80 Cheap DIY Halloween Decorations for the Spookiest Holiday Ever
Updated: Sep. 17, 2021These homemade Halloween decoration ideas will put the boo! in boo-tiful this holiday season.
Boo it yourself
It may scare you just how creepy yet cute these DIY Halloween decorations are! From witches to pumpkins to bats to spiders, we’ve got something for every avid spooky season lover. So bust out the paints and glue guns—it’s time to get to work creating your most haunting Halloween yet while also learning what Halloween is all about. That’s not all: to take your holiday to the next level, you’ll want to check out these outdoor Halloween decorations, Amazon Halloween decorations, and pumpkin carving tips, too. Put on some great Halloween songs and get to creepishly crafting!
Boo bottles
Raid your recycling bin to make these glass ghosts in four easy steps: First, remove labels and caps from bottles (we used Perrier). Spray-paint them white, then draw faces on with a black marker. To finish this Halloween decoration, throw in colorful straws for cute centerpieces. After you’ve upped your decoration game, do the same with your costumes: check out the best Halloween costumes for 2021.
Cobweb coasters
Cups look creepy when sitting on these spindly saucers. To make these DIY Halloween decorations, hook five bobby pins onto a 3/8-inch flat metal washer. Then, wrap twine around and thread through each bobby pin. Spray-paint everything white for that ghoulish look, and scatter small toy spiders around the table. Is it difficult for you to handle the fright factor when it comes to scary movies? No worries: this DIY is as cute as it is easy.
Creepy candy jars
So much Halloween candy, so little time. That’s where this Halloween decoration comes in. Hot glue plastic spiders and ants to the outside of Mason jars for a simple yet scary spin on Halloween candy storage. Bonus: these creepy crawly Mason jars make the perfect dining room table centerpieces! While you’re munching on goodies, take a look at these hilarious Halloween memes.
Golden insect taxidermy plates
All that glitters isn’t always gold; in this case, it’s insects! To start, paint plastic bugs gold using gold liquid leaf and a paintbrush and spray paint wooden plaques black. Want to scare yourself further? These scary movies are sure to deliver the fright of your life.
Decoupage witch hat decor
(Witches) hats off to this fun Halloween decoration. This example uses Mod Podge and black and white napkins to decoupage the papier-mache witches hat. Once dried, add feathers, plastic spiders, glitter, or anything else your heart desires to decorate the witch hat centerpiece. Don’t forget to plan some fun Halloween party games, while you’re at it.
Vampire napkin rings
Serious chompers make your table settings look so cute it’s scary. Splash white cloth napkins with red Kool-Aid, thread a white twist tie through a set of plastic vampire teeth, and finally secure a twist tie around the center of your napkin. Discover the origins of Vampires and other spooky Halloween monsters.
Cotton ball ghost
What’s spooky, fluffy, and puffy all over? Why, a cotton ball ghost, of course! For this simple yet oh-so-cute Halloween decoration, glue cotton balls to pieces of cardstock cut out in the shape of a ghost. Ever wondered where a ghost goes on vacation? Check out these corny Halloween jokes to find out.
Toilet paper roll bats
Who knew an upcycled toilet paper roll could turn into a cute Halloween decoration? Wrap an old roll in black construction paper to form the body of the bat. From there, it’s all about the details: add googly eyes and construction paper bat wings to finish it off. This is the perfect Halloween craft to make with your kid. Score!
Embroidery pumpkins
Embroider a jack-o-lantern grin on an orange embroidery hoop to create a picture-perfect pumpkin. Decoration bonus: add a festive ribbon to the top of the hoop in order to hang from the door or wall. Would you rather go the classic route when it comes to jack-o-lanterns? Use these pumpkin carving stencils to get started.
Spider Mason jar
After painting an upcycled Mason jar black, attach multiple googly eyes and eight black pipe cleaners (four on each side) to form the spider’s legs. From a napkin holder to a candy jar, this multi-purpose Halloween decoration is sure to be a fan favorite. Once your house is decorated, it’s time to turn your attention to your family: check out these frightfully fantastic family Halloween costumes.
Moving eyes mummy craft
What’s spookier than a mummy? A mummy that moves, naturally. This dynamic Halloween decoration starts with a paper plate and is easy to DIY.
Spooky entryway
When it comes to Halloween decorations, we say the more, the merrier. Create an entire spooky entryway set-up by using toilet paper roll bats, a witches broom, and a witches hat easily made out of paper plates painted black. Just remember to warn guests to enter if they dare.
