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Being able to inexpensively decorate for Halloween is a must for every parent! I don’t know a single kid who doesn’t like Halloween (and neither do you!). But, let face it, you can spend HUNDREDS of dollars on a single holiday if you aren’t careful. And using so much of your budget on Halloween decorations is not going to do your kids any favors in the long run. Hello, tuition!
In an effort to keep all things Halloween affordable, your budget happy, and the kids’ college funds healthy, I have compiled a list of tips and tricks that have made our own Halloween decorations inexpensive and spooky:
1. Proper Storage
Have a storage system in place so you can find and reuse decorations from year to year! I keep a few bins in my attic that are just for Halloween. (Seriously, only do a few! Bigger homes and storage units are EXPENSIVE!) Use items that are flat, fold-down, or stack. Don’t let decorating be stressful because you don’t have room to store everything.
2. Reuse Items
Use what you already have (not from the Halloween bin). Look around your home and find items that will work.
As an example, I used the throw pillows that were already on my couch. They are black, gray, and off-white, so it works with Halloween! Then I slipped an inexpensive Halloween cover over another pillow. I also use some buffalo check, black and white hand towels that are already in my linen closet.
Maybe you already have a tablecloth that lends itself to Halloween? Also, make use of the picture frames already on your wall.
Speaking of pictures…
3. Free Printables
Swap out some photos for free printables. Try googling “free Halloween printables” and see what pops up! There are sooooo many creative people out there, and I love that they are willing to share. This year I printed some from Made in a Day and Stow and Tell U. It’s not just photos, but all kinds of decorations, like banners. Try this banner from The Cottage Market here.
4. Dollar Stores
Don’t shy away from the dollar stores. Yes, the quality is not the best, but they have some dang cute things! I regularly allow myself to purchase a few new items every holiday to keep things fresh.
These guys are straight from Dollar Tree!
The items I purchase don’t last forever (although some, like ceramic headstones, are still going strong from many years ago) but I like to add a few new items every year and discard some that are looking old or outdated.
5. Shop Thrift Stores
Check out thrift stores. I’m not sure where they store all the Halloween donations given throughout the year, but somehow thrift stores are able to bring out tons of inexpensive Halloween decorations right before the holiday (or any holiday for that matter). As is always the case with thrift stores, you might have to sift through some junk, but there are usually some good items as well.
6. Clearance
If purchasing items NOT from a dollar or a thrift store, wait until after Halloween. Any store that carries holiday decorations will want to clear the items from their shelves to make room for the next seasonal holiday. And you have your Halloween bins where they can live until next October! I usually have good luck finding things that are at least 50% off. It’s up to you, but I usually shy away from items only 30% off (I’m looking at you, Target). After all, sales BEFORE Halloween are usually just as good as the 30% clearance.
7. Inexpensive Backgrounds
Look for backgrounds that make a BIG impact. Then build around them. It drives my husband crazy, but we always put up webs on the outside of our house. I can get them for $1 a bag and a few bags will almost wrap the entire front of the house. Then I fill in with smaller things that bring it all together. Another example for covering a lot of space for a small amount of money? Witches’ hats! They are inexpensive, reusable, store well, and are hard to miss. Another great tip is printing out black shapes of scary things, like rats, bats, and spiders. If that sounds too time-consuming, they are quite inexpensive to purchase on Amazon, so try one of these:
Either way, plaster a bunch of rats along your baseboards, bats or spiders on your walls…you get the idea!
8. Lights
Use lights. It just doesn’t really matter what kind of lights you use. Lights always make things feel special. You can use white lights, or get something more specific to Halloween, like orange or purple.
You don’t have to trim your whole house as most people do for Christmas. Simply accent something-your entryway or a couple of trees, for example.
Even some lights from your Jack-o-lanterns add a lot!
9. Rethink DIY
To be sure, I am NOT suggesting you stay completely away from DIY. Tons of them are great! But, for every inexpensive DIY project there is a costly one. For example, a knock-off, DIY Pottery Barn trio of ghosts was a big thing a few years back. I got excited about it. They were awesomely adorable, and there was no way I could afford the real thing. But, DIY? Surely that would be within reach! I went to Walmart and balked at the prices of the materials! The foam balls required were quite spendy. And the compromises started. Long story short, to keep costs down, they never looked like they should, broke quickly and I was only able to use them for about two seasons. VERY COSTLY. In summary, don’t overlook DIY but carefully choose your projects.
10. Temper Social Media
Stop obsessing over social media! Yes, your house can look like Instagram–for a price. Do you really want to sacrifice your retirement or kids’ college in exchange for a Facebook-worthy picture? Seriously! Temper your social media use (at least your decorating searches) and don’t try to keep up with the neighbors. Just focus on your own goals. WHY are you decorating? I like decorating just to make the holiday seem special for my kids. They like helping, too! (That definitely doesn’t lend itself to picture-perfect decor.) Go to Pinterest for some general ideas, then run away!
Have Fun!
There you have it! Inexpensive Halloween decorations DO exist! They can be either incredibly scary or cute, whichever look you’re going for, and budget-friendly. Most of all, remember to HAVE FUN!
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