
DIY Halloween Decorations You Can Make for Less Than $20
, by Maria Asvestas, 35 min reading time
, by Maria Asvestas, 35 min reading time
Picture this: It's October, and your neighbors are already putting up their spooky decorations. You walk past houses with glowing jack-o'-lanterns, creepy spider webs, and ghostly figures dancing in the wind. Your heart sinks a little because you want that same magical Halloween feeling for your home, but your wallet says "no way."
Here's the good news that will make you smile: You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to create a Halloween wonderland that will make trick-or-treaters gasp with delight. With just a few simple supplies and some creative magic, you can transform your home into the spookiest house on the block for less than the cost of a fancy dinner out.
We're about to share 16 amazing DIY Halloween decorations that cost less than $20 each. These aren't just any decorations – they're the kind that make kids stop and stare, that make adults ask "Where did you get that?" and that fill your heart with pride every time you see them.
The best part? Most of these projects use things you probably already have at home. That old sheet in your closet? It's about to become a ghostly masterpiece. Those empty jars in your recycling bin? They're going to glow with spooky light. Even your kids can help make most of these, turning a regular afternoon into a memory-making adventure.
Ready to discover how easy it is to create Halloween magic on a budget? Let's dive into these incredible projects that will transform your home without emptying your wallet.
When you make your own Halloween decorations, something wonderful happens. First, you save money – lots of it. While fancy store decorations can cost $50 or more for just one piece, you can create an entire spooky scene for the same price.
But saving money is just the beginning. When you craft your own decorations, you get to make them exactly how you want them. Want your ghost to have a friendly smile instead of a scary frown? You're the boss! Need your spider web to fit that weird corner by your front door? No problem – you can make it any size you want.
Here's something even better: making Halloween decorations becomes a fun family activity. Picture your kids' faces lighting up as they help you wrap gauze around a pillow to make a mummy. Imagine the giggles as you all work together to cut out paper bats. These moments become precious memories that last long after Halloween is over.
You're also helping the planet when you make your own decorations. Instead of buying new plastic items that might break after one season, you're using things you already have. That cardboard box becomes a haunted house. Those old sheets become floating ghosts. You're being creative and eco-friendly at the same time.
The final reason might be the best one: your decorations will be completely unique. No one else on your street will have exactly what you have. Your home will stand out in the most wonderful way, and you'll feel proud knowing you created something special with your own hands.
Before we jump into the fun projects, let's talk about the supplies that will become your Halloween crafting superstars. The good news is that most of these items are things you might already have at home, and the ones you need to buy are super affordable.
Start with these basic supplies that work for almost every project. Black and orange spray paint are like magic wands for Halloween crafting. They can turn any ordinary item into something spooky. A hot glue gun and glue sticks will become your best friends – they stick things together quickly and hold them tight. Sharp scissors are important for cutting clean lines, and black markers help add those perfect spooky details.
LED string lights are amazing because they're safe and create that perfect eerie glow. Unlike regular candles, you don't have to worry about fire, which means kids can help with every step. Battery-operated tea lights give you that flickering candle look without any danger.
Look around your home with new eyes, and you'll find Halloween decoration gold everywhere. Old white sheets and pillowcases are perfect for making ghosts and mummies. Cardboard boxes can become haunted houses, tombstones, or spooky signs. Empty glass jars turn into glowing lanterns or creepy potion bottles.
Don't throw away those toilet paper rolls! They make perfect spider bodies. Plastic bottles can become floating ghosts with just a few cuts and some paint. Even old newspapers become useful for stuffing scarecrows or creating texture.
When you do need to buy supplies, think smart. Mason jars work for multiple projects and can be used year after year. Gauze and cheesecloth create that perfect aged, spooky look for mummies and ghosts. Foam pumpkins last forever and can be carved safely, even by kids.
Plastic spiders and bats are tiny investments that make huge impacts. Scatter them around your other decorations, and suddenly everything looks more haunted. Black contact paper creates perfect window silhouettes that look professional but cost almost nothing.
The secret to budget decorating is buying supplies that work for multiple projects. That way, you get more bang for your buck and can create an entire Halloween theme that looks like it was planned by a professional decorator.
Ready to see these supplies in action? Let's start creating some Halloween magic!
