Spooky & Fun Halloween Ghost Craft Ideas

Paper Plate Ghosts

I’ve always loved paper plate crafts because, honestly, they’re the easiest thing to start with when you don’t feel like running to the craft store. Paper plate ghosts are my go-to when kids are restless and want something “spooky but fast.” All you really need is a plate, some scissors, and maybe a marker. Cut the bottom of the plate into wavy strips, draw two big goofy eyes, and just like that—you’ve got yourself a floating little ghost. I usually tape a string at the top so we can hang them from the ceiling fan (though the fan stays off, of course!).

What I like most is how quickly they come together. You can even layer tissue or crepe paper strips to make them swish around more dramatically. Once, my niece added glitter to hers and insisted it was a “fancy ghost.” Not traditional, but honestly, I didn’t hate it. Creativity wins.

Tissue Paper Ghosts

Tissue paper ghosts are the ones I grew up making, and even now, I get a bit nostalgic when I scrunch the paper into shape. You just crumple a ball for the head, wrap another sheet over it, and tie it with yarn or ribbon. They’re ridiculously simple, but they never fail to look cute dangling around the house. I like hanging them on doorknobs or sticking them in potted plants—kind of like the ghosts are peeking around.

One year, I accidentally bought metallic tissue paper instead of plain white, and the ghosts ended up looking like they belonged at a disco. At first I thought I ruined the whole vibe, but guests loved it. Sometimes mistakes make the best crafts. That’s the thing with these little ghosts—you can’t really mess them up, and that’s why I always keep a stash of tissue paper on hand before Halloween rolls around.

Cotton Ball Ghosts

Now, cotton ball ghosts are a little messier, but to me, they’re the fluffiest, softest version of a ghost you’ll ever see. I like to glue cotton balls onto cardboard cutouts shaped like ghosts. It’s almost like giving them a cozy blanket. The more cotton you pile on, the puffier and cuter they look. Add googly eyes, and suddenly they have personalities—some wide-eyed, some sleepy-looking.

Last year, I stuck magnets on the back and plastered them on my fridge. My husband walked in, saw them all staring back at him, and nearly dropped his coffee. That’s when I knew I had a winner. In my opinion, if you’re crafting with kids who love sensory play, cotton ball ghosts are perfect. They get sticky fingers, laugh about the fluff, and honestly, that’s half the fun anyway.

Glow-in-the-Dark Ghosts

Okay, so these are the ones I’m secretly obsessed with—glow-in-the-dark ghosts. They look normal in daylight, but when the lights go out, bam! They shine like little floating spirits. I usually use glow paint or those cheap glow sticks tucked inside paper lanterns. The effect is spooky but still kid-friendly. Nothing too terrifying, just enough to make you grin when you walk by in the dark.

I’ll admit, the first time I tried this, I underestimated how much paint I needed. The ghosts barely glowed, and my family teased me for weeks. But now, I layer on the paint, and it works beautifully. I’ve hung them in the hallway so when you pass by at night, you get a little surprise. To be fair, they might spook the dog more than anyone else, but hey—that’s part of the fun.

Hanging Balloon Ghosts

Balloons make everything more festive, don’t they? Hanging balloon ghosts are one of those crafts that make a big impact without much effort. All I do is blow up a white balloon, drape a piece of cheesecloth or tissue over it, and draw a face. When they’re swaying in the air, they honestly look like they’re floating around the room.

I remember one Halloween when I filled a bunch with helium and let them hover near the ceiling. My living room looked like it was haunted, and the kids wouldn’t stop chasing them. They popped a few, of course, but the laughter was worth it. If you want a fast decoration that makes people smile (and maybe jump), balloon ghosts are the way to go.

Ghost Garland

I have a soft spot for garlands, probably because they’re such a cozy, homey way to decorate. A ghost garland just ties the whole room together. You can cut little ghost shapes from felt, paper, or even fabric scraps, then string them along some twine. I like mixing in small lights so they glow a little in the evening.

The first time I made one, it was kind of crooked, but I hung it anyway above the fireplace. Friends who came over thought it was “charmingly wonky,” which, honestly, is the best compliment I’ve gotten on a craft. I’ve found that if you let kids draw the ghost faces before stringing them, you end up with this hilarious mix of goofy expressions. It’s not perfect, but it’s personal—and that’s what I love about it.

Ghost Lantern Jars

Now this one is a little magical. Ghost lantern jars are basically old jars turned into glowing ghosts. I paint them with white paint, draw on little eyes, and drop a battery candle inside. The glow that comes through is so soft and warm, it almost feels like the ghosts are keeping watch. They’re perfect for lining a walkway or just setting on the porch.

One year, I forgot to seal the paint, and it started peeling when it rained. I thought they were ruined, but the peeling actually made them look creepier—like cracked old spirits. My neighbors even asked how I got the effect. Sometimes imperfection is just the universe giving you an upgrade, right? These jars are always a hit with visitors, and they’re so easy to make if you’re into upcycling.

