Boo-tiful Cheap Halloween Party Ideas

Hi, I’m Emma, and if you’re like me, you love Halloween but not the scary price tags that often come with it! That’s why I’ve put together these Cheap Halloween Party Ideas to help you celebrate in style—without breaking the bank.

Halloween is one of the most fun and creative times of the year, but let’s be honest, it can get expensive with costumes, decorations, and treats piling up fast. The good news? You don’t need a big budget to throw a spooky, unforgettable party.

Cheap Halloween Party Ideas

Halloween fun doesn’t have to come with a frightening price tag! These cheap Halloween party ideas will help you throw a spooky and stylish celebration on a budget.

DIY Haunted House at Home

Transform your garage, basement, or a hallway into a mini haunted house without spending much. With a few household items and dollar store finds, you can create a spooky walkthrough that will wow your guests. This idea works great for kids and adults alike, adding excitement to your party. Best part? It costs way less than going to a commercial haunted house.

• Use old sheets, garbage bags, or curtains to create dark corridors

• Hang string lights or flickering LED candles for eerie lighting

• Play spooky soundtracks from YouTube or free apps

• Use cardboard boxes or furniture to build tunnels and hiding spots

• Ask friends to dress as ghosts or zombies and jump out for scares

Potluck-Style Halloween Feast

You don’t need to cover the full food table alone—let guests join in the fun! A potluck-style party saves money and brings more variety to your Halloween spread. Just give guests a theme or category, and watch the spooky snacks roll in. It’s budget-friendly and super interactive.

• Assign simple themes like “creepy desserts” or “orange foods”

• Provide DIY food label cards for each dish

• Make your own spooky punch as the main drink

• Offer small prizes for best-looking or most creative food item

• Share recipes afterward to keep the Halloween spirit going

Costume Swap Party

Instead of buying new costumes every year, organize a swap! Everyone brings an old costume they no longer need and trades it for something new to them. This is not only budget-friendly but also eco-conscious and fun.

• Set up a “swap station” with mirrors for quick try-ons

• Encourage accessories and props to be brought along

• Let kids and adults participate separately for better sizing

• Have a “best outfit from the swap” contest

• Donate any leftover costumes to a local charity

Dollar Store Decor DIY

You don’t need expensive decorations to make your party stand out. The dollar store is full of spooky, affordable items that you can use as-is or upgrade with a little creativity. It’s fun, cheap, and totally Instagram-worthy.

 

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• Buy plastic skulls, cobwebs, or spiders and spray paint them black or silver

• Create a balloon wall with black and orange balloons

• Use creepy cloth or tattered cheesecloth over tables and doors

• Fill mason jars with colored water and plastic eyeballs

• Print creepy portraits and place them in thrifted frames

Halloween Movie Marathon

Movie nights are classic—and doing one on Halloween can be spooky, cozy, and cheap! You just need a screen, snacks, and a list of Halloween favorites. This works well for small groups and doesn’t require much decor.

• Pick family-friendly or scary films based on your crowd

• Use fairy lights and blankets for a comfy vibe

• Create popcorn mix-ins like candy corn or chocolate chips

• Hand out themed bingo cards based on movie scenes

• Pause between films for costume or trivia breaks

Mummy Wrap Game

This game is silly, fun, and a huge hit with kids and adults. All you need is toilet paper, and the goal is to wrap your teammate like a mummy in the fastest time. Great for groups and laughs.

• Use cheap toilet rolls or white crepe paper

• Create teams of two or three to make it competitive

• Set a time limit (like 1 minute) for each round

• Award prizes for speed and neatest mummy wrap

• Take funny photos of the “mummies” for memories

Pumpkin Decorating Station

Skip the mess of carving and try painting or sticking decorations on pumpkins instead. It’s fun, safe, and cheaper than buying carving kits. Plus, you can prep it as an activity for both kids and adults.

• Buy mini pumpkins in bulk from local farms or markets

• Provide stickers, paint, and googly eyes

• Cover tables with newspaper to keep cleanup easy

• Offer a few stencils for guidance

• Display everyone’s pumpkins as part of your decor

Spooky Scavenger Hunt

Turn your home or yard into a haunted hunt zone with clues and creepy items to find. This game keeps guests moving and laughing without needing anything fancy.

• Write riddles or clues on old paper for a weathered look

• Hide plastic spiders, bones, or glow sticks as “treasures”

• Group players in teams to encourage teamwork

• Use a timer to make it more thrilling

• Give small treats or candy bags to winners

Halloween Karaoke Night

Karaoke with a spooky twist is both hilarious and cheap! All you need is a speaker and free karaoke tracks from YouTube. Add in some costumes and themed songs for extra fun.