Imagine walking into a room and seeing mysterious glowing lights that seem to float like friendly spirits. These ghostly mason jar luminaries create exactly that magical feeling, and they're so easy to make that even young kids can help.
Start by cleaning your mason jars until they sparkle. Take them outside or to a well-ventilated area and give them a light coat of white spray paint. Don't worry about making it perfect – a little unevenness actually makes them look more ghostly! Let them dry completely while you prepare the other materials.
Once dry, use your black marker to draw simple ghost faces on each jar. Two dots for eyes and a small oval for the mouth work perfectly. Make each face a little different – some surprised, some sleepy, some silly. This is where kids can really let their creativity shine!
Tear your cheesecloth into pieces and drape them over the jars like ghostly cloaks. The fabric should look a bit messy and flowing. Drop a battery-operated tea light into each jar, and watch as your ghosts come to life with a soft, spooky glow.
Pro Tips: Place these at different heights around a room for the best effect. Try putting one on a bookshelf, one on a side table, and one on the floor in a corner. The varying heights make it look like a whole family of ghosts is visiting your home!
Nothing says "cozy Halloween" like snuggling up with a mummy on your couch! These adorable mummy pillows look like they took hours to make, but they're actually super simple and so much fun to create.
Put your regular pillows inside the white pillowcases – this gives you the perfect mummy body shape. Now comes the fun part: wrapping your mummy! Start at one corner and begin wrapping the gauze around the pillow. Don't worry about being neat – mummies are supposed to look a little messy and ancient.
Wrap in different directions, leaving some loose ends hanging for that authentic "I've been in a tomb for centuries" look. Make sure to leave space for the eyes – that's where your mummy's personality will shine through.
Cut two oval shapes from your black felt for the eyes. Make them different sizes if you want your mummy to look surprised or sleepy. Use hot glue to attach them to the gauze, pressing firmly so they stay put even when kids hug the pillows.
Pro Tips: Make several mummies with different expressions. A winking mummy is hilarious, and a sleepy mummy with droopy eyes is adorable. Kids love giving each mummy a name and personality!
Transform your windows into scenes from a haunted house with these dramatic silhouettes. During the day, they look mysterious and elegant. At night, when your indoor lights are on, they create incredible shadows that will amaze everyone who walks by your house.
First, decide what spooky shapes you want. Bats flying across the window look amazing, especially in different sizes. Bare tree branches reaching across the glass create a haunted forest feeling. A witch's silhouette or a cat arching its back also work perfectly.
If you're not confident drawing freehand, sketch your shapes on regular paper first, then trace them onto the contact paper. Cut out your shapes carefully – sharp scissors make this job much easier and give you cleaner lines.
Peel off the backing and stick your silhouettes to the inside of your windows. Start with larger shapes first, then add smaller details. The great thing about contact paper is that if you don't like where you put something, you can carefully peel it off and try again.
Pro Tips: Create a story with your silhouettes. Maybe bats are flying toward a haunted tree, or a cat is stalking through a spooky garden. When people look at your windows, they'll see a whole Halloween scene unfolding!
Picture a line of cheerful ghosts floating through your hallway or across your mantle. This garland brings smiles instead of scares, and it's perfect for families who want Halloween fun without the frightening parts.
Cut your tissue paper into squares – about 6 inches works great, but you can make them different sizes for variety. Place a small cotton ball in the center of each square. This will be your ghost's head.
Gather the tissue paper around the cotton ball and twist it gently to create the ghost's neck. The paper below becomes the flowing ghostly body. Use your black marker to draw a simple face on the head part – two dots for eyes and a small circle for a surprised mouth look adorable.
Tie your fishing line around the twisted neck area, leaving long tails of line between each ghost. Space them about 8 inches apart so they can float freely without tangling.
Pro Tips: Make your ghosts different sizes and give them different expressions. Some can look happy, some surprised, some sleepy. Hang the garland where air can move it slightly – the gentle floating motion makes the ghosts look truly magical.
Turn your recycling into an army of adorable (not scary!) spiders that kids will love making and playing with. These little creatures can crawl all over your house, creating Halloween fun in every corner.
If you're using paint, cover your toilet paper rolls with black paint and let them dry completely. If you prefer paper, cut black construction paper to fit around each roll and glue it in place. Both methods work great – choose whatever feels easier for you.
