33 Cheap DIY Halloween Decorations on a Budget

Black Happy Halloween banner made from painted toilet roll pieces hangs on ribbon with a pumpkin letter

Painted cardboard pieces spell out a bold Halloween greeting. (Image credit: DIY JOY)

Cheap DIY Halloween decorations can turn paper, recycled containers, paint, yarn and a few craft-store basics into a home full of playful scares. This list brings together 33 projects for doors, walls, tables, porches and party spaces, with each idea linked to its original creator.

You will find glowing ghosts, paper bats, pumpkin projects, monster faces, wreaths and small displays with a wide range of materials and tool levels. Some are family-friendly paper crafts, while others call for adult handling of hot glue, cutting tools, spray paint or glass.

Start with supplies you already have, then choose the projects that fit your space and comfort level. Follow each creator’s complete tutorial for the materials and steps and read the safety notes before you begin.

1. Creepy Hand Luminaries for Halloween
2. Hot Glue Spider Web
3. Popsicle Stick Witch
4. Candy Corn Wreath
5. Yarn Pumpkins From Toilet Rolls
6. Mummy Hand From a Dish Glove
7. Floating Witch Hat Luminaries
8. Happy Halloween Toilet Roll Banner
9. Mini Skull Halloween Cloche
10. Light-Up Ghost Centerpiece
11. Origami Flapping Bats
12. Glamorous Witch Skull Mason Jar
13. Recycled Milk Jug Ghost Luminaries
14. Hanging Paper Pumpkin Craft
15. Ghosts in Mason Jars
16. Halloween Googly Eye Bowl
17. Hanging Toilet Roll Ghosts
18. Poison Apple Pumpkin Craft
19. Glow Stick Broomsticks
20. Spooky Eyeball Wreath
21. Glow-in-the-Dark Haunted House Canvas
22. Halloween Monster Flower Pots
23. Hanging Paper Bat Flock
24. Wooden Pumpkins From Scrap 2x4s
25. Halloween Rocking Monster Craft
26. Halloween Eyeball Balloons
27. Halloween Balloon Porch Display
28. Paper Halloween Lanterns
29. Upcycled Jack-o-Lantern Door Hanger
30. Popsicle Stick Halloween Storefronts
31. Bloody Handprint Window Clings
32. Metallic Googly Eye Boo Sign
33. Glowing Mystic Eye Pumpkin

1. Creepy Hand Luminaries for Halloween

Green paper hands wrap around tall glass jars with flameless lights in a spooky Halloween tabletop display — Green paper hands turn glass jars into eerie flameless luminaries. (Image credit: Crafts by Amanda)

Creepy Hand Luminaries from Amanda Davis at Crafts by Amanda wrap green paper hands around tall glass jars for an eerie tabletop glow. Use only LED tea lights or glow sticks here, and remember that food coloring can stain while scissors need sensible supervision. Visit Crafts by Amanda for Amanda's complete tutorial and more of her inventive Halloween craft ideas.

2. Hot Glue Spider Web

Black hot glue spider web rests on a white background with a small DIY JOY mark visible in the upper corner — A cooled black glue web creates a light hanging accent. (Image credit: DIY JOY)

Parchment paper and hot glue are the simple materials behind this lightweight hanging web. The DIY JOY Hot Glue Spider Web follows a traced or hand-drawn guide. The cooled black web hangs from nylon string. An adult should manage the low-temperature glue gun, and the glue must cool completely before peeling or handling. Use the complete tutorial on DIY JOY for every step, then browse more Halloween projects from DIY JOY.

3. Popsicle Stick Witch

Finished green popsicle stick witch with black hat, orange yarn hair, buttons and a small brown paper broom — A tiny broom and yarn hair give this craft-stick witch personality. (Image credit: The Best Ideas for Kids)

Set this cheerful little witch on a display or add the optional magnet for refrigerator decor. The Popsicle Stick Witch comes from The Best Ideas for Kids. A black hat, orange yarn hair, button details and a tiny paper broom give the craft-stick character its personality. Keep scissors and hot glue with an adult, then visit The Best Ideas for Kids for the complete tutorial and more kids' craft ideas.

