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Is the idea of prepping for the spookiest time of the year making you feel a little bit haunted? You can put the fun back into the season with these Halloween DIY tricks and ideas that will not only help you save a few bucks but allow you to have a killer celebration and just as much fun preparing.
Whether you’re taking the kids trick or treating, hosting a Halloween party, or staying in for a cozy night at home, there’s a money-saving tip and festive activity for every spooky event. Get into the spirit of the season with these DIY hacks that will have you recharging while spending creative time with loved ones. Keep reading to unlock some money-saving Halloween hacks!
Best ways to save money on trick-or-treating
Whether you’re getting ready to hand out candy and want to make sure you’re the best house on the block or you’re making the rounds with your costumed kiddos in tow, we want you to have all the supplies you need. From costumes to candy, these fun Halloween DIY ideas are trick-or-treater friendly.
1. Switch candy for Halloween coloring pages
On the hunt for Halloween candy alternatives? We have a couple of DIY ideas that will both save you money and allow your kids to get creative this Halloween. Download a black and white Halloween-themed image and print out copies to hand out when the trick-or-treaters come knocking. Kids can do a little festive coloring when they get home while they’re munching on candy.
2. Make homemade slime or playdough for your trick or treaters
Homemade slime or playdough is also easy to make and safe for kids. All you need is a couple of household ingredients, food coloring, and zip lock bags or repurposed containers. On average, one person will spend about $30 dollars on Halloween candy and the average person doesn’t even end up giving out as much candy as they buy. For under $30 and less waste, you could make approximately 64 servings (½ cup) of slime or over 240 servings (1 oz.) of homemade playdough. That even includes extra money left over to add glitter or festive decorations!
3. Halloween face paint ideas to complete your costume
Whether you’re trick-or-treating or heading to a costume party, we have some budget ideas for your costume. A little bit of paint goes a long way! With no more than a simple palette and a paintbrush, you can transform into a terrifying zombie, ghost, or skeleton. Your statement face will stand on its own without an extravagant outfit. Need a DIY mummy costume that won’t waste a precious roll of toilet paper and can handle the wear of a long night? Instead of tossing old bed sheets into the giveaway pile, rip them up to make an easy mummy costume. Brush up on your sewing basics to make sure your DIY costume shines all night.
4. Dress on trend with DIY pop culture Halloween costumes
Into pop culture? Follow along with one of this year’s trending characters with a blank tee and a paint pen or iron-on decal. With just a baseball tee and a little creativity, you can become a member of the Hellfire Club for a Stranger Things costume or an easy DIY Harley Quinn. With the same supplies, you can even become a Peaches ball player for an A League of Their Own costume where you can easily spend over $50 on a costume alone rather than just $20 on a t-shirt and fabric paint. Practice your illustration in a drawing class at home for coloring tips before you take your pen to your t-shirt.
Throw a bewitching Halloween party with these money-saving tips
Who says Halloween is just for kids? With these Halloween party ideas for adults, you can focus on what you’ll love most – cocktails, snacks, and spooktacular home decor.
1. Make spooky cocktails to delight your party guests
Save money and add a Halloween DIY twist to your cocktails by incorporating just one featured ingredient. Sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter in any beverage to instantly turn it into a spiked potion – blue curacao makes for a fun pop of supernatural color – or add spice to your sangria for a festive fall punch that will give off bloody vampire vibes. Want to brush up on your bartending skills? Take a cocktail-making class and learn Halloween cocktail recipes that won’t disappoint.
2. Incorporate gothic floral arrangements for enchanting party decor
Bats, jack-o-lanterns, and fake spiderwebs are fun, but if you want to stay away from the cliches this Halloween, gothic florals are the way to go. Go natural with a bunch of dark blooms in shades of black, purple, and red– start with Queen of the night Tulips, Arabian Night Dahlia, or Black Pearl Roses, just to name a few. These statement flowers will add the perfect haunting ambiance to your indoor Halloween decor.
According to a study, before the pandemic, the average person was spending almost $50 on Halloween decorations. You can easily create a stunning flower arrangement for half the price. Pick up a bundle of stems from your local farmer’s market for $10, or pull from your own garden or a kind neighbor’s for free. You can even get tips on how to design your arrangement and add a custom touch from a professional with a virtual floristry class.
3. Save money with dollar store decor ideas
If you’re looking for even more creative ways to save money with this idea, It’s time to call upon dollar store Halloween craft ideas. Get a bouquet of fake flowers from your local dollar or craft store ($1.25 per unit), and with a touch of black or metallic spray paint ($7.99), you’ll have beautiful bouquets you’ll be able to use year after year.
4. Halloween party food ideas for your late-night cravings
What’s a party without some yummy Halloween finger foods? Upgrade your Halloween snack tray to homemade Halloween charcuterie boards in 2022! You can still hit all your favorite charcuterie items with a Halloween theme. Berry jams and dark fruits like pomegranate, blackberries, figs, and purple grapes will look striking next to green and black olives, cheddar cheese, and deviled eggs. Tie it all together with a miniature pumpkin and maybe even some Halloween treats for decor, and you have easy Halloween snacks your guests will love.
Spend a cozy Halloween at home with fall craft ideas
If you’re spending Halloween solo, with a partner, or just a couple of friends at home, we have some Halloween DIY ideas that will add a cozy touch to your Halloween indoors. Exchanging a night out for quality time with yourself or loved ones will both save you money and allow you to spend invaluable time with people you care about.
1. Create a haunted ambiance with homemade candles
Tis’ the season for candle making! Set a spooky mood for your Halloween night at home in 2022. Experiment with handmade woodwick candles to recreate the crackle of a warm fireplace while you sip on a mug of homemade apple cider or pumpkin beer.
2. Call on the spirits
Searching for more thrilling activities to do at home? For a cozy night in, you can learn manifesting with crystals or incorporate a tarot card reading into the evening. The Halloween season is the perfect time of year to connect with your spiritual side. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to break out the ouija board and channel the dead, but it is an opportunity to dig deeper and learn more about yourself from a new perspective.
Learning new things will help inspire your creativity and stimulate your brain, and this fun Halloween activity will add a memorable touch to your chill Halloween at home. For no cost at all, you can end the night feeling rejuvenated with positive energy.