Once your spider bodies are ready, it's time to add the legs. Cut four pipe cleaners in half – this gives you eight legs per spider, which is exactly right! Poke small holes in the sides of your toilet paper roll, four on each side. Push the pipe cleaners through and bend them to look like spider legs.
Glue on googly eyes – two big ones or several smaller ones. The more eyes, the sillier your spider looks! Bend the legs so your spider can stand up, or leave them straight so it looks like it's crawling.
Pro Tips: Make a whole spider family with different sizes of rolls. Paper towel rolls make mama spiders, toilet paper rolls make daddy spiders, and cut-down rolls make baby spiders. Kids love creating spider families and giving each one a name!
Create your own spooky cemetery that will make trick-or-treaters do a double-take! These tombstones look so real that neighbors will wonder where you bought them, but you'll know the proud secret – you made them yourself for almost nothing.
Draw tombstone shapes on your foam board – some tall and narrow, some short and wide, some with curved tops. Real cemeteries have lots of different shapes, so don't worry about making them all the same. Cut them out carefully with a sharp knife (adults should do this part).
Spray paint everything gray and let it dry completely. Here's where the magic happens: use your black marker to add cracks, stains, and weathering marks. Draw lines that look like the stone is old and cracking. Add some dark spots that look like age stains.
Write funny or spooky sayings on your tombstones. "Here Lies My Diet" always gets laughs, or "RIP Good WiFi Signal" for a modern twist. You can also use classic names like "Ima Goner" or "Barry D. Alive."
Attach wooden stakes to the back so you can push them into the ground. If your soil is hard, make the holes first with a screwdriver.
Pro Tips: Group your tombstones in clusters like a real cemetery. Add some fake flowers or battery-operated candles nearby for extra spookiness. The uneven spacing makes it look more authentic than a perfect straight line.
Nothing says "haunted house" like a massive spider web stretched across your porch or between trees. This project creates serious wow factor and makes your house look like it's been abandoned for years (in the best possible way).
Find the perfect spot – a corner of your porch, between two trees, or across a large window. Start with the anchor lines: these are the main lines that hold everything else. Tie or nail your rope to create a basic frame – imagine you're making a giant tic-tac-toe grid.
Now add the web pattern. Start from the center and work outward in a spiral, connecting each line to the frame. Don't worry about making it perfect – real spider webs aren't perfect either! Leave some sections loose or broken for that authentic abandoned look.
Place your plastic spiders strategically around the web. Put the biggest one right in the center like it's waiting for prey. Smaller spiders can look like they're crawling around the edges.
Pro Tips: Spray your web lightly with water on Halloween morning – it makes the rope look dewy and even more realistic. If you don't have a good corner, you can make a smaller web and lean it against a wall or fence.
Bring some personality to your yard with a skeleton that's living its best afterlife! These displays always make people smile because skeletons doing normal activities is just naturally funny.
First, decide what your skeleton is going to be doing. Raking leaves? Reading a newspaper? Walking a skeleton dog? The sillier, the better! Dress your skeleton in appropriate clothes – a bathrobe for a skeleton getting the morning paper, or work clothes for a skeleton doing yard work.
Use wire or zip ties to pose your skeleton in the right position. Bend the arms and legs to look natural for whatever activity you chose. If your skeleton is sitting, make sure it's balanced so it won't fall over in the wind.
Add props to complete the scene. A skeleton reading a book needs glasses and maybe a cup of coffee nearby. A skeleton gardening needs a small shovel and maybe some fake flowers to plant.
Pro Tips: Change your skeleton's activity throughout October to keep neighbors guessing what it will do next. Start with something simple like waving, then move to more complex scenes as Halloween approaches.
Create a warm, welcoming glow that says "Halloween magic lives here." These luminaries are safer than real candles but give you that same flickering, mysterious light that makes Halloween nights special.
Design your faces on paper first, then transfer them to your pumpkins with pencil. Simple shapes work best – triangles for eyes and noses, jagged lines for mouths. Remember, you want light to shine through, so make your openings big enough.
Carve carefully with your knife or carving tools. Foam is much easier to cut than real pumpkins, and it doesn't get messy! Clean out any foam pieces from inside.