4. Candy Corn Wreath

Candy corn wreath with alternating orange, yellow and white rows, a black tulle bow and Artsy-Fartsy Mama watermark — Alternating candy-corn rows make a graphic indoor wreath. (Image credit: Artsy-Fartsy Mama)

Alternating rows of orange, yellow and white candy give this wreath its crisp graphic shape. Lindsay created the Candy Corn Wreath for Artsy-Fartsy Mama. A painted foam form supports the candy rows, while black tulle wraps the finished piece and forms the bow. The source recorded a $2.98 total in 2012, which is historical rather than a current price. Keep the decorative candy wreath indoors and away from heat because the candy can melt, and do not treat it as edible. For Lindsay's complete tutorial, head to Artsy-Fartsy Mama and stay for more of her colorful seasonal work.

5. Yarn Pumpkins From Toilet Rolls

Small orange yarn pumpkins with cinnamon stick stems arranged together as a soft textured fall decoration — Chunky yarn and cinnamon-stick stems shape these soft pumpkins. (Image credit: DIY JOY)

Soft orange yarn pumpkins with cinnamon-stick stems make a warm little cluster for a fall display. Elle Ann created this DIY JOY project from half a tissue-paper roll and chunky chenille yarn. I like their cozy texture beside darker Halloween decorations. Visit DIY JOY for Elle Ann’s complete tutorial, then browse more seasonal craft ideas from DIY JOY.

6. Mummy Hand From a Dish Glove

White wrapped mummy hand stands in a decorated candy box with purple web, ribbon and a Design Dazzle watermark — A wrapped dish-glove hand rises from a decorated candy display. (Image credit: Design Dazzle)

White fabric strips give this upright mummy hand its layered, wrapped texture. A filled rubber dish glove creates the shape, with ribbon or small accents available for the finished display. Toni Roberts created the Mummy Hand project for Design Dazzle. Keep the hot-glue work with an adult, and keep loose filler or embellishments away from children who may mouth them. The source notes that the page may contain affiliate links without naming a project sponsor. Find Toni's complete tutorial at Design Dazzle, then browse more of her Halloween projects there.

7. Floating Witch Hat Luminaries

Black witch hats hang outdoors with battery lights glowing beneath them and a Polka Dot Chair watermark — Battery lights make hanging witch hats seem to float after dark. (Image credit: Polka Dot Chair)

Floating Witch Hat Luminaries from Melissa Mortenson at Polka Dot Chair make black hats appear to glow in midair. Battery LED sticks, pucks, tea lights or glow sticks supply the light, with pucks needing extra weather care. Because hanging the hats may involve a needle and ladder, plan for adult setup. At Polka Dot Chair, open Melissa's complete tutorial before browsing more of her clever seasonal projects.

8. Happy Halloween Toilet Roll Banner

Black folded cardboard pieces hang on ribbon to spell a bold Happy Halloween greeting. Lily Suing designed the Toilet Roll Banner for DIY JOY. Seven soaked and separated tubes dry into forms that can be painted and hand-lettered, with a pumpkin replacing one O. Follow Lily’s complete tutorial on DIY JOY first, then keep browsing DIY JOY for more Halloween craft ideas.

9. Mini Skull Halloween Cloche

Miniature skull and Spanish moss sit under an inverted glass jar on a black and silver painted pedestal — A miniature skull sits under glass on a dark painted base. (Image credit: Average But Inspired)

Bre at Average But Inspired created this Mini Skull Halloween Cloche around an inverted baby-food or small mason jar. Black and silver paint finish the compact pedestal before moss and one miniature skull go under glass. The completed piece looks wonderfully odd without taking over a shelf or tabletop. The source discloses affiliate links and does not identify a project sponsor. Glass and high-temperature hot glue need adult care, while E6000-style adhesive requires label-directed ventilation and curing. Return to Average But Inspired for Bre's complete tutorial and more imaginative decorating ideas.

