmet with the visor up and nothing inside. Draw one gauntlet raised in greeting.
garden statue come to life Grey stone all over, with moss on one shoulder and a pigeon on the head.
gargoyle On a building it is a carved spout that carries rainwater off the roof. Draw wings, a crouch and an open mouth.
haunted doll A round china face with painted cheeks and a lace collar. Tilt the head a little.
haunted portrait A gilt frame with the sitter leaning out of it. Draw one painted arm resting on the frame.
patchwork bear One button eye, one stitched eye and a paw mended in tartan. Draw it standing up.
pumpkin-headed figure A carved pumpkin on a thin body. Light the face from inside and keep the body dark.
scarecrow A straw-stuffed coat on a pole, with straw at the cuffs and collar. Draw the arms held straight out.
stitched-together creature Patches of different cloth joined with big neat stitches. Keep it soft, like a quilt.
turnip-headed figure A carved turnip for a head, small and knobbly, with a candle glow in the eyes.
wax figure Smooth, shiny and slightly melted at the edges. Draw a drip at the chin and the fingertips.

Small mischief 12

boggart A household spirit of northern English folklore. Draw a shaggy shape half out of a cupboard.
brownie A household spirit of Scottish folklore. Draw a small ragged figure tidying a kitchen at night.
gnome Usually shown as a small figure that lives underground. Draw a tall pointed hat and a round beard.
goblin In European folklore it is small and grotesque. Draw big ears, a long nose and a wide grin.
hobgoblin A household spirit of English folklore, once thought helpful. Draw it by a hearth with a broom.
imp Folklore makes imps small, lively and more mischievous than dangerous. Draw a pointed tail and a smirk.
knocker A gnome-like creature of Cornish and Devon folklore, found in mines. Draw a small figure tapping a rock wall.
kobold A sprite of Germanic folklore. Draw a small figure in a hood with a miner's pick or a broom.
pixie A small creature of British folklore, most of all in Cornwall and Devon. Draw pointed ears and a leaf hat.
sprite Folklore draws sprites as fairy-like creatures. Draw one thin and bright, with wings like a dragonfly.
troll A big nose, a mossy back and feet in a stream. Draw the arch of a bridge over its head.
will-o'-the-wisp A ghost light seen by travellers at night over bogs and marshes. Draw a small flame with a face.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each entry is a monster of Halloween folklore by its plain name, lower case with no article because the sentence adds it. No character, creature or look from a film, game, cartoon, toy line or book in copyright, and no studio's version of a classic monster. Each note gives the visual cue that makes the monster read at a glance. Notes that state a fact of folklore were checked on 2026-09-30 against an English Wikipedia article, at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ followed by one of: Banshee, Headless_Horseman, Poltergeist, White_Lady, Wraith, Werewolf, Black_dog_(folklore), Kelpie, Selkie, Púca, Yeti, Hag, Familiar, Gargoyle, Goblin, Imp, Boggart, Hobgoblin, Pixie, Brownie_(folklore), Sprite_(folklore), Will-o'-the-wisp, Kobold, Gnome, Knocker_(folklore). The other notes are drawing advice. Licence: own work

Twist: all 60 twists

Age and size 15

as old as the hills and proud of it A walking stick, a slow pace and a chin held high.
as old as the oldest oak in town Draw it beside the tree. Both have the same number of rings.
counting the days to a long winter sleep A calendar under one arm, most of it crossed off, and a wide yawn.

Show all 60 twists (57 more)

Age and size, continued

exactly as round as tall Fit the whole figure inside a circle and stick the limbs on after.
grown out of last year's costume Sleeves stop short and the hem rides high. Draw the gap.
narrow enough to stand behind a drainpipe Draw the pipe and a sliver of costume showing each side.
new to the neighbourhood Draw a hand-drawn map held upside down.
out for a first Halloween Everything is new. Draw wide eyes and a costume put on with great care.
smaller than the rest and sure of growing Draw it on tiptoe beside a height chart pencilled on a door frame.
still yawning from a very long sleep Half-shut eyes, a yawn and a blanket still round the shoulders.
tall enough to look over the hedge Put a hedge across the picture and only the top showing above it.
tiny enough to travel in a hood Draw the hood and a face looking over the edge of it.
too wide for the front path Draw the path narrow and the figure coming up it sideways.
very old and hard of hearing Draw a kindly lean forward, as if to catch what was said.
the youngest of nine Draw eight larger shapes going ahead up the street and one hurrying after.

