8 ways to celebrate Halloween on a budget

Spooky season has arrived and, if you’re looking for ways to celebrate without spending a scary about of cash, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are just some of our favourite fang-tastic ways to get into the Halloween spirit.

1. Organise a pumpkin carving contest

Is it really Halloween without pumpkin carving? Whether you opt for a simple design or go all-out to create an artistic masterpiece, there are loads of designs online ready and waiting to inspire you.

Start by cutting off the lid, scooping out the insides (which you can use to make a whole host of treats from hummus to cupcakes – but more on that later) and gently cutting out a design. Be careful when pumpkin carving with little ones, though. Let your kids draw the design on the outside of the pumpkin but leave the actual carving to the grown-ups!

2. Halloween baking contest

Use up all that leftover pumpkin by making a host of sweet treats. Pumpkin pie, cupcakes, eyeball-shaped cake pops, traybakes or cookies will go down a (trick or) treat and you’ll be reducing waste at the same time.

Add a competitive edge to your baking bonanza by having a member of your family judge your creations. Who’ll be this year’s winner?

3. Host a monstrous movie marathon

Create an at-home cinematic experience for a fraction of the cost. Whether you prefer a magical movie or a scarier selection, shortlist your fave Halloween films and get stuck in.

Make it even more fun by creating Halloween-themed bingo cards so you can play along while you watch. Will a witch cast a spell, will you spot a graveyard on-screen or will there be creepy music playing in the background? Guess in advance and see how many Halloween movie tropes you can get right.

4. Create creepy costumes

These days you can buy ready-made Halloween costumes in almost every supermarket. But if you become a costumier for the day, you can enjoy a great family-friendly activity and create the perfect Halloween get-up at the same time.

Decorate fairy wings with sequins and sparkles, conjure up a wizard’s wand or make wiggly spider legs out of old black socks. You’ll save your hard-earned cash by getting creative with your trick-or-treating costumes.

If you don’t have time to make your own, why not costume swap with friends or family to keep the costs down? You’ll save money, reduce waste and have a great time comparing pre-loved costumes from previous years.

5. Get decorating

Transform your home into a ghoulish grotto without going over budget. Buying oodles of Halloween merch can be tempting but you can still add a spook-tacular touch with some DIY decs.

Create toilet roll mummies by decorating an old toilet roll with white masking tape or yarn – don’t forget the googly eyes! You could also create a Halloween-themed paper chain complete with pumpkins, zombies or black cats. Hang your paper chains across your living room or hallway and dot the mummies on your windowsills.

6. Go pumpkin spotting

You might be out and about trick or treating on Halloween itself, but you can make the spooky season last even longer by going pumpkin spotting in the days leading up to the big event.

Loads of people decorate their homes for Halloweens, from carved pumpkins showcased in their windows to boo-tiful displays in their front garden. Head our on a family walk around your local neighbourhood and appreciate the efforts of your community.

7. Check out frightfully fun local events

Community groups, libraries and other local organisations often offer free or low-cost Halloween events. Simply turn up and enjoy!

You could find costume contests, storytelling sessions, crafting events and so much more by doing a quick search online or by passing by local noticeboards. You’d be surprised how much might be happening right on your doorstep.

8. Host a potluck Halloween party

Get your Halloween playlist pumped up ready for guests to arrive. If you’re hosting this year, lower your costs by asking guests to bring a themed dish or drink to share.

There are loads of recipe ideas online to share with guests in advance. Get ready for spooky stuffed peppers, haunted hot dogs and petrifying pizzas galore.

If you’re hosting a party with little ones, play themed games to keep the whole family entertained. Go bobbing for apples, pin the spider on the web or paint some spooky eyeballs on boiled eggs for a Halloween-themed egg and spoon race.

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