10. Light-Up Ghost Centerpiece

Three glowing cheesecloth ghosts with black faces and witch hats stand together beside small orange pumpkins — String lights brighten a trio of cheesecloth ghosts and pumpkins. (Image credit: It's Always Autumn)

Three lit cheesecloth ghosts with black faces and tiny hats gather beside small pumpkins in the finished centerpiece. Autumn Baldwin created the Light-Up Ghost Centerpiece for It’s Always Autumn, whose tutorial includes Amazon affiliate links; hot glue belongs with an adult, and the string lights should be switched off whenever you leave the room. Find Autumn’s complete tutorial at It’s Always Autumn, along with more seasonal projects from the site.

11. Origami Flapping Bats

Black folded paper bat with pointed ears and dimensional wings shown against a light background as Halloween decor — Careful paper folds give this black bat movable wings. (Image credit: DIY JOY)

When you want movement without glue or scissors, this folded paper bat brings a clever surprise. Lily Suing created the Origami Flapping Bat for DIY JOY from one paper square. Pressing the folded back while holding the center front makes the dimensional wings move; an optional paper cutter still needs appropriate handling. Open Lily's complete tutorial on DIY JOY for the precise folds, then find more paper craft ideas from DIY JOY.

12. Glamorous Witch Skull Mason Jar

White painted skull mason jar wears a purple craft foam witch hat with black details and sparkling rhinestones — A purple hat and rhinestones dress up this painted skull jar. (Image credit: Mad in Crafts)

Set this decorated jar where its purple witch hat and sparkling details can catch the eye. A white-and-black skull face, black accents and rhinestones make the Glamorous Witch variation feel theatrical. Jessica Hill created the project for Mad in Crafts, and glass, foam cutting, paint and hot glue all deserve careful adult handling. The source includes affiliate links without identifying a project-specific sponsor. Use Jessica’s Mad in Crafts page for the complete tutorial, followed by more of her creative Halloween ideas.

13. Recycled Milk Jug Ghost Luminaries

Three recycled milk jug ghosts glow with battery lights at night and show different black marker faces — Battery lights make three recycled milk-jug ghosts glow. (Image credit: Welcome to Nana's)

Three recycled milk-jug ghosts glow together at night with different black marker faces. Shelly at Welcome to Nana’s shows a sitting version if you’d rather skip the optional hanging construction. Sand or gravel weights the jugs while battery fairy lights keep each switch accessible at the handle. Use only battery or LED lights inside the plastic jugs, never real candles. Label removal or cutting remains an adult task. The article may contain affiliate links; visit Welcome to Nana’s for Shelly’s complete tutorial and more resourceful family craft ideas.

14. Hanging Paper Pumpkin Craft

Two orange paper strip pumpkins hang against a light wall with brown stems and curled green paper vines — Layered orange strips form two light hanging pumpkins. (Image credit: Meaningful Mama)

Hanging Paper Pumpkins from Jodi Durr at Meaningful Mama build rounded forms from measured orange paper strips, with curled green and brown details at the top. To me, the airy shape gives a fall or Halloween display a lighter visual note. Scissors, a paper cutter and a stapler require age-appropriate adult help. For the complete tutorial and more thoughtful craft ideas, spend some time with Jodi at Meaningful Mama.

15. Ghosts in Mason Jars

Wispy gauze ghosts rise above twigs and Spanish moss inside clear inverted mason jars with metal bases — Tiny gauze ghosts hover over moss and twigs inside inverted jars. (Image credit: Mason Jar Crafts Love)

Linda's Ghosts in Mason Jars at Mason Jar Crafts Love suspend wispy gauze figures over twig-and-moss scenes inside inverted jars. Lid-mounted Styrofoam bases support the small figures without painted faces or interior lights. Cutting Styrofoam, handling glass and using hot glue are adult jobs. I like that the tiny ghost scenes stay at the center of the design; the source also contains affiliate links. Linda shares the complete tutorial at Mason Jar Crafts Love; let it guide the details and keep going for more of her mason jar ideas.