Temper 15

bashful and keeping to the back Half hidden behind a gatepost with the sweet bag held out at full stretch.
cross until somebody shares a toffee Draw it twice: before, scowling, and after, with a wrapper.
doing a fierce face that keeps slipping A frown that keeps slipping into a smile. Draw one eyebrow up.
feeling brave for once A deep breath, a straight back and one step out ahead of the others.
full of beans for no clear reason A bounce in the step and a tune in the air. Add three small music notes.
giggling and unable to stop Shaking shoulders and a hand held over the grin.
homesick already A glance back down the street toward one lit window.
nosy about every doorstep Draw it bent double to look at a beetle, a letterbox or a drain cover.
not at all keen on the dark Draw it holding the light very close and looking over one shoulder.
rushing to fit in one more street Lean it forward at a steep angle and trail everything else behind.
sleepy and determined to stay up Propped against a wall with both eyes held wide open by effort.
so well mannered that nobody is frightened A small bow at every door. Draw the bow.
startled by every doorbell Draw it a little off the ground each time, with the bag flying.
sulking because it rained Arms folded and drips from every edge. Draw the puddle too.
very pleased with the costume Chest out and one arm raised to show it off. Add a small twirl line.

Trouble tonight 15

an hour late and out of breath The street is empty and the pumpkins are going out. Draw it at a jog.
covered in glitter that will not brush off Dot it all over and leave a sparkling trail on the path.
dared to knock at every door on the street A long row of doors and a deep breath before the first.
followed by a very keen puppy The puppy has one corner of the costume in its mouth.
meant to be at a different party down the road Everyone else is in ballgowns. Draw it in the doorway, deciding.
shut out and missing a key Draw it patting every pocket on the doorstep.
soaked by a sudden shower Shoulders up, costume drooping and a newspaper held overhead.
stuck minding a little cousin Draw a small copy of the monster holding on behind.
trying out a first pair of glasses Round frames, a careful step and a look of surprise at the stars.
who forgot what the costume is meant to be Draw it studying its own sleeve for clues.
who has lost the map A crumpled sheet, a scratch of the head and a signpost pointing three ways.
who has the hiccups Draw a small jump and the word hic in the air above it.
who keeps forgetting to be scary Draw it waving, then remembering and raising both arms.
whose laces keep coming undone One long lace trails behind. Draw it bent down for the fourth time.
whose sweet bag has a hole in it Draw a line of dropped sweets leading back the way it came.

Habits and talents 15

who bakes treats to hand out A floury smudge somewhere and a tin held out with the lid off.
who can juggle five apples Draw four in the air and one about to be dropped.
who counts every step out loud Trail small numbers along the pavement behind it.
who glows faintly when praised Give it a soft pale edge and a modest look at the ground.
who has learned exactly one magic trick A playing card half out of a sleeve and a hopeful look.
who keeps a diary of every Halloween A fat notebook under one arm, with ribbons marking the pages.
who knows every dog on the street by name Draw three dogs at three gates, all wagging.
who posts a small drawing through each letterbox Draw a small square of paper halfway through a letterbox.
who sings bass in the village choir A folder of music and a mouth open in a perfect O.
who sings the wrong words to every song Add a wavy line of small notes and one listener wincing.
who tap dances when nobody is looking Catch it mid step under a street light, arms out.
who thanks every house twice over Two small speech bubbles, one after the other.
who tries one riddle on every household Draw the householder already smiling before the end.
who walks backwards for luck Draw the path ahead of it and the face turned to us.
who whistles through a gap in the teeth Draw one thin line of sound and a bird answering.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each entry is an age, a size, a temper or a habit, written to follow the monster's name. Every one is friendly. The notes are drawing advice. Licence: own work

Wearing: all 60 outfits

Woollens and winter things 15

a balaclava knitted by an aunt Only the eyes show. The wool is a colour nobody would choose.
a cagoule down to the ankles The hood falls over the eyes. Shade the shiny folds in two tones.
a football scarf in last year's colours Two colours in bars, with both ends flying out behind.

