A Night Owl’s Delight: 1977 Burger King Owl Trick or Treat Bag

Vintage Halloween collectors know the thrill of finding a piece that perfectly captures the era’s style and spirit. One such treasure is the 1977 Burger King Owl Trick or Treat Bag, a colorful relic that’s equal parts advertising and public-service announcement.

The front of the bag features a wide-eyed owl perched against a full moon, set against bold orange and deep navy blocks of color. Its clean, slightly cartoonish lines reflect late-1970s graphic design, simple shapes, high contrast, and just enough whimsy to delight kids clutching it on a chilly Halloween night.

Under the owl’s talons sit the words “TRICK OR TREAT” alongside the classic Burger King logo of the era. This wasn’t just a candy vessel; it was a walking billboard. Kids parading through neighborhoods doubled as tiny commercials for the fast food chain.

Safety First! Halloween Do’s and Don’ts

Flip the bag over and you’ll find something that feels just as nostalgic: a list of Halloween Do’s and Don’ts. Remember to “look both ways before you cross any streets”. And “Don’t eat anything before Mom or Dad says it’s okay,”. These guidelines capture the child safety concerns of the late ’70s. It’s a time capsule of parental advice when urban legends about tainted candy were first spreading.

The bag itself is sturdy paper with braided rope handles. This kind of quality few modern plastic treat Bags can match. Most of these were used on Halloween night and quickly discarded, which makes surviving examples all the more collectible today. The bag was produced in the United States by Equitable Bag company of New York.

For collectors of vintage advertising, Halloween memorabilia, or 1970s fast food ephemera, the 1977 Burger King Trick-or-Treat Bag is a prize worth hooting about.

Have a piece like this in your collection? Share your photos and stories in the comments!