16. Halloween Googly Eye Bowl

Small bowl covered with assorted black and white googly eyes appears in a portrait graphic with Fall For DIY title text — Assorted googly eyes cover the outside of a small bowl. (Image credit: Fall For DIY)

A small bowl covered edge to edge with assorted staring eyes creates a wonderfully busy monster look. Fran created the Halloween Googly Eye Bowl for Fall For DIY. Larger eyes establish the pattern and smaller ones fill the visible gaps on the outside. Because hot glue is involved, an adult should handle assembly, and the source does not establish the bowl as food-safe or break-resistant. Visit Fall For DIY for Fran’s complete tutorial, then explore more playful decorating ideas from the source.

17. Hanging Toilet Roll Ghosts

White toilet roll ghost hangs by yarn with a hand-drawn black face and three long fluttering paper streamers — Paper streamers flutter beneath a hanging cardboard ghost. (Image credit: Little Bins for Little Hands)

A freehand face and three fluttering paper streamers give this hanging cardboard ghost a long, lively silhouette. I like the movement the yarn suspension adds, with scissors and any optional stapler kept under age-appropriate supervision. Follow the complete tutorial from Sarah McClelland on Little Bins for Little Hands, where you can also discover more of her hands-on designs.

18. Poison Apple Pumpkin Craft

Two black foam pumpkins with molded purple poison apple faces and glitter details sit on a dark pedestal — Purple molded faces transform black foam pumpkins into poison apples. (Image credit: All Things with Purpose)

Sarah Lemp’s Poison Apple Pumpkin Craft at All Things with Purpose gives black foam pumpkins dramatic purple faces made with air-dry clay. Glitter glue adds a slick, magical finish after the painted pumpkins have dried. Spray paint needs outdoor or label-directed ventilation, and hot glue belongs with an adult. For Sarah Lemp’s complete tutorial and more seasonal ideas, visit All Things with Purpose.

19. Glow Stick Broomsticks

Glowing bracelet sticks dressed as miniature witch broomsticks with kraft paper bristles and tied twine — Kraft-paper bristles turn glowing sticks into tiny broomsticks. (Image credit: One Little Project)

If a table or favor basket needs a small glowing detail, these witchy broomsticks fit the scale. Debbie Chapman created the Glow Stick Broomsticks for One Little Project. Bracelet-style glow sticks, kraft paper, twine and optional tags form the finished favors; scissors and any optional craft knife require adult handling, and thin glow sticks can snap. Find Debbie’s complete tutorial at One Little Project, then browse additional imaginative ideas from the same source.

20. Spooky Eyeball Wreath

Black grapevine wreath covered with many white foam eyeballs and finished with a dark ribbon for hanging — A crowd of foam eyes covers a black grapevine wreath. (Image credit: A Pretty Life in the Suburbs)

For a classic wreath shape with a stranger stare, this design covers a dark grapevine base in foam eyes. Use spray paint with proper ventilation, let it dry and keep hot-glue work with an adult. Jo-Anna Rooney created the Spooky Eyeball Wreath for A Pretty Life in the Suburbs. Start at A Pretty Life in the Suburbs with Jo-Anna's complete tutorial; explore her other seasonal decorating ideas while you are there.

21. Glow-in-the-Dark Haunted House Canvas

Purple canvas with black haunted house and bats, white moon, yellow windows and source watermark in view — A purple canvas frames a dark house, bats, moon and bright windows. (Image credit: That's What Che Said)

Display this purple canvas where its moon and yellow windows can show the glow-in-the-dark finish. Cheryl Spangenberg created the Haunted House Canvas for That’s What Che Said. If you want dimensional detail, notice the folded black bat wings; keep scissors or the electronic cutter with an adult, follow product labels for paint and decoupage medium and get the cut file from the creator rather than sharing copies. The project page includes affiliate links. That’s What Che Said pairs Cheryl’s complete tutorial with more of her creative ideas, so read through the project and browse the rest of her work there.