Show all 60 outfits (57 more)

Woollens and winter things, continued

a hand-me-down jumper with the sleeves rolled Fat rolls at each wrist and a hem that hangs like a skirt.
a hat with flaps tied under the chin The flaps hang like spaniel ears and the bow sits to one side.
a mackintosh belted with string A long pale coat, a knot at the waist and a collar turned up.
a muffler wound up to the nose Bright eyes above a wall of wool. Let both ends hang.
a quilt wrapped twice round and belted A bundle of squares tied in the middle, like a parcel.
a quilted waistcoat that rustles Stitch it in diamonds and puff out each one a little.
a waistcoat put on back to front The buttons run down the back and the pockets face behind.
earmuffs shaped like pumpkins Two orange balls joined by a band. Each has a small carved face.
odd socks in two different stripes One striped across and one striped down. Draw them pulled up high.
one mitten and a scarf that trails Draw the scarf long and the bare hand, paw or claw tucked up a sleeve.
pyjamas under an open anorak Striped legs show below the hem and the zip is undone.
wellington boots on the wrong feet Point the toes outward. It has not noticed.

Costumes over the top 15

a baker's apron dusted in flour White handprints on the front and a wooden spoon in the pocket.
a bedsheet that has two eye holes The classic. Draw the holes at slightly different heights.
a bee costume and wobbling feelers Black and yellow bands and two springs with balls on the ends.
a breastplate taped up from a cereal box Printed card turned inside out, bottle tops for rivets and tape at every corner.
a cardboard crown and a curtain for a robe Draw the curtain hooks still along the top edge.
a cat mask and drawn-on whiskers The mask sits on top of the head. The whiskers are in pen.
a dinosaur onesie that has a floppy tail Soft spikes down the back and a hood of felt teeth.
a firefighter's helmet from the dressing-up box Red plastic with a chin strap that is too short.
a hero's cape made from a towel Fasten it with a clothes peg and show the towel's stripe.
a lion's mane made of wool Loops of orange and yellow yarn in a ring round the face.
a paper cone hat stuck all over with foil stars A paper cone, slightly dented, with stars of several sizes.
a pirate hat made of black card A wide crescent with a white paper badge, held on by elastic.
a pumpkin costume stuffed with cushions Round, orange and lumpy, with limbs sticking out at the corners.
a space helmet made from a colander Holes all over, two handles and a tin foil visor.
fairy wings held on by elastic Wire loops covered in net, sitting a little crooked.

Borrowed and odd 15

a coat made entirely of pockets Rows of flaps and buttons. Something different sticks out of each.
a collar of pressed oak leaves Brown lobed leaves threaded on string. A few are coming loose.
a crash helmet that keeps slipping down Draw it resting on whatever stops it: ears, horns or a nose.
a curtain that still has its rings on The rings clink. Draw them in a row along one shoulder.
a lampshade for a hat Fringed, a little crooked and still warm.
a necklace of conkers Shiny brown beads on a bootlace, each with a pale eye.
a paper hat from last year's crackers Tissue thin, torn at one point and mended with tape.
a picnic rug pinned at the shoulder Checked wool with a fringe, and a few crumbs still on it.
a saucepan for a helmet The handle sticks out behind. Add a dent and a shine.
a shower cap and slippers A puffy spotted cap and slippers that flap at the heel.
a spinning bow tie on elastic Add small curved lines round it and a pleased expression above.
a tea towel tied on as a cape Short, striped and printed with a recipe.
reflective arm bands and a bicycle clip Silver bands that catch the light. Colour nothing else as strongly.
sunglasses at night Two black ovals. Draw a street light reflected in each.
swimming goggles and a rubber ring Goggles pushed up on the brow and the ring round the middle.

Dressed up smart 15

a ball gown over muddy trainers Lift the hem a little to show them.
a bow tie and polished shoes Put one small highlight on each shoe and keep the bow slightly crooked.
a dinner jacket and a paper carnation Shiny lapels and one crumpled paper bloom pinned on crooked.
a feather boa and a tiara The boa sheds. Draw three loose feathers in the air.
a fob watch and a buttonhole of ivy A fine chain loops across the front. A sprig of leaves trails from the lapel.
a jockey's silks in orange and black Hoops round the body, a peaked cap and a number on the back.
a kilt and long socks Pleats at the back, a pin at the front and tabs at the sock tops.
a party dress and a wide sash A full skirt and a bow at the back as big as the wearer.
a ringmaster's red coat Gold braid at the cuffs and collar and a row of buttons each side.
a sequinned jacket Dot it all over and add four-point sparkles at the shoulders.
a silk scarf and a brooch shaped like a bat A loose knot at the throat and two tiny wings pinned beside it.
a tweed jacket and elbow patches Hatch the cloth in two directions and leave the patches plain.
a velvet waistcoat and brass buttons Shade the velvet dark and leave each button as a dot of bare paper.
a wide hat trimmed in paper bats The brim is as wide as the shoulders. Hang the bats on threads.
white gloves and a rosette that says Judge Draw the rosette large, with two ribbon tails and block capitals.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each entry is something put on for the night, written to follow the word "wearing". Home-made costumes and ordinary clothes only: nothing from a film, game, cartoon or shop. The notes are drawing advice. Licence: own work