Drop your LED lights inside. Battery-operated string lights work great because they give you multiple points of light. Tea lights work too if you prefer a single glow.
Pro Tips: Make pumpkins in different sizes and group them together. The varied heights create a more interesting display. Orange lights give a traditional look, while purple or green lights add a spooky twist.
Transform ordinary trees or bushes into a gathering place for witches! These oversized witch hats perched in your landscaping create the perfect amount of whimsy and spookiness.
Cut a large semi-circle from your cardboard – the bigger the semi-circle, the taller your hat will be. Roll it into a cone shape and glue or tape the seam. This is your hat's structure.
Cover the cardboard cone with black felt, gluing it in place as you go. Trim any excess fabric at the bottom to make a clean edge.
Cut a circle from cardboard for the hat brim – make the center hole just big enough for your cone to fit through. Cover this with felt too, then glue the cone into the center hole.
Add decorative touches like ribbon around the base of the cone, or glue on some fake spiders or bats for extra Halloween flair.
Pro Tips: Make hats in different sizes and hang them at various heights in trees or bushes. They look like a coven of witches just flew by and left their hats behind! Secure them well so they don't blow away in autumn winds.
Transform ordinary bottles into mysterious potions that look like they came straight from a witch's laboratory. These create an amazing display that makes people wonder what magical ingredients you've been brewing!
Fill your bottles with water and add different food coloring to each one. Green makes a perfect witch's brew, red looks like a love potion, and blue creates a mysterious elixir. Don't fill them completely – leave some air space at the top.
Create spooky labels using regular paper and markers. Write things like "Dragon's Blood," "Invisible Ink," "Truth Serum," or "Sweet Dreams Potion." Make your handwriting look old and mysterious, or print labels in a spooky font if you prefer.
Glue the labels onto your bottles, making them look slightly crooked or aged for authenticity. You can even tear the edges of the labels to make them look ancient.
For extra magic, drop a small LED light into bottles with lighter colored liquids. The glow from inside makes them look truly enchanted!
Pro Tips: Group bottles of different heights together on a shelf or table. Add some fake spider webs between them and maybe a plastic rat or crow nearby. The more cluttered and mysterious your potion station looks, the better!
Create the illusion that hundreds of bats are flying through your home! This dramatic wall display takes almost no money but creates maximum impact that will leave everyone talking.
Draw or print a simple bat shape to use as your template. Make it about 3-4 inches wide – big enough to see from across the room but small enough that you can make lots of them without using too much paper.
Trace your template onto black paper and cut out lots of bats. You'll want at least 20-30 for a good effect, but more is even better! Cut some larger and some smaller to create variety in your swarm.
Start placing your bats on the wall in a flowing pattern, like they're all flying in the same direction. Use double-sided tape so they stick well but won't damage your paint when you remove them.
Create the illusion of movement by having some bats clustered together and others spread out. Make it look like they're flowing around corners or swooping down from the ceiling.
Pro Tips: Add some 3D effect by folding the wings of some bats slightly upward before taping them to the wall. This creates shadows and makes them look like they're actually flying off the wall!
Turn ordinary jars into mysterious candle holders that cast eerie shadows and create the perfect spooky atmosphere. These look expensive but cost almost nothing to make.
Clean your jars thoroughly so the paint will stick well. If you want some areas to remain clear for light to shine through, use painter's tape to cover those spots before painting.
Apply your black paint in thin, even coats. Don't worry about making it perfectly smooth – a slightly uneven finish actually looks more mysterious and aged. Let each coat dry completely before adding another.
For an extra spooky effect, lightly sand some areas after the paint is dry. This creates a worn, ancient look that makes your candle holders look like they've been sitting in a haunted house for decades.
Drop battery-operated candles inside and watch as they cast flickering shadows on your walls. The black paint creates interesting light patterns that dance around the room.
Pro Tips: Make candle holders in different heights and group them together. Place them on windowsills where the light can be seen from outside, or use them as a centerpiece for your Halloween dinner table.
Turn your recycling into a floating ghost army! These adorable spirits cost almost nothing to make and create a magical effect that kids absolutely love.
Cut your plastic bottles to create the ghost shape. For milk jugs, cut off the bottom and trim the sides to create a flowing ghost body. The handle becomes a perfect hanging point!
