Spooky Cheap Halloween Craft Ideas

Oh man, last Halloween I realized I had zero decorations, zero budget, and a very judgmental cat staring at me like, “Really? That’s it?” I wanted my house to feel spooky and fun, but I also didn’t want to spend a fortune. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever felt that panic of wanting cute Halloween vibes without draining your wallet, I totally get it. That’s why I started hunting for cheap Halloween craft ideas that actually look good, are super simple, and won’t make me regret my life choices later. Seriously, you don’t need to be a crafting genius or have a Pinterest-worthy stash of supplies to make your home feel festive. In this article, I’m sharing ideas that are fun, easy, and kind on your budget. By the end, you’ll have a bunch of tricks (and maybe a few treats) ready to wow your guests without spending a ton. Ready to get crafty?

Cheap Halloween Craft Ideas

Cheap Halloween craft ideas are a fun and creative way to celebrate without spending much. You can make spooky decorations and costumes using simple, affordable materials at home.

Paper Pumpkin Decorations

Honestly, I’ve always loved the charm of little paper pumpkins, and the best part is they barely cost anything to make. I usually grab some orange construction paper, a bit of green for the stems, and scissors. Folding, cutting, and gluing them into pumpkin shapes has become kind of a relaxing tradition for me. Last year, my niece tried making one, and she ended up with something that looked like a tiny alien pumpkin—but we laughed so much!

To be fair, you don’t need fancy templates or anything perfect. I usually just eyeball the shapes and bend the paper a bit to give them dimension. You can line them up on your mantel or even hang them from strings. I’ve found that even the simplest designs look adorable when grouped together. Plus, it’s an activity that kids love, even if they make a bit of a mess.

Ghosts from Tissue Paper

I’ve found tissue paper ghosts to be one of the most fun and silly crafts ever. Honestly, they’re just balls of tissue with a string and a little face drawn on, but the way they float from the ceiling is pure magic. Last Halloween, my friend’s cat got super curious and tried to bat at them, which ended up making us all laugh for ages.

In my opinion, the trick is using enough tissue layers so they don’t tear easily. I usually twist the bottom a little and tie it with string so it hangs perfectly. You can even mix in some glow-in-the-dark paint for a spooky effect. Honestly, these ghosts are so cheap and so charming that I end up making way more than I need every year.

DIY Spider Webs

Spider webs are honestly my favorite Halloween decoration because they instantly set the vibe, and they’re ridiculously cheap. I usually just use some white yarn or string. I start by anchoring it in corners and then weave it in a messy crisscross pattern—imperfection makes it look way more authentic, to be fair. Last year, my nephew tried to help, and we ended up with the spider web looking like abstract art, but we laughed so much that it became a running joke.

I’ve learned that adding a little fake spider here and there really makes it pop. You can even sprinkle a tiny bit of glitter for that morning dew effect, which I did once on a whim and everyone complimented it. In my opinion, nothing says Halloween like a spooky corner with a homemade spider web, and it’s so cheap, too.

Toilet Paper Roll Bats

To be honest, I’ve always loved using toilet paper rolls for crafts—they’re just so versatile. For bats, I usually paint them black, cut out wings from cardstock, and glue little googly eyes. One time I forgot to paint a batch properly, and the kids still thought they looked amazing. That’s when I realized, honestly, it doesn’t need to be perfect to be fun.

I like to hang them from the ceiling using thread or even tape them on walls. They create this cute flying effect, and I swear, everyone notices them. In my opinion, the best part is that you’re recycling something that would normally go straight in the bin. Honestly, it’s crafting with a purpose and a bit of mischief.

Painted Rock Monsters

Honestly, painted rock monsters are such a fun little stress-buster. I usually collect smooth rocks from my garden or local park, grab some acrylic paints, and just start painting random faces. I’ve found that the sillier the face, the better the reaction when you display them. One of my favorite monsters ended up with one giant eye and two tiny horns, and it’s still sitting on my shelf.

To be fair, you don’t need fancy brushes or even skills. I often use toothpicks for small details, and it works surprisingly well. You can even hide them around the house as little Halloween surprises. Honestly, these little monsters always make me laugh, and I love gifting a few to friends because they’re cheap, creative, and totally unique.

Mason Jar Lanterns

Mason jar lanterns are honestly my go-to for creating an instant cozy spooky vibe. I usually take some old jars, a little black paint, and draw creepy faces or Halloween silhouettes. Last year, I tried adding fake cobwebs around the rim, and it actually looked way scarier than I expected—it was fun watching people’s reactions!

I’ve found that adding battery-operated tealights is key—you get that flickering effect without worrying about flames. You can even mix in colored tissue paper inside for an extra glow. Honestly, I love how versatile these are; you can line them on your porch, windowsill, or dining table. They’re cheap, easy, and honestly, just make me feel festive instantly.

Candy Corn Garland

I honestly love candy corn garlands because they look super festive and cost next to nothing. I usually string them together with needle and thread, alternating colors to make it look playful. One year, my niece kept eating the candy mid-garland, which led to a lot of laughter and very few finished pieces—but honestly, that made the whole process even more fun.

I’ve found that if you double the thread and knot each candy tightly, it holds better. You can drape it over your mantel, around door frames, or even in windows. Honestly, it’s a craft that doubles as decoration and snack, which I’ve found to be a total win. Plus, it really gives your space that unmistakable Halloween vibe without spending much at all.