Carrying: all 60 props

Treats 15

a bag of popcorn that is leaking Dot a trail of white puffs along the ground behind.
a bag of sweets saved for later Fold the top over twice and hold it very close.
a bucket shaped like a pumpkin Orange plastic with a handle and a face moulded on the side.

Show all 60 props (57 more)

Treats, continued

a half-nibbled candy necklace Pastel beads on elastic, with a gap where the best colours were.
a hot potato wrapped in foil Steam rises from one torn corner. It is passed from hand to hand.
a jar of sweets with the lid stuck Draw the effort: a grip, a twist and gritted teeth.
a lollipop as wide as a steering wheel A spiral of two colours on a stick that bends.
a mug of tomato soup and a straw Red to the brim, with a bendy straw and a curl of steam.
a pillowcase of sweets Draw it lumpy and heavy, dragged a little along the ground.
a plate of biscuits under a cloth Lift one corner of the cloth to show a bat-shaped edge.
a pocket of hazelnuts for cracking Round brown shells spilling from a coat. One is rolling away.
a single wrapped toffee held very carefully Small, gold and twisted at both ends, cupped like a treasure.
a slab of ginger cake in greaseproof paper Dark, sticky squares in a folded parcel, with one already missing.
a tray of gingerbread bats Brown wings, white icing eyes and one with a broken tip.
a wedge of pie balanced on a napkin A neat orange wedge and a blob of cream sliding off.

Lights 15

a bicycle lamp A small hard beam. Draw the cone of light with dust in it.
a box of spare batteries A small heavy carton. One battery has rolled out.
a cardboard moon held up on a cane A yellow crescent with a painted face, held up like a sign.
a carved pumpkin that has a lopsided grin Triangles for eyes, three teeth and candlelight on the chin above.
a glow stick bent into a ring One soft green circle, bright against a dark coat.
a hand mirror for checking the costume Draw the reflection too. It may not match.
a pocketful of luminous plastic stars Pale green points leaking between whatever holds them.
a string of fairy lights and nowhere to plug them in Loop them round and round and let the plug dangle.
a tea light glowing in a glass jar A string handle, a warm glow and moths arriving.
a tin star dangling from a bamboo cane A bright point bobs ahead on a thread, lighting the path.
a toadstool lamp that glows red A red cap with white spots, glowing softly from underneath.
a torch that has a weak battery A dim yellow circle on the ground that barely reaches the next step.
a turnip lantern Lanterns were carved from turnips and other roots before pumpkins. Draw it small, pale and knobbly.
a wind-up torch that whirrs A handle on the side and a beam that fades whenever the winding stops.
three tiny pumpkins in a string bag Three orange bumps stretch the net. One stalk pokes through.

Tools of the trade 15

a broom that has a bent handle Twigs bound with wire and a kink halfway up the shaft.
a carpet bag that will not close Bulging sides and a sleeve caught in the clasp.
a cookery book splashed with batter A thick book with stains along the edges and a page stuck to the next.
a fiddle and a bow that needs rosin Tuck the fiddle under the chin and let two hairs hang loose from the bow.
a ghost chain glued from grey paper It does not rattle. Draw it rustling and one link torn.
a huge ring of rusty keys Dozens of keys on a hoop as big as a plate. Draw the weight.
a list of doors and half of them ticked A folded sheet, a pencil stub and neat ticks down one side.
a map of every house that gives full-size bars Crosses, stars and one street circled twice.
a scorecard on a stick Draw it held up after each house. Most get a seven.
a small cauldron used as a handbag Three stubby legs, a hooped handle and a purse peeping out.
a spare costume in a carrier bag A corner of something furry sticks out of the top.
a stool for reaching high doorbells Three legs, a round seat and scuffs from many doorsteps.
a wand mended with tape A thin stick with a bandage at the middle and a slight bend.
a wooden football rattle A paddle that clacks round a handle. Add a ring of short sound lines.
an old box camera round the neck An old box with one round lens and a flash bulb on top.

