Spoiler alert – You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a spooktacular Halloween this year! We’ve put together a fun guide of budget-friendly decorations, snacks, activities and costume ideas to help inspire you to get creative this Halloween and make a memorable one, with ideas that can make Halloween fun to celebrate with both friends and family (including little ones)!
Decorations: Spooky and Budget-Friendly
Decorating for Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, some of the best Halloween décor can be created with a DIY approach, using items you already own or even materials found in nature.
- DIY Decorations: Crafting your own decorations is both fun and affordable. You can easily make spooky silhouettes using black construction paper and scissors or create eerie candle holders out of recycled jars. Don’t forget the most classic of all – visiting your local grocery store and getting a few small pumpkins to paint, or larger ones to carve!
- Upcycle and Reuse: Old sheets can transform into ghostly figures, and empty cardboard boxes can be painted and turned into gravestones or coffin props. There are so many possibilities with upcycling what you already have lying around the house! Lastly, keep your previous Halloween decorations in a box tucked away so that each year you can use them over and over again. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can look up re-creating some of your favourite movie references and re-create those with items that you already have!
- Nature-Inspired Décor: Take advantage of the autumn season by incorporating nature into your Halloween setup. Gather fallen leaves, pinecones, and branches to create eerie wreaths or creepy centrepieces. These can be quite a gorgeous decorative addition to your front door, or dining table, and embrace all the beautiful colours that autumn has to offer!
- Homemade Scarecrow: A scarecrow is a timeless Halloween decoration. Stuff old clothes with straw or leaves, prop it up with some sticks, and top it with a pumpkin head. You’ll have a festive figure for your yard, all for free!
Affordable Halloween Snacks and Fun Treats
The treats and snacks are some of the most enjoyable parts of Halloween, and you can easily whip up some creative, spooky bites without blowing your budget. Here are some fun and easy-to-make treats:
- Rice Krispie Monsters: Turn classic Rice Krispie treats spooky by melting white chocolate, adding food colouring to the melted chocolate, and dipping the rice crispies into the different coloured chocolate and draw monster faces with the icing. Add sprinkles to take your monsters to the level of spooky.
- Boo Strawberries: Dip strawberries in white chocolate and use dark chocolate to create ghostly faces. These tasty treats are both spooky and healthy-ish!
- Spider Cookies: Make basic cookies, then decorate them with chocolate spiders using icing and sweets. These are a great treat for kids to help with!
- Pumpkin Puke Dip: For a hilarious party snack, carve a small pumpkin with a silly or scared face, then place a dip (like guacamole) spilling out from its mouth.
- Pumpkin Seed Snacks: When done carving your pumpkins, save the seeds, wash them, and bake them in the oven using your favourite savour seasonings. They’re a delicious and healthy snack to enjoy, and help you waste less of your pumpkin carving insides!
Spooky Activities for All Ages
Halloween isn’t just about the sweets – it’s also about creating spooky experiences. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun! Here are some simple, budget-friendly activities for all ages.
- Halloween Movie Marathon: Settle in for a night of classic Halloween films. Whether it’s spooky or kid-friendly, you can find plenty of movies on streaming services or even rent DVDs from the library if you still have a DVD player kicking around!
- Ghost Stories: Gather around and tell ghost stories in the dark with just a flashlight. This classic Halloween activity never goes out of style and is perfect for all ages.
- Spooky Walks: If you live near a park or wooded area, take a spooky night walk. The rustling leaves and cool autumn air will set the perfect Halloween mood. Bring along flashlights or lanterns for added atmosphere.
- Halloween Party: Host a budget-friendly Halloween party by asking guests to contribute snacks or help with decorations. Set up DIY games like “pin the hat on the witch” or a scavenger hunt with small prizes. A little effort can go a long way.
Costumes: Look Spooky Without Spending a Fortune
Costumes are often one of the biggest Halloween expenses, but with a little creativity, you can dress to impress without breaking the bank.
- Thrift Stores: Thrift stores are a treasure trove for affordable costume pieces. You can mix and match clothes to create unique costumes, or even find second-hand Halloween costumes for a fraction of the cost.
- Clothing You Already Have: Look through your closet for items you can transform into a costume. A black dress can become a witch’s outfit with a hat, or a flannel shirt paired with some makeup can turn you into a zombie lumberjack. Get creative with accessories and makeup to complete the look.
- Cashback on Costumes: If you do need to buy a costume, look for ways to save. Many retailers offer cashback deals or discounts around Halloween, and you can shop sales or use coupons to cut down on costs. Additionally, don’t forget to take advantage of exclusive cashback offers with Complete Savings!
With a little planning and creativity, Halloween doesn’t have to be an expensive holiday. By making DIY decorations, whipping up budget-friendly snacks, and finding affordable costumes, you can enjoy all the spooky fun without the financial fright. So, get ready to celebrate the season, and have a magical, safe, and budget-friendly Halloween, from all of us at Complete Savings!