22. Halloween Monster Flower Pots

Linda at It All Started With Paint created these Halloween Monster Flower Pots from four white terracotta vessels with googly eyes, mossy hair and tall white sticks. You can use acrylic paint if you’d rather skip spray paint; supervise paint and loose pieces, or reserve outdoor spray painting for an adult. Visit Linda’s complete tutorial at It All Started With Paint, then browse more smart projects on her site.

23. Hanging Paper Bat Flock

Multiple black paper bats hang from fine thread above a dining table arranged with Halloween decorations — Black paper bats hover on thread above a Halloween table. (Image credit: DIY in PDX)

Black folded bats appear to fly through the room when fine thread suspends the finished flock overhead. The source hangs the arrangement from a chandelier or ceiling near a window. Rachel created the Hanging Paper Bat Flock for DIY in PDX. A needle and scissors call for careful adult help. See Rachel's complete tutorial at DIY in PDX for the proper construction, then browse more of her original display ideas.

24. Wooden Pumpkins From Scrap 2x4s

Three orange scrap wood pumpkins with black faces, rustic distressing, branch stems and copyright mark — Scrap wood blocks become rustic pumpkins with painted faces. (Image credit: Funky Junk Interiors)

Orange paint, dark faces, branch stems and distressed edges give these three scrap-wood pumpkins their rustic texture. Donna Williams created the Wooden Pumpkins project for Funky Junk Interiors. Reverse-side messages let the blocks shift from Halloween faces to a broader fall display. The method uses scrap 2x4s, paint, a face-and-message stencil and small decorative accents; the source uses Fusion and Amazon Influencer affiliate links. This is an adult power-tool project involving a miter saw, sander and drill, with eye and dust protection required. Visit Donna at Funky Junk Interiors for the complete tutorial, then explore more of her reclaimed-material decor ideas.

25. Halloween Rocking Monster Craft

Purple paper rocking monster with horns, teeth, one eye and small Halloween shapes stands in a paper scene — A folded paper base lets this purple monster rock. (Image credit: In The Playroom)

A purple paper monster balances on a folded circular base with horns, teeth and one oversized eye. Scissors need age-appropriate supervision, and loose embellishments should stay away from very young children. In The Playroom created the Halloween Rocking Monster without requiring a printable template. Visit In The Playroom for the complete tutorial and additional playful family craft ideas.

26. Halloween Eyeball Balloons

Two white mylar eyeball balloons show blue and green vinyl irises, black pupils and red marker veins — Layered vinyl and red veins turn white balloons into giant eyes. (Image credit: Club Crafted)

Holly Wade created the Halloween Eyeball Balloons for Club Crafted. Two white mylar balloons stare back with layered blue and green irises, black pupils, white highlights and red veins. Vinyl circles and marker details build the effect on each inflated balloon. I like that the source honestly explains why the added vinyl keeps them from floating normally, making a wall or floor display the better choice. Adults should manage cutting and inflation equipment, and foil balloons must stay away from overhead electrical lines. To see the entire project, use Holly's complete tutorial at Club Crafted and linger over more of her lively celebration ideas.

27. Halloween Balloon Porch Display

Halloween porch display with themed helium balloons, pumpkins and a seated skeleton arranged near the door — Themed balloons, pumpkins and a skeleton fill this porch scene. (Image credit: Design Improvised)

Bat, spider, ghost and Trick or Treat balloons gather around pumpkins and a seated skeleton in this porch display. Haeley reports about four hours of float time, so plan the display for when you want to enjoy it. Haeley Giambalvo created the Halloween Balloon Porch Display for Design Improvised, with weights hidden among the pumpkins. Follow tank directions and keep small pieces contained. The project was sponsored by Balloon Time; find Haeley’s complete tutorial at Design Improvised and more celebration ideas from the same source.