Odd things 15

a board game that has its lid taped on A flat box with split corners. Something rattles inside.
a bunch of balloons shaped like bats Black wings on strings, tugging upward. One has escaped.
a fairy cake and a lit candle stuck in it Pink icing, a single small flame and a hand cupped to shield it.
a folded deckchair Striped canvas and a wooden frame that will not stay shut.
a garden rake and a bulging sack Red and gold spill from the top of the sack. A few blow away.
a hat stand in case of hats Tall, wooden and many-armed, carried like a flag.
a paper pinwheel that will not spin Bright sails on a stick, held up hopefully in still air.
a parcel tied up for the post Brown paper, knotted string and a row of stamps along the top.
a pet cactus in a teacup Small, round and prickly, carried at arm's length.
a pet rock on a lead A smooth grey stone with painted eyes, dragged along on a ribbon.
a reel of ribbon that keeps unrolling The thread runs back down the street and round a corner.
a seed catalogue with the corners turned down A floppy booklet of bright flowers, rolled in one fist.
a sock full of marbles A lumpy sock that clicks. Draw the bulges and one marble escaping.
a trombone A long brass slide and a wide bell. Draw it pointed safely upward.
an alarm clock set for midnight Two bells on top and both hands almost at twelve.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each entry is one prop, written to follow the word "carrying". One note states a fact, checked on 2026-09-30: a jack-o'-lantern is a lantern carved, most often, out of a pumpkin, or in the past from a root vegetable such as a turnip (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack-o%27-lantern). The other notes are drawing advice. Licence: own work

Doing: all 60 activities

Friendly 20

bobbing for apples at a party A tub, a splash and a wet face coming up with a stalk.
dancing at the village hall disco Coloured spots on the floor and paper chains across the ceiling.
handing out sweets at the front door The bowl is held low for a row of small figures on the step.

Show all 60 activities (57 more)

Friendly, continued

handing round a plate at the party A tray held out at arm's length and a row of hands reaching in.
helping a smaller monster across the road Two figures of very different sizes, hand in hand at a crossing.
holding still to have a portrait sketched Show the easel from behind and the sitter trying not to move.
holding the gate for everyone behind Draw the gate wide and a long line going through.
judging the best carved pumpkin A row of pumpkins on a table and one rosette to give.
knocking at the wrong door Draw the door opening on a room where a quiet dinner is going on.
learning the steps of a new dance Footprints numbered on the ground and a tongue poking out in thought.
pinning up a poster for the Halloween fair A sheet half fixed to a fence, with drawing pins held ready.
practising saying boo in a shop window Draw the reflection, which is not convinced.
queuing politely for sweets Put it in a line of smaller figures, waiting with the bag held open.
reading a spooky story to a row of pumpkins An open book, a raised finger and the pumpkins all facing in.
returning a dropped glove Draw it running after someone with the glove held high.
sorting the night's sweets by colour Sort them into piles and draw a hand hovering over the best one.
sweeping leaves off a neighbour's step A neat heap, a tidy step and more leaves coming down.
taking a tiny dog round the block A long lead and a dog in a costume of its own.
waving at every window One arm up, and a different face at each pane.
writing a thank-you note under a street light Paper against a knee and the tip of a pencil being licked.

Mischievous 20

blowing raspberries at the moon A tongue out, a spray of dots and a moon that looks offended.
crouching in a leaf heap ready to pop out Two eyes and the tip of a hat show above a heap of red and gold.
drawing a moustache on a pumpkin A marker pen, a curly line and a proud step back.
driving a hard bargain over a swap of sweets Two figures on a kerb with sweets laid out between them like chess.
edging past a dozing cat on a wall Arms out for balance, one foot raised and the cat's ear turning.
hooting like an owl from inside a bush The bush has a hat on. Add a real owl looking down at it.
hopping from paving stone to paving stone Arms out wide and the sweet bag swinging as a counterweight.
juggling toffees and dropping most of them Two in the air and five on the ground.
leaving muddy prints up a clean path Draw the prints first. Their shape says what made them.
making faces in a shop window Draw the face squashed flat against the glass.
photobombing a family picture A tidy group in front and one huge grin behind them.
racing a friend to the end of the street Two blurs, bags flying and a lamp post as the finishing line.
ringing a doorbell and hiding behind the hedge One finger still out, and the rest already out of sight.
skidding the length of a polished hall Draw it side on, leaning back, with the hat left behind in mid air.
sneaking an extra sweet from the bowl Draw the bowl, the hand and the eyes turned the other way.
splashing through every puddle A fan of water each side and soaked hems all round.
stacking pumpkins into a wobbly tower The fifth is going on. Curve the whole stack to one side.
swapping the signs on two garden gates One name plate under each arm and a look both ways.
trying on everyone else's hats A stack of four on its head and a hand reaching for a fifth.
wearing a second costume over the first A sleeve of one shows under the other, and a tail it forgot.