• Create a spooky song playlist (Monster Mash, Thriller, etc.)

• Encourage costume performances

• Offer candy or small prizes for bold singers

• Set up a “stage” with string lights or a curtain

• Record performances to relive the fun later

Ghost Story Circle

A classic party idea that costs nothing but your imagination. Turn off the lights, sit in a circle, and share your spookiest tales. Great as a late-night activity to wind down.

• Dim the lights and use flashlights under your chin

• Use storytelling prompts if guests get stuck

• Let younger guests tell funny or silly “scary” stories

• Play soft eerie background music

• Use a “story stick” to pass around and signal whose turn it is

Halloween Bingo

Bingo is easy to DIY and can be customized for your Halloween theme. It’s fun for all ages and you can give out candy for prizes.

• Print free Halloween bingo cards online

• Use candy corn or small coins as bingo markers

• Include fun items like “witch hat” or “black cat”

• Play spooky sound effects when someone wins

• Offer small prizes like glow sticks or stickers

Guess the Gross Mystery Box

Guests stick their hands into mystery boxes and guess what’s inside—classic Halloween fun! It’s cheap to set up and gets lots of laughs.

• Use shoeboxes or bowls with cut-out lids

• Fill with peeled grapes (eyeballs), cold spaghetti (brains), etc.

• Label each box with creepy names like “monster guts”

• Blindfold participants or cover the boxes

• Keep napkins or wipes nearby for cleanup

Face Painting Booth

Instead of full costumes, let guests paint their faces with simple Halloween looks. A few basic paints and brushes can go a long way.

 

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• Use safe, washable face paints

• Offer a few simple design options with pictures

• Set up a mirror and baby wipes for cleanup

• Let teens or older kids paint each other

• Add glitter or glow paint for extra flair

DIY Photo Booth

Everyone loves a good selfie spot—especially in costume! A DIY photo booth adds entertainment and memories for very little money.

• Hang a black or orange sheet as the backdrop

• Add dollar store props like masks, hats, and glasses

• Use your phone on a tripod with self-timer

• Provide themed signs like “Boo!” or “Trick or Treat!”

• Encourage group and solo pics

Pumpkin Ring Toss

This easy outdoor game adds charm to your party and is a hit with all ages. It’s just like ring toss but with pumpkins as the targets!

• Use small to medium pumpkins with stems

• Make rings from glow sticks or cut paper plates

• Set different point values for each pumpkin

• Mark throwing lines for kids and adults

• Offer prizes for high scores

Money-Saving Tips for Hosting

Throwing a Halloween party doesn’t mean you have to drain your wallet. With a little creativity and smart planning, you can host a memorable event without overspending. These practical tips will help you cut costs while still keeping the fun and spooky vibe alive. Whether you’re decorating, sending invites, or planning the timing, small choices can make a big difference.

• Reuse or Borrow Decorations and Props
  Dig into your old Halloween boxes or ask friends and family if they have anything you can use. Reusing or borrowing items like fake cobwebs, skeletons, or lighting props can save you a lot of money.

• Shop Clearance Sales from Last Year or After Halloween
  Plan ahead by buying discounted decor and costumes after the holiday for next year. These items are often 50–90% off and can be stored easily for future use.

• Print Invitations or Use Free Digital Invites (like Canva or Evite)
  Skip the fancy paper invites and go digital! Canva and Evite offer free, Halloween-themed invitation templates that are easy to customize and share through text, email, or social media.

• Host the Party During Off-Hours to Avoid Dinner Costs
  Consider holding your party in the afternoon or after dinner hours. This way, you only need to serve light snacks and drinks instead of a full meal, which can be a huge cost saver.

FAQ

How can I throw a Halloween party on a tight budget?

Start by setting a spending limit and planning ahead. Use DIY decorations, host the party at home, ask guests to bring food (potluck-style), and shop at dollar stores or reuse old Halloween supplies.

What are some cheap decoration ideas for a Halloween party?

Use black and orange balloons, paper bats, fake spider webs, and candles from the dollar store. You can also create your own ghost garlands, floating candles, and creepy jars using items from around the house.

Can I still have fun games at a Halloween party without spending a lot?

Yes! Classic games like mummy wrap (with toilet paper), scavenger hunts, and “Guess the Gross Stuff” mystery boxes are super fun and cost next to nothing to set up.

What are some low-cost food ideas for a Halloween party?

Make themed snacks like popcorn hands, banana ghosts, or mummy hot dogs. Use homemade punch with floating eyeballs (lychee or grapes) for a spooky touch.