Use your black marker to draw simple ghost faces. Two dots for eyes and a small oval for the mouth create the classic friendly ghost look. Make each face slightly different to give your ghosts personality.
Drop a few LED string lights inside each ghost. The white plastic diffuses the light beautifully, creating a soft, magical glow that looks like the ghost is glowing from within.
Hang your ghosts at different heights using fishing line. They look amazing hanging from tree branches, porch ceilings, or even inside near windows where people can see them from outside.
Pro Tips: Make ghosts in different sizes using various bottles. Large laundry detergent bottles make impressive big ghosts, while smaller bottles create cute baby ghosts. The variety makes it look like a whole ghost family is visiting!
Create a spooky haunted mansion that becomes the centerpiece of your Halloween display. This project is perfect for families because everyone can help with different parts.
Start with the biggest box as your main house. Cut out windows and doors in spooky shapes – arched windows look more haunted than square ones. Make some windows different sizes to create character.
Paint the entire house black, or color it with black markers if you prefer. Don't worry about being perfect – a slightly messy paint job actually looks more authentically spooky.
Create the illusion of lights inside by taping yellow paper behind some windows, or use actual LED lights for a more dramatic effect. Not every window needs light – dark windows look mysterious too.
Add details like a crooked chimney (cut from smaller cardboard pieces), shutters hanging at odd angles, or even a small graveyard in front made from your tombstone project.
Pro Tips: Make your haunted house modular by creating several smaller buildings that connect together. This way, you can rearrange them each year or add new buildings to expand your haunted village.
Transform empty cans into beautiful lanterns that cast intricate patterns of light. These luminaries add elegance to your Halloween display while being completely budget-friendly.
Remove all labels from your cans and clean them thoroughly. Fill each can with water and freeze overnight – this gives you a solid surface to hammer against and prevents the can from denting.
Draw your design on paper first. Simple patterns work best – stars, moons, bats, or geometric shapes. Tape your template around the can as a guide.
Place the frozen can on a towel (to muffle the noise) and use your hammer and nail to punch holes following your pattern. Work slowly and steadily – rushing leads to mistakes.
Once your pattern is complete, let the ice melt and dry the can thoroughly. Spray paint in colors that match your Halloween theme – black, orange, or dark purple all look great.
Drop a battery-operated candle inside and watch as your design comes to life in beautiful patterns of light on your walls and surroundings.
Pro Tips: Make several luminaries with different patterns and group them at various heights. They look stunning lining a walkway or clustered on porch steps. The light patterns create a magical pathway for trick-or-treaters.
Want to take your Halloween decorating to the next level? Check out our amazing Halloween collection at Seasons by 100 Discount Deals for even more spooky supplies and decorations that will make your home the talk of the neighborhood!
The secret to amazing Halloween decorations isn't spending more money – it's being smart about how you spend the money you have. Here are the insider tricks that will make your budget stretch further than you ever thought possible.
Shop After Halloween for Next Year: This is the golden rule of budget Halloween decorating! On November 1st, Halloween supplies go on sale for 50-75% off. That $20 decoration becomes $5, and those craft supplies you need become incredibly affordable. Mark your calendar and stock up for next year – your future self will thank you.
Use What Nature Gives You for Free: Fall gives us amazing decorating materials that cost absolutely nothing. Collect colorful leaves to scatter around your displays. Gather interesting branches to create spooky trees or witch's brooms. Pine cones can become mini pumpkins with just a bit of orange paint. Even acorns can be turned into tiny jack-o'-lanterns!
Make Your Christmas Lights Work Double Duty: Those string lights you use for Christmas? They're perfect for Halloween too! Orange and purple gels (colored plastic sheets) can transform white lights into spooky Halloween lighting. Wrap orange lights around bare branches for an eerie tree effect, or use them inside your DIY decorations for magical glowing effects.
Create Templates for Reusable Magic: When you make patterns for bats, ghosts, or tombstones, save them! Trace your designs onto cardboard to create sturdy templates you can use year after year. This saves time and ensures your decorations look consistent if you want to add more pieces later.
Team Up with Neighbors and Friends: Buying supplies in bulk saves money for everyone. Split a large pack of LED lights with three neighbors, and you all get what you need for less. Share tools like hot glue guns and spray paint. You might even discover that your neighbor has been saving cardboard boxes that are perfect for your haunted house project!