Gently spooky 20

casting a huge shadow up a wall Draw the shadow first, three times the size, then the small owner.
creeping along a fence on tiptoe Only the hat and the fingertips show over the top.
drifting past a lit window Draw the window from inside, with a shape going by in the dark.
gliding down a path without touching it Leave a clear strip between it and the ground, and no prints.
howling at the moon and being shushed Head thrown back, and a window opening above.
loitering in the mist beside a bus stop A cone of pale light and one soft dark figure in the middle.
lurking at the back of the pumpkin patch Rows of orange in front and one dark upright shape behind.
moaning softly in a doorway Draw the sound as one long wavering line coming out of the shadow.
peering down from a skylight A tall house, one small lit square at the top and a shape inside it.
perching on a gatepost like a statue Perfectly still, knees up, while people walk past underneath.
posing on a hilltop with the moon behind A black outline on a white disc. The costume still shows.
practising a scary face in a puddle Bent over the water, with the reflection trying harder than it is.
rattling the garden gate at midnight Small shake lines on the gate and a clock tower behind.
rising slowly out of a pile of leaves Leaves slide off the shoulders. Draw the top half only.
scratching at a door and then knocking properly Draw the scratch marks low down and the knuckles raised.
stepping out of the mist at a crossroads Four roads, a signpost and a figure that is solid only from the waist up.
swooping low over the rooftops Chimneys below, the moon above and a costume streaming behind.
telling ghost stories by torchlight A ring of small listeners and a face lit from under the chin.
turning up at the edge of a photograph Everyone smiles at the camera. It is half in the frame.
vanishing every time a car goes by Headlights sweep the hedge. Draw the gap where it stood.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each entry is what the monster is doing, written to end the sentence. Friendly, mischievous or gently spooky: nobody is frightened badly and nothing is harmed. The notes are drawing advice. Licence: own work

How it works

This Halloween monster generator dresses one monster of folklore for the night. Press New monster and a sentence gives the monster, a twist, what it wears, what it carries and what it is up to. Friendly, never gory.

Read the full guide

A monster everyone knows, in a costume nobody expects

The monster comes from folklore by its plain name: a ghost, a banshee, a boggart, a scarecrow. Everyone knows the outline, so the fun is in the costume. Draw the monster first as a simple shape, then put the scarf, the saucepan helmet or the fairy wings on top and let the monster show through.

After the first press

You can time a drawing and print a sheet of 30 monsters. As a random halloween monster generator for a party table, print the sheet, cut it into strips and deal one each.

Keep one clue of the monster showing under the costume: a tail, a pair of fangs or a trailing bandage.
Give the prop some weight. A full pillowcase drags along the ground and a balloon pulls upward.
Draw the street too. A lit doorway or a row of pumpkins says Halloween faster than the monster does.

Questions and answers

Is it suitable for young children?

Yes. Every monster is friendly and dressed for a party. Nothing is gory and nobody is frightened badly. The spookiest results are a huge shadow up a wall or a shape at a skylight.

Which monsters are in it?

Monsters of folklore by their plain names: the restless dead such as a ghost and a mummy, shape-changers and night beasts, witches and their company, made and mended things such as a scarecrow, and small mischief such as a goblin or a boggart.

Are the monsters from films or cartoons?

No. Each is named plainly from folklore, with no character or look from any film, game, cartoon or toy line. Notes that state a fact, such as where the banshee comes from, were checked against Wikipedia.

Can I use it as a halloween creature generator for a costume idea?

Yes. Read the monster and what it wears as the costume, and the prop as the thing to carry. Most of the outfits are home-made: a bedsheet, a saucepan, a towel for a cape.