The Halloween season is just around the corner which means my kids have been begging me to pull out the decorations for two weeks already. Unfortunately, our Halloween decor bin was lost when our garage flooded thanks to Hurricane Idalia so we’re starting from scratch. But who says we need to drain our cauldron of gold to create hauntingly fun Halloween decor, right?

I was able to make an impact already with just a short run to Dollar Tree. Read on to see some of our playful decor plus some bonus frightfully fabulous and budget-friendly ways to spruce up your space for this year's spooktacular festivities!

1. SPiderweb bowl stand

This has been our favorite little decor moment from my Dollar Tree run. Simply take two of these $1.25 spider web bowls and glue the bottoms together with a hot glue gun. It takes the the simple bowl and creates a stand that makes much more of a statement on your table. The kids are really loving it!

2. Haunted House Silhouettes

Print or draw haunted house silhouettes on black paper and frame them in old thrift store frames. Place them strategically in your windows for an eerie nighttime display.

3. Floating Candles

The floating candles was one of my favorite decor moments last year. I bought this pack of 12 battery operated candles for $20 and was able to add them over our dining table as well as on our back porch using fishing line and clear 3M hooks on the ceiling. Although I won’t be repeating this look this year, it’s one I’m sure we’ll loop back to in the future.

4. Spooky Branch Centerpieces

Head outdoors and gather some fallen branches. Spray-paint them black, and arrange them in a vase or pot. Hang miniature plastic skeletons or spiders for an instant eerie centerpiece.

5. Mummify Your Front Door

Wrap your front door in white streamers or crepe paper to give it that classic mummy look. Add googly eyes or a spooky sign for extra effect. We did a version of this at our first home and my toddler at the time loved it!

6. Bat Attack

Cut out bat shapes from black construction paper or cardboard or purchase a set like this if not interested in a DIY approach. Attach them to walls, windows, or ceilings with double-sided tape for a simple yet effective decoration.

7. Potion Bottles

I picked up these $1.25 plastic bottles from Dollar Tree and filled them with little bones (also Dollar Tree), but you could also fill them with colored water for a fun “potion” look. Or save your empty glass bottles and jars, then label them with spooky concoction names like "Eye of Newt" or "Witch's Brew." They can add a fun layered look to your table decor.

8. Halloween Garland

Create your own Halloween garland using orange and black paper, old magazines, or fabric scraps. String them up around your home for a pop of festive color. Young kids could really enjoy creating a paper chain version to display in their bedrooms.

9. Pumpkin Parade

Visit a local pumpkin patch and pick up a variety of pumpkins and gourds. Arrange them on your porch, steps, or fireplace mantel for a rustic and charming Halloween display. I love that these can easily carry you into the Thanksgiving season.

With these budget-friendly ideas, you can transform your home into a haunted haven without a ghost of a chance of breaking the bank. So, gather your cauldron and start brewing up some Halloween magic that's both easy on the eyes and your wallet.

We'd love to hear about your thrifty Halloween decor ideas! Share your spooky setups and creative creations in the comments below. 👻📸

Check out this post to see everything we did for our decor last year.

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Inexpensive Halloween Decor Ideas for a Ghoulishly Good Time