Halloween is the perfect time to get creative, and you don’t have to spend big bucks to make your home look festive. With a little imagination (and a few items you already have around the house), you can transform your space into a haunted masterpiece. Here are a few last-minute budget friendly DIY decoration ideas that are easy, fun, wallet approved, and that you can have done in time for tomorrow.

1. Ghostly Lanterns

What you’ll need: Empty milk jugs, a black marker, and string lights.

Rinse out plastic milk jugs and draw spooky faces with a marker. Cut a small hole in the back and stuff each jug with string lights. Line them along your walkway or porch for a glowing ghost parade that costs next to nothing.

2. Creepy Window Silhouettes

What you’ll need: Black construction paper or trash bags, scissors, and tape.

Cut out shapes of bats, cats, witches, or ghosts and tape them to your windows. When your home lights are on inside, they’ll cast eerie shadows for anyone passing by. Simple, bold, and surprisingly effective!

3. Floating Ghosts

What you’ll need: Cheesecloth, balloons or foam balls, and glue or starch spray.

Drape the cheesecloth over a balloon or foam ball, spray with the starch or apply the glue, and let it dry. Once hardened, remove the balloon or foam ball, and you’ll have a ghost that “floats” above your table or hangs from the ceiling.

4. Mason Jar Mummies

What you’ll need: Mason jars, gauze or white tissue, googly eyes, and a tea light.

Wrap gauze around the jar, stick on some googly eyes, and pop in a battery-operated candle. These glowing mummies make adorable centerpieces or window decorations!

5. Pumpkin Alternatives

What you’ll need: Paint, old jars or cans, or scrap paper.

Skip the carved pumpkins (or maybe you ran out of time to do this before Halloween), but have no fear – try these no-mess alternatives. Paint some spooky faces on jars, draw pumpkins on orange construction paper, or wrap cans in orange paper for a modern or last-minute twist on the classic jack-o’-lantern.

Save Money While You Get Creative

DIY holiday decorating isn’t just about saving cash, it’s about creating memories too. Before you buy new supplies or spend top dollar at the last minute, check what you may already have around the house. You’ll be surprised how far your creativity (and your budget) can stretch.

At First Financial, we love helping our members make smart financial choices that fit every season. Whether it’s saving for holidays, on home projects, or future goals, we’re here to help you plan and thrive.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!