Halloween should be magical, not dangerous. These safety tips ensure everyone has a great time without any scary accidents.
Fire Safety is No Joke: Real candles look beautiful, but they're dangerous around decorations, costumes, and excited kids. Battery-operated candles give you the same flickering effect without any fire risk. If you must use real candles, never leave them unattended and keep them far away from any fabric or paper decorations.
Weather-Proof Your Outdoor Creations: October weather can be unpredictable. Spray your paper decorations with clear sealant to protect them from rain. Use outdoor-rated lights for any electrical decorations. Secure lightweight decorations so they won't blow away and possibly hurt someone or damage property.
Think About Little Hands and Feet: If trick-or-treaters will be walking near your decorations, make sure there's nothing they can trip over or get hurt on. Avoid decorations with sharp edges at kid height. Make sure your pathways are well-lit and clear of obstacles.
Electrical Safety Matters: Use outdoor-rated extension cords for outside decorations. Don't overload electrical outlets – if you need to plug in multiple decorations, use a power strip with surge protection. Check all your lights before putting them up, and replace any with frayed cords or broken bulbs.
The difference between "homemade" and "professionally decorated" often comes down to a few simple styling tricks that anyone can learn.
The Magic of Odd Numbers: Group your decorations in clusters of three or five rather than even numbers. Three pumpkins look more natural than two or four. Five bats flying together create better visual flow than six. This is a trick professional designers use, and it works every time.
Create Layers and Levels: Don't put everything at the same height. Use books, boxes, or plant stands to create different levels in your displays. This adds visual interest and makes your decorations look more dynamic and professional.
Less Can Be More Powerful: It's tempting to use every decoration you make, but sometimes holding back creates more impact. Choose one area to be your main focal point and make it spectacular, then add smaller touches elsewhere. A stunning front porch display with a few subtle indoor touches often looks better than decorations scattered everywhere.
Lighting Changes Everything: The right lighting can make even simple decorations look magical. Use warm white lights for a cozy feeling, or colored lights for drama. Hide light sources when possible – the glow should be visible, but not the actual bulbs.
Consider the View from the Street: Step outside and look at your house from where trick-or-treaters will first see it. This helps you understand what creates the biggest impact and where you might need to add more decorations or lighting.
You now have everything you need to create a Halloween wonderland that will make your home the most talked-about house in the neighborhood. These 16 DIY projects prove that you don't need to spend a fortune to create something truly special.
Think about the joy on children's faces when they see your glowing ghost jars or your friendly mummy pillows. Picture the pride you'll feel when neighbors ask where you bought your amazing decorations, and you get to say "I made them myself!" Imagine the wonderful memories you'll create working on these projects with your family.
The best part about DIY Halloween decorations is that they're not just decorations – they're memories in the making. Every time you see that ghost garland floating in your hallway, you'll remember the afternoon you spent making it. When your kids are grown up, they'll tell their own children about the Halloween when they helped make the spooky spider family or painted tombstones for the front yard.
These projects also give you something that store-bought decorations never can: the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with your own hands. In a world where everything seems to be mass-produced, there's something deeply satisfying about making decorations that are uniquely yours.
Don't wait until the last minute to start these projects. Begin with one or two that excite you most, then add more as time allows. Some of these decorations can even be made year-round and stored for next Halloween, making your future decorating even easier.
Remember, the goal isn't perfection – it's fun! If your ghost faces look a little wonky or your spider legs are different lengths, that just adds character. The most important thing is that you're creating something special for your family and your community.
Ready to get started on your Halloween transformation? Visit our Halloween collection at Seasons by 100 Discount Deals for all the supplies you need to bring these projects to life. From spray paint to LED lights, from craft supplies to basic materials, we have everything you need to make this Halloween absolutely magical – all at prices that won't scare your budget!
This Halloween, don't just decorate your house – create an experience that brings joy to everyone who sees it. Your neighbors will be impressed, trick-or-treaters will be delighted, and you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you created something amazing with your own creativity and just a few dollars.
The magic of Halloween isn't in how much you spend – it's in the love, creativity, and fun you put into making it special. Now go out there and create some Halloween magic that will be remembered for years to come!
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