The Frugal Free Gal

One of my fondest childhood memories involves my mother digging the Halloween decorations out of the attic and decorating the house with all sorts of spooky (and goofy) decorations.

Most of them were things we’d bought from the store, but there were a few that we took some time to make.

For me, those homemade decorations were the best, and the DIY décor tradition is one that I’m looking forward to continuing now that I have a little one of my own.

But figuring out which decorations to make can be tricky (and not in a “trick or treat” kind of way).

If you’re working with kids and your craftiness skills are like mine – about a four on a scale of one to 10 – you’ll want to choose homemade decorations that are simple.

You’ll also want to make things that are relatively inexpensive … so you can spend more money on candy!

Here are eight super easy, super affordable, super spooktacular Halloween decorations you can make at home:

1. Spider Webs – They don’t get much easier and more kid-friendly than this. To make spider webs, take cotton balls and stretch them apart. Then tape them to windows, walls or wherever you need a little extra spookiness.

2. Halloween Tissue Ghosts – kids have a ton of fun making these using lollipops! Display them with a pumpkin or stick them in styrofoam and set around your house for frugal decor.

3. Scarecrow – The scarecrow is fun because he (or she?) is a fun way to recycle old clothes and you can keep him in the front yard long after Halloween ends. Also nice: you can stuff him with leaves. Leaves your kids will gladly rake up in the front yard!

4. Scary Ghost Craft – fun and frugal for the kids to make. Perfect for setting on a bookshelf or stairway as decorations.

5. Giant Pumpkins – To make these oversized yard ornaments, simply take orange trash bags and stuff them with leaves (again, your kids will never be so eager to do yard work). Then use a black marker to draw a fun jack-o-lantern face.

6. Ghost – There are many ways to make a ghost, but this is among the easiest. To make this ghoul, turn a punch bowl upside down on a broomstick (you can also try a 2-liter bottle or milk jug) and drape it with a white sheet. Then draw a ghost face on with a marker, stick the broomstick in the yard, and watch the neighborhood kids run away in mock fear.

7. Mason Jar Jack-O-Lantern Use a glass mason jar to create a cute jack-o-lantern display.

8. 3D Halloween Ghosts – these scary ghosts are super simple to make using white cupcake liners to create a 3D effect!

Related: 10 Fun and Frugal Halloween Costume Ideas You Can Make Yourself

Learn How to Save Big on Halloween Costumes this year!

Between the haunted houses, the creepy decorations and the spooky costumes, Halloween is one time of year that we all love to be a little frightened. Unfortunately, however, the scare doesn’t always stop there. If you go all out on all of your Halloween gear, the fright might extend to your bank account as well. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to. Here are seven ways to save big on your kids’ Halloween costumes this year.

1. Use Items that You Already Own

You might be surprised at the number of costumes you can make using items you already own. For example, if your child already has a toy tool belt and tools, he could go as a construction worker. If your daughter already owns a beautiful white flower girl or christening dress, she could go as a bride.

2. Choose Quality Costumes You Can Hand Down

When it comes to Halloween costumes, you often get what you pay for. If your child will only wear the costume once, going cheap is fine. If you have multiple children and you intend to hand the costume down, however, choose a timeless and quality costume that will last for years.

3. Make Your Own Costumes

If you are crafty, why not make your own costumes? You can make a poodle skirt by cutting a very large circle out of a piece of fabric, cutting a circle out for the waste, and sewing in some elastic. Pirate eye patches, ghost costumes and spider costumes are all super easy to make as well.

Related: 10 Fun and Frugal Halloween Costume Ideas You Can Make Yourself

4. Buy Pieces Instead of Entire Costumes

Instead of purchasing an entire costume, why not choose costumes that only require accessories? For example: Cat costumes only need black clothes, ears and a tail. Chef costumes only require a whisk and a chef’s hat. Artist costumes only require a set of paints and a beret. Ninja turtle costumes only need a shell, a weapon and a piece of fabric for a mask.

