Easy Halloween Decorating Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

Halloween is a holiday when one can decorate and not spend a lot of money. I suggest using a little imagination. For example, stuffing old shirts and jeans with newspapers can create a body for a scarecrow or someone lurking in the shadows.

Here are a few more of my money-saving tips for decorating to scare away goblins or those little candy-grabbers. Darkness and eerie sounds go a long way to setting that creepy Halloween-ish sensation.

Yellow Caution Tape

It's inexpensive and usually found at the hardware store. Put it up all around the yard creating a crime scene, and start setting the mood.

Make Warning Signs

Use an old cardboard box, piece of plywood, or wood planks to make scary warning signs like "Enter at Your Own Risk", "Danger Keep Out", or "Cemetery That Way".

Then give your scene a name, like "Murder on Meadow Drive" (substitute your own street name). Check out the video above for some creative ideas.

Glow in the Dark Paint

Painting yourself or items on your property with glow-in-the-dark paint can cast an eerie appearance and make you or your place look truly spooky. In the above video, learn some easy makeup tips.

Dim the Lights

Lighting really helps set the mood too. Simply turn off bright lights. Use colored or black-light bulbs instead. Don't completely darken everything; you want your visitors to be able to see the scary scene you've created.

Yard Art

Making tombstones out of Styrofoam, plywood or cardboard, and painting epitaphs like "R.I.P." or "Till Death Do Us Part" will give your lawn a graveyard feel. An old wooden crate can make for a rotting casket.

Pumpkin Decorating

When using real pumpkins, remember they can last only about a week after being carved before rotting begins. Try painting your pumpkins instead; they'll last up to a month uncut. Then you can re-use your gourds as Thanksgiving decorations.

Making Witches, Scarecrows and Ghosts

Construct a scarecrow, witch, or other figure using an old shirt, jeans, boots, and a hat. Stuff your dummy with newspapers and add a mask to complete the look. A plastic pumpkin with a white sheet over it becomes a ghost. Prop your dummy up and leave the rest to your visitor's imagination.

Just be creative and have fun. Try to be a kid at heart, and have a Happy Halloween.

What are your money-saving decorating ideas? Please share your ideas below.