Sock Mummy Dolls

Sock mummy dolls are honestly so silly and fun to make. I usually take old white socks, stuff them, and wrap them with strips of fabric or gauze. Adding tiny googly eyes always makes them ridiculously cute. One year, my cat “helped” by unwrapping one, and honestly, we all ended up in stitches laughing at the mess.

I’ve found that you can personalize these mummies with different expressions, tiny hats, or accessories. Honestly, it’s a craft where imperfection is actually part of the charm. They’re cheap, easy, and a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they make great little gifts or table decorations that people genuinely notice and comment on.

Cardboard Haunted House

Honestly, making a haunted house from cardboard is so satisfying. I usually grab a big box, cut windows and doors, and paint it black or gray. Adding small details like drawn bricks or paper ghosts makes it come alive. Last year, my cousin added a tiny paper chandelier inside—it looked so spooky in the dim light, honestly blew me away.

To be fair, you don’t need anything fancy. I often use scraps from other crafts for extra details like bats or tombstones. I’ve found that kids love crawling through or peeking into it, which adds an interactive element. Honestly, it’s a cheap, fun, and memorable craft that really steals the spotlight in Halloween decor.

Egg Carton Spiders

Egg carton spiders are honestly one of my favorite tiny crafts. I usually cut the cups, paint them black, add pipe cleaner legs, and little googly eyes. One year, my niece painted one neon green by accident, and honestly, it looked hilarious and got more compliments than the black ones!

I’ve found that these spiders can be scattered around your house or stuck in the corners for a little creepy effect. Honestly, it’s so cheap and satisfying to see a bunch of tiny spiders looking like they came out of a haunted storybook. Kids love making them, too, which honestly makes the process even more fun.

Handprint Witches

Honestly, handprint witches are a super personal craft—I love seeing the shape of a hand turned into a spooky witch. I usually paint my hand, press it on paper, and then add hats, faces, and broomsticks. One year, my little cousin made one with tiny polka dots on the hat—it looked silly but honestly adorable.

To be fair, you don’t need to be precise. I often just freehand the details, which gives each witch a unique personality. You can frame them, hang them up, or even make a whole army of witches. Honestly, it’s cheap, personal, and always sparks compliments from guests. It’s fun, messy, and exactly what Halloween should feel like.

Paper Plate Masks

Paper plate masks are honestly such a fun, hands-on craft for everyone. I usually cut eye holes, add fun designs, and decorate with paints, feathers, or glitter. One time, my nephew made a “monster pizza face,” which honestly looked ridiculous but we all loved it.

I’ve found that these masks are perfect for a last-minute costume or a craft session with kids. Honestly, they’re cheap, creative, and the possibilities are endless. You can even make a set and let everyone decorate their own—it’s fun chaos, and honestly, that’s what I love about it.

Newspaper Scarecrows

Honestly, making scarecrows from newspaper is so nostalgic and fun. I usually stuff old clothes with crumpled newspaper, add a paper or fabric face, and give it a floppy hat. One year, we made a mini family of scarecrows, and honestly, the kids loved setting them up in funny poses all over the garden.

I’ve found that using string to tie the limbs makes them adjustable and sturdier. Honestly, it’s cheap, eco-friendly, and gives such a charming rustic vibe. Plus, it’s an activity that I’ve found kids enjoy, and they get to see their creation “come alive,” which is honestly the best feeling.

DIY Witch Hat

DIY witch hats are honestly my little obsession every year. I usually grab black cardstock, fold it into a cone, and glue a wide brim. One year, I added glitter and feathers, and honestly, it looked way fancier than I expected. The kids loved wearing them, and even my friends asked how I made them.

I’ve found that adding a ribbon or some paper decorations really personalizes it. Honestly, the best part is you can make a whole batch without spending much, and they double as both decor and costume. It’s cheap, creative, and honestly, I never get tired of seeing everyone wear them and laugh.

Bottle Cap Monsters

Honestly, bottle cap monsters are one of the silliest little crafts I’ve ever made. I glue little eyes inside, paint weird mouths, and sometimes add tiny pipe cleaner arms. One year, my friend gave me a bunch of caps from a soda stash, and honestly, we ended up laughing for hours as we made the weirdest faces.

I’ve found that you can hide them around the house or display them as a little army on your shelf. Honestly, it’s ridiculously cheap and completely stress-free. The randomness of each monster makes it fun, and honestly, even adults get a kick out of seeing these tiny, goofy creations.

Tips for Budget-Friendly Crafting

Making Halloween crafts doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little creativity and smart planning, you can create fun and spooky decorations without spending much money. Here are some helpful tips:

• Use recycled or household items: Look around your home for materials you can reuse, like jars, cardboard, or old clothes.

• Choose non-toxic and safe materials for kids: Always pick paints, glue, and markers that are safe for children to handle.

• Work on a covered surface to prevent mess: Protect your table or floor with newspaper or an old cloth while crafting.

• Plan crafts according to age and skill level: Make sure the activity is suitable for the age of the person crafting to keep it fun and safe.

• Combine creativity with inexpensive materials for a spooky effect: Even simple items can look amazing when decorated with imagination.

FAQ

How can I make Halloween crafts without spending much?

Use recycled items, household materials, and inexpensive craft supplies to create fun decorations.

Which materials are best for cheap Halloween crafts?

Paper, cardboard, tissue paper, jars, old socks, bottle caps, and leftover paints are all great budget-friendly options.

Can kids join in making these crafts?

Yes! Choose age-appropriate crafts and safe, non-toxic materials for children to enjoy.

How can I store crafts safely until Halloween?

Keep finished crafts in boxes or plastic containers in a dry, cool place to avoid damage.