Glitter ghosts
It’s time to add some glitz and glam to this Halloween season with these adorable glittery ghosts. For this update on the classic tissue ghost decoration, you’ll need a bead, glittery white burlap, and a pipe cleaner. Wrap the burlap around the bead to form the head of the ghost and secure by wrapping a pipe cleaner around the neck to complete the shape.
Tissue paper pumpkins
If you prefer the cute to the creepy when it comes to Halloween decorations, this is the DIY for you. To make this oh-so-adorable tissue paper pumpkin, wrap orange tissue paper around a foam ball. Twist at the top and add green yarn to form the stem. From there, glue on some paper details to make even the most hard-hearted person go “aww!”
Tic-tac-boo
This fun and interactive Halloween decoration transforms items found in nature (namely sticks and rocks) into festive game pieces. Use acrylic paint to paint ghost and pumpkin details on stones found in your backyard. Collect sticks to form the game board and get ready to tic-tac-boo!
Batty centerpiece
No need to go batty—this Halloween decoration is doable even for the most beginner of crafters.
Chocolate truffle party garland
Chocolate doesn’t just taste good, but it looks good too, especially when used to create the perfect chocolate truffle party garland.
Upcycled Halloween witch
Turn your empty laundry pods container into a bonafide Halloween decoration success. You’ll need paint, glue, a witch hat, and a few other odds and ends.
Skull candle holder
There are no bones about it: this simple yet sophisticated decoration won’t make any corpse roll over in its grave. Hot glue three plastic skulls (which can be found at your local craft or dollar store) together and book-end with terra cotta saucers. Spray paint black and you’re done!
Flying witches
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No…it’s a flying witch! Glue strips of orange construction paper to a green paper cup and draw a face on to form the witch’s head. Add a black cloak and pointy hat fashioned out of black construction paper. Use brown paper to form the witch’s broom and watch as she flies into the night.
Ghost candles
Boo! Did it scare you how simple these ghost candles are to make? Just use a black permanent marker to draw ghost faces on white candles. This easy Halloween decoration idea is sure to elevate any holiday set-up by a landslide. Just don’t be afraid if these little ghosties try to float away!
Witches broom
Everybody knows a witch is only as powerful as her trusty broom. Create your own this spooky season using a branch, twigs, and a rubber band, and twine. Wrap a thick rubber band about five inches above the end of your branch and stick thin twigs under it. Once you feel your broom is full enough, wrap twine to secure.
Bread tag monsters
This DIY Halloween decoration is a two in one win: Not only will you get an adorably spooky craft out of those little plastic clips used to keep bread fresh, but you’ll be giving a renewed purpose to old bread tags. Paint the clips with acrylic paint and add designs to create your newest favorite little monsters.
Halloween countdown calendar
Can’t wait until Halloween? With this Halloween DIY decoration, you’ll be able to literally count down the days. All you’ll need is a bulletin board, some card stock, and push pins to create the Halloween countdown calendar of your dreams (or better yet, nightmares). Are you brave enough to handle the most terrifying haunted houses in America?
Pumpkin witch
Are you squeamish about pumpkin guts but still love their festive look? Well, this no-carving-necessary Halloween DIY decoration is perfect for you. With the use of some colorful duct tape, you can create the witch-o-lantern of your dreams sans mess.
Halloween jars
Even your jars can get festive this holiday season with this super simple (yet super spooky!) Halloween DIY craft. With the help of some Mod Podge, paint pens, and LED tea lights, you’ll be able to turn your old glass jars from trash to flash.
Bat paper puppet
Thanks to the printable paper template, making your very own boo-tiful bat paper puppet is as easy as 1, 2, 3. You’ll be able to awe your kids (and fellow parents alike) with this particular Halloween DIY decoration by making the bat’s wings move up and down.
Spider web earrings
These adorably spooktastic spider web earrings are sure to catch someone’s eye. They’re almost as realistic as some of the most intricate spider webs found in nature; just make sure you avoid getting caught in its web!
Ghostly globes
Made mainly from cheesecloth (along with a few other materials), these ghosts are sure to make for a ghoul-tastic holiday.
Sugar skull mason jar
All you’ll need to create a craft sugar skull for Day of the Dead is a mason jar, white spray paint, acrylic paint, and a whole bunch of creativity. Nothing quite gets us in a nostalgic mood like the holidays; check out these vintage Halloween costumes for inspo.
Wood slice pumpkins
This wood slice pumpkin craft is perfect for anyone wanting to add a sophisticated yet rustic twist to their Halloween decorating style. Feel free to freehand your designs, or use a template to make sure your pumpkin is picture-perfect.