Recycled Bottle Ghosts

I’m a sucker for crafts that reuse stuff, and recycled bottle ghosts check all the boxes. Grab any old plastic bottle, paint it white, add a face, and boom—you’ve got a ghost. The shape of the bottle gives them this quirky look, and depending on the size, they can be tiny ghosts for shelves or big ones for the porch.

One Halloween, I used soda bottles and lined them on the driveway with glow sticks inside. Cars slowed down because they actually thought something spooky was going on. In my opinion, that’s a total craft win. Plus, it feels good to give trash a second life. If you’ve got a recycling bin overflowing, this is the perfect excuse to dig in and get creative.

Ghost Puppets

Ghost puppets always remind me of school projects. They’re usually made from popsicle sticks or paper bags, and the best part is putting on a mini puppet show after making them. I’ve found that kids love drawing different expressions—some scary, some silly—and then making them “boo” each other behind the couch.

Once, I made a few for a Halloween gathering, and the adults ended up playing with them more than the kids. Honestly, it turned into the funniest impromptu performance. Ghost puppets are small, easy to stash, and perfect if you’re looking for a craft that doubles as entertainment. And in my opinion, that’s always a win-win.

Ghost Treat Bags

Treat bags dressed up as ghosts are a craft I like because they serve a purpose beyond just looking cute. I use simple white paper bags, add ghostly faces, and fill them with candy. Handing them out feels so much more festive than plain plastic bags. Plus, kids absolutely light up when they see the faces staring back at them.

I once made the mistake of using permanent marker too early—the ink bled right through the bag. Lesson learned: decorate after filling, or use a cardboard insert. But even with the smudges, they still looked kind of cool. Ghost treat bags are one of those crafts that instantly elevate trick-or-treating, and they don’t take much time at all.

Fabric Ghost Dolls

There’s something oddly comforting about fabric ghost dolls. I usually make them out of scrap fabric—cut a square, stuff the middle with cotton or fabric scraps, then tie it off for the head. They’re soft, squishy, and perfect for kids who want a ghost to cuddle. They can be as plain or as fancy as you want, depending on the fabric you use.

One year, I made some using old pillowcases, and my niece carried hers around like it was her favorite doll. To be fair, it did look kind of adorable with its floppy little head. In my opinion, these are less about spooky vibes and more about sweet nostalgia. They’re also a great way to use up fabric scraps if you sew a lot, so nothing goes to waste.

Ghost Painted Rocks

Painted rocks are always fun because they’re free if you just grab them from the garden. Ghost painted rocks are as simple as painting them white, adding little faces, and scattering them around the yard. Sometimes I line them along the porch steps, and it feels like an army of tiny ghosts is greeting you.

Last Halloween, a friend’s kid took one home and kept it as a “pet ghost.” That’s the charm of these little crafts—they’re small but memorable. And to be honest, they’re sturdy enough to survive bad weather, unlike paper crafts. If you’re into low-effort decorations that still make an impact, painted rocks are a surprisingly great choice.

Ghost Cupcake Toppers

Now, this is a craft you can eat, which automatically makes it one of my favorites. Ghost cupcake toppers can be made from paper cutouts or even little meringues if you’re feeling fancy. I personally love making simple paper ones on toothpicks and sticking them into cupcakes for instant Halloween charm.

One year, I tried making marshmallow ghost toppers, but they melted into unrecognizable blobs. My family still ate them, laughing the whole time. Honestly, it was more fun than if they had turned out perfect. Cupcake toppers are a quick craft if you’re hosting a party and need that extra little touch without spending hours on decorations.

Ghost Window Clings

Ghost window clings are pure fun because you can stick them anywhere. I’ve made them with puffy paint on wax paper—just draw the ghost shape, let it dry, and peel it off. They stick to windows without any glue, and they’re reusable too, which I love.

My nephew once rearranged all of mine so the ghosts were “dancing,” and I didn’t even bother fixing them because it looked hilarious. In my opinion, clings are one of the easiest ways to make a space feel festive without going overboard. They’re also great for apartments where you can’t decorate the outside much.

Ghost Origami

Origami ghosts might take a little patience, but they’re worth it. I fold simple ones from square white paper, and once you get the hang of it, they’re addictive. You can make a whole family of them in one sitting. Sometimes I draw silly faces on them, and sometimes I just leave them plain for a cleaner look.

The first time I tried, I got so frustrated that I crumpled three pieces before figuring it out. But when I finally got it right, it felt so satisfying. To be fair, origami isn’t for everyone, but if you like paper folding, ghost origami is a fun way to zone out while still feeling crafty. And in the end, you’ve got these neat little decorations that don’t cost a thing.

Making ghost crafts can be both easy and fun if you use the right approach. With a little creativity and some simple materials, you can create spooky decorations that everyone will enjoy.

• Use simple, safe materials for kids – Choose items like paper, cotton balls, or tissue paper that are easy to handle and safe for little hands.

• Try glow-in-the-dark paint or LED lights for a spooky touch – Adding lights makes your ghost crafts extra eye-catching, especially at night.

• Reuse household items like jars, bottles, and fabric scraps – Recycling materials not only saves money but also gives your crafts a unique look.

• Add googly eyes or glitter for creativity – Small details like eyes, sparkles, or funny faces make your ghosts more fun and personalized.