28. Paper Halloween Lanterns

Three paper Halloween lanterns show bats, a haunted house and graveyard panels beside a Kids Craft Room watermark — Colored and line-art panels wrap three flameless paper lanterns. (Image credit: Kids Craft Room)

Paper, coloring tools, scissors and glue form three illustrated lanterns with colored and uncolored panels. Use only battery or LED lights with paper and supervise scissors and glue. You’ll need to sign up for the creator’s newsletter to access the printable; don’t redistribute the file. Kids Craft Room discloses affiliate participation; visit Emma there for the complete tutorial, then explore more imaginative kids’ craft ideas from the source.

29. Upcycled Jack-o-Lantern Door Hanger

Orange wicker paper plate holder becomes a jack-o-lantern door hanger with felt face and green accents — A thrifted wicker holder becomes a painted orange pumpkin hanger. (Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods)

Sarah Ramberg’s Upcycled Jack-o-Lantern Door Hanger at Sadie Seasongoods starts with one thrifted wicker paper-plate holder. Orange paint, felt, greenery, dried grasses and a thread loop give that single found piece a pumpkin face and a door-ready finish. I like how one thrifted piece becomes a whole door decoration. Use spray paint with ventilation and leave hot glue to an adult. Begin your visit to Sadie Seasongoods with Sarah’s complete tutorial before moving into more of her inventive upcycling ideas.

30. Popsicle Stick Halloween Storefronts

Three finished popsicle stick Halloween storefronts display painted signs, awnings and tiny decorations — Painted signs and awnings turn craft sticks into three tiny shops. (Image credit: The Craft Patch)

When a display needs a miniature streetscape, consider a row of tiny shops. Three painted popsicle-stick storefronts show signs, awnings, cardstock and tiny embellishments, with finished options for magnets, shelf sitters or a garland. Cutting stick ends and using hot glue are adult tasks. Jennifer created the project for The Craft Patch; find her complete tutorial there, then browse more of her charming seasonal craft ideas.

31. Bloody Handprint Window Clings

Red translucent bloody handprint window clings spread across clear glass with irregular drips and fingerprints — Layered colored glue forms translucent bloody handprint clings. (Image credit: Kylyssa Shay)

Translucent red handprints spread irregular drips and fingerprints across clear glass. I find the layered white-glue base and red-and-blue food-coloring mixture more interesting than a flat red-glue shortcut; work on a washable surface and protect clothes because dye can stain. Read Kylyssa Shay's complete tutorial from the original FeltMagnet article at its current Discover HubPages home, then explore more ideas published by the author.

32. Metallic Googly Eye Boo Sign

Black BOO sign covered with metallic blue gold green and purple googly eyes rests against dark fabric — Metallic googly eyes cover the face of a bold black BOO sign. (Image credit: The Country Chic Cottage)

Metallic blue, gold, green and purple eyes cover the face of a bold black BOO sign. Angie Holden created this version for The Country Chic Cottage around a premade word-art base. I like how sorting the eye colors keeps the crowded surface looking intentional. The source discloses affiliate links and possible supplied materials; hot glue and any hair dryer used for glue strings are adult tools, and prolonged heat can melt the plastic eyes. Return to Angie at The Country Chic Cottage for the complete tutorial, then browse more of her seasonal makes.

33. Glowing Mystic Eye Pumpkin

Painted craft pumpkin glows through a large layered mystic eye design lit from inside with battery lights — Battery lights illuminate a layered mystic eye in a painted pumpkin. (Image credit: Persia Lou)

Alexis Middleton created the Glowing Mystic Eye Pumpkin for Persia Lou. A luminous layered eye fills the face of the painted carvable craft pumpkin. Vinyl, laminated or cellophane details and battery rice lights build the graphic effect. I like the dramatic finish, though this one calls for detailed cut-file work. The source discloses affiliate links and an Expressions Vinyl received-product relationship; a cutting machine and craft knife require adult handling, while the cut file remains for personal use through Persia Lou. Return to Alexis’s Persia Lou project for the complete tutorial and more of her distinctive ideas.

DIY Halloween Decorations - Best Easy, Cheap and Quick Halloween Decor Ideas and Crafts for Inside and Outside Your Home - Scary, Creepy Cute and Fun Outdoor Project Tutorials #halloween #diyhalloween #halloweendecor