5. Watch for Great Deals

Whether you choose to purchase an entire costume or just pieces, be on the look-out for great deals. Many Halloween stores have coupons and promotions that allow you to get a great costume for cheap. You can often save big just by checking out the deals.

6. Buy Secondhand

Since most children only wear their costumes for one night before they are done with them, it is very easy to find like-new Halloween costumes for cheap. Check Ebay, Craigslist, garage sales and your local thrift stores or consignment shops. You never know what you might find! Your options will be a little more limited this way, but you are sure to get a great deal, so it is definitely worth a look.

Related: 8 Cheap Homemade Halloween Decorations

7. Hit End of the Season Clearance Racks

If you can remember and afford to plan ahead, November is the perfect time to purchase Halloween costumes for the next year at great prices. Pick up a costume or two when they are severely marked down on clearance, and you’ll be all set well before the next Halloween rolls around.

Halloween is a ton of fun, but that doesn’t mean that it should cost you a ton of money. Use these seven ways to save big on your kids’ Halloween costumes this year, and save the frights for the haunted house. Your kids will have amazing and unique costumes that they will be proud to show off at a price that you can afford.

How much do you usually spend on Halloween costumes for your kids? What tips do you have for getting a great Halloween costume for less?

As the air chills and leaves change color, the anticipation of Halloween brings excitement to children and parents alike.

However, many families also face the fear of increased holiday expenses. If you’re looking for ways to save money this Halloween while still ensuring your family has a ghoulishly good time, look no further.

I’ve rounded up a list of FREE Halloween activities that are all treat, no trick!

DIY Halloween Costumes

Unleash the creative spirit of your family by crafting homemade Halloween costumes. Turning the ordinary into the extraordinary doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Old clothes, craft supplies, and a bit of imagination can transform your child into a fairy, superhero, or any other fantastical creature they desire.

It’s not just a money-saving tactic, but a fun family activity that cultivates creativity and bonding.

10 Halloween Costume Ideas You Can Make Yourself

Spooky Storytelling Sessions

Curl up with your family for a spine-chilling storytelling session. You can borrow Halloween-themed books from the library or spin your own ghostly tales.

Younger kids will love classics like “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything,” while older children might enjoy the eerie tales from the “Goosebumps” series.

This can become a cherished family tradition that costs nothing but creates priceless memories.

Halloween Movie Marathon

A Halloween-themed movie night at home can be just as exciting as a trip to the theater.

Classics like “Hocus Pocus”, “Casper”, and “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” are perfect for setting the Halloween mood.

Pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and let the family-friendly horror unfold.

Neighborhood Trick-or-Treat

Perhaps the most cherished Halloween tradition of all, trick-or-treating is a fantastic free activity.

Dress up in your DIY costumes and set out in your neighborhood for some candy collecting fun.

It’s not just about the sweets; it’s a wonderful way to engage with your community and revel in the Halloween spirit.

Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza

If you grow your pumpkins or can pick them for free, pumpkin carving can be a cost-free Halloween activity.

Sketch your designs and carve out your jack-o-lanterns as a family.

Remember to save the pumpkin seeds for roasting – they make a delicious, nutritious post-carving snack!

FREE Printable Pumpkin Stencils

Halloween Craft Party

Host a Halloween craft party at home with materials you already have. Construction paper, glue, paint, and markers can turn into bats, witches, and ghosts.

Not only is this a fantastic creative outlet, but it also results in DIY decorations that can adorn your home.

Scary Ghosts Halloween Craft

DIY Mason Jar Jack-o-Lantern

Haunted House in the Backyard

Transform your backyard or garage into a home-made haunted house. Utilize your crafty creations, old sheets, flashlights, and maybe some eerie music to set the scene.

Family members can play the characters, ensuring a hauntingly fun experience for all who dare to enter.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Design a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt around your house or neighborhood. The list could include items like a black cat, a witch’s broom, or a jack-o-lantern.

This activity gets kids moving, engages their observation skills, and heightens the Halloween anticipation.