Pumpkin spice slime
This Halloween season, celebrate slime with this recipe perfectly suited for the spooky October holiday. What’s so great about this particular Halloween craft is that you’ll already have most of the materials at home, and playing with it will keep your kids occupied for hours. Win-win!
Haunted welcome mat
Enter…if you dare, with this haunting welcome mat. One thing you don’t have to be spooked about is how to make this craft: All you need is some spray paint and DIY stencils.
Coffin table planter
Mix your green thumb with some spookiness this holiday season with a creepy coffin planter. Just plant as you normally would, but stick some skeleton bones in there to create the perfect Halloween ambiance. Looking for real holiday greenery? These are the best pumpkin patches in every state.
Fabric pumpkins
What requires no sewing, takes under an hour to make, and is sure to add to your Halloween decor? This incredible fabric pumpkin DIY, of course! All you’ll need is some fabric and beans to give the pumpkin its perfect shape.
Spooky terrarium
The cute woodland world gets a spooky twist with this DIY craft. After you search the backyard for twigs, moss, and rocks, scour the house for small Halloween-themed decorations like skulls and scary birds for these cheap Halloween decorations. Then, build your scene on an upside-down lid of a Mason jar.
Ghostly lanterns
A gallon of milk doesn’t just make for strong bones, but also a canvas for DIY Halloween decorations. Draw spooky faces on empty, clean gallon milk jugs, then fill with white holiday lights to decorate your porch or walkway with a ghostly Halloween glow.
Wicked witch leg candy bucket
This creative take on a candy bucket for Halloween will have you cackling, “I’ll get you my pretty…and your little dog, too.” Although things may not end so well for the Wicked Witch of the West, this candy bucket will have your local trick-or-treaters oohing and ahhing.
Forever pumpkins
These Halloween decorations look like jack-o-lanterns—and even better—will last for Halloweens for years to come!
Lace pumpkin
To give the classic lantern a new look, spray your pumpkins with white paint before wrapping them in strips of lace. No lace fabric handy? Try using a thick lace headband, or cut a strip of lace stocking and fit around the widest part of the pumpkin for a cute twist on the classic jack-o-lantern.
Witchy wreath
Who says wreaths are only for Christmas time? Spruce up your front door with this witch-tastic wreath. Complete with boots and a hat, this wreath will help bring the holiday spirit directly to your front doorstep.
Halloween ornaments
Traditional Christmas ornament balls make festive Halloween decorations for your house or yard. Cover ornaments in papier mache, then paint with Halloween designs like striped witch’s stockings, pumpkins, or ghosts.
Mummy seating cards
Decorate inside and out for Halloween with these ingenious DIY Halloween decorations. Set them out as place cards for a Halloween party, drop a few into the candy bucket for trick-or-treaters, or send to school with the kids to give out to classmates.
Can boo!
To make these boo-tiful cans, you’ll need to first spray paint your can black. Then, after making dots in the outline of the letters B, O, O use a drill or hammer to cut the dots. Stick in a battery-operated votive and voila! Now that you’ve mastered this craft, it’s time to tackle these easy Halloween makeup looks.
Creepy cottage
Create your dream creepy cottage by spray-painting a ceramic house and the inside of a pumpkin before placing the house inside the pumpkin to make the perfect Halloween scene.
Pool noodle witch legs
The witch legs are back, albeit in a different way. Repurpose an old pool noodle to be the centerpiece of your Halloween haunts this holiday season.
Floating cheesecloth ghost
Make your house spookier than ever with these cloth ghosts that you can hang practically anywhere. With their sophisticated style, everyone will think you bought these at the store rather than easily making them yourself!
Floating witch hat luminaries
Trick-or-treaters only stop by houses that are lit up. But if you want to do more than just turn your front porch light on, try making these light-up witch hats. All you’ll need are some witch hats, LED lights, a fishing line, and a long needle to make your trick-or-treating spot the most unique stop on the block. Can’t get enough of witches? These witchy movies are sure to put a spell on you.
Halloween candy door hanger
If you’re not going to be home on Halloween night because you’re taking your kids trick-or-treating but you still want to hand out candy, here is your solution. This is one of the Halloween decorations on this list that involves a tool that might not be the most kid-friendly, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help write the message on the chalkboard!
Sugar skull wreath
Bring together the U.S. Halloween holiday with the traditional Mexican Day of the Dead holiday to create one of the easiest DIY Halloween decorations ever. All of the materials you need can easily be found in your local craft store.
Ghost piñatas
Put a spooky twist on a typical birthday party favor making it the perfect Halloween party decoration. These ghosts are so friendly they’re just waiting for all the trick-or-treaters to open them up and get some tasty candy.
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