Halloween is all about costumes, candy, and creativity—but it’s also one of the busiest nights of the year after dark. If your kids are heading out trick-or-treating, visibility is key to staying safe while they’re on the go. A fun way to combine safety and style? Custom trick-or-treat bags made with glow-in-the-dark and reflective heat transfer vinyl (HTV).
Not only do these bags hold all the candy, but they also double as glowing, eye-catching accessories that make kids easier to spot at night. Here’s how each type of HTV can transform your Halloween projects.
Glow-in-the-Dark HTV
Glow-in-the-dark HTV looks like regular vinyl during the day—usually white or pale in color—but once the sun sets, it comes alive with a spooky green glow.
- Best for designs: Fun Halloween shapes like ghosts, pumpkins, bats, or lettering that pops at night.
- How it works: The vinyl “charges” when exposed to light, then glows once it’s dark. The longer it’s in the light, the brighter the glow.
- Why it’s great for bags: Kids will love seeing their designs shine as they walk from house to house, and it helps keep them visible in darker areas.
Reflective HTV
Reflective HTV is all about visibility and safety. It looks silver or gray in daylight, but when hit with headlights or a flashlight, it bounces light back with a bright, glowing-white effect.
- Best for designs: Bold accents like stripes, borders, or large lettering that can catch car headlights from a distance.
- How it works: Tiny glass beads in the vinyl reflect light, making it especially effective for nighttime activities.
- Why it’s great for bags: It ensures your child is more noticeable to drivers and neighbors as they move around in the dark.
Final Tip
Don’t forget—always do a small test cut before working with these specialty HTVs. Both glow and reflective vinyl are thicker than standard HTV, so dialing in your cut settings will save you time and material.
With just a little creativity, you can make trick-or-treat bags that are not only cute and custom, but also help keep your little ghouls and goblins safe while they’re out collecting candy.