Bake Frighteningly Delicious Treats

Get together in the kitchen and whip up some Halloween-themed goodies using ingredients you already have.

Turn pancakes into ghosts, make jack-o-lantern faces on pizza, or transform pretzel rods into witch’s brooms.

Cooking together is not just free (considering you use what’s already in your pantry), but it also teaches kids essential culinary skills.

Online Costume Parade

In the digital age, celebrating can be as easy as logging on to a social platform. Organize an online Halloween costume parade where friends and family can showcase their creative costumes.

You can share photos, have a friendly competition, and enjoy the holiday spirit from the comfort of your home.

Community Halloween Events

Many communities host free Halloween events like parades, concerts, and festivals. Check out your local community calendar to see what’s happening in your area.

These events often have activities like face painting, magic shows, and costume contests that your family can enjoy.

DIY Halloween Games

Create your own Halloween-themed games at home.

“Pin the Spider on the Web”, “Pumpkin Bowling”, and a “Witch Hat Ring Toss” are all fun and easy to set up with items you likely already have around the house.

These games can keep your children entertained for hours and are a great way to engage their friends too.

Nature Walk Costume Parade

Organize a nature walk costume parade. Invite friends and family to dress up in their costumes and join for a walk in a local park or nature reserve.

It’s a great way to enjoy the crisp autumn air, take in the fall foliage, and show off those creative DIY costumes.

Halloween Dance Party

Turn up some Halloween tunes and throw a dance party right in your living room. From “Monster Mash” to “Thriller,” there are plenty of spooky songs that can get your family moving.

It’s an entertaining and energetic way to celebrate Halloween, and it doesn’t cost a penny.

Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest

If you have family or friends who live far away, consider hosting a virtual pumpkin carving contest. Everyone can carve their pumpkins at home and then share their creations online.

It’s a fun way to connect with loved ones, share some laughs, and see who can come up with the most creative design.

Remember, the best Halloween activities are the ones that bring your family together and create lasting memories.

Whether you’re crafting DIY costumes, baking spooky treats, or dancing to “Monster Mash,” the goal is to enjoy each other’s company and have fun.

And with these free activities, you can do all that without straining your budget.

Happy Halloween!

Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year. The air gets cool, the leaves are beautiful, and the bin of sweaters makes its triumphant return from the attic. It’s also nice because there are just as many fun activities for families to do in the fall as there are in the spring and summer.

Here are six of my favorite things to do to pass the time during this time of the year.

6 Ways to Save on Family Friendly Fall Activities

Go Leaf Diving! 

Can yard work be fun? If you’re going leaf diving, it can be! Just rake some leaves in a big pile and jump on it. It’s a classic fall activity that never goes out of style.

Visit your local pumpkin patch.

Pay a visit to your local pumpkin patch and pick out pumpkins together. If you’re getting more than one, pick out at least one pumpkin that’s a little on the deformed side. Ugly pumpkins need love too!

Enjoy carving your pumpkins using free pumpkin stencils.

Visit an apple orchard.

If pumpkin picking isn’t your thing (or you don’t have access to a pumpkin patch), a trip to an apple orchard is just as fun. Once you get the apples home, you can make some homemade applesauce.

Enjoy a hayride! 

If you have access to one, a hayride is one of most fun fall activities there is. Just be sure to bring along a thermos full of hot apple cider to make the experience complete.

Bundle up, too if it’s cool out!

Five Ways to Transition Your Wardrobe from Summer to Fall

Hunt Leaves for Crafts

A stroll through the woods in the autumn can be so relaxing.

To make it fun for the kids, challenge them to find the most colorful leaves and then take them home to display on the fridge.

Crafts Using Dried Leaves

Get Lost in a Maze

If you’re lucky enough to live near a corn maze, you should definitely pay a visit during the fall for a fun family outing. Most maze attractions also offer other activities, like petting zoos and obstacle courses.

What activities do you like to do during the fall with your family?