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Budget-Friendly Halloween Decor: 12 Simple Ideas to Save Money
Aug
Halloween is that magical time of year when pumpkins glow, ghosts “float” in windows, and the air is filled with a mix of excitement and mystery.
But while it’s tempting to buy every glittering pumpkin and spooky animatronic you see at the store, the cost of Halloween decorations can pile up faster than you can say “trick or treat.”
The good news? You don’t need a scary budget to create a festive and unforgettable celebration.
With some creativity, everyday items, and a little DIY spirit, you can transform your space into a haunted wonderland — all without draining your wallet.
This is where personal touches, like embroidery, play a big role.
A carefully embroidered table runner, a spooky-themed pillowcase, or even an embroidered shirt or hoodie from Hicitees can instantly elevate your Halloween vibes.
Let’s explore 12 budget-friendly Halloween decor ideas that will have your guests impressed, your home looking festive, and your bank account smiling.
Why Budget-Friendly Halloween Decor Is a Win
When we talk about decorating on a budget, it’s not just about saving money — it’s about embracing creativity.
You get to put your personal stamp on your space, making your decorations feel one-of-a-kind.
- Cost Savings – Buying pre-made decor from big stores can be pricey, especially if you want enough to fill your whole home. DIY and upcycling save you a lot.
- Sustainability – Reusing, repurposing, and crafting from materials you already have reduces waste. This is better for the environment and your wallet.
- Personalization – You can design decorations that perfectly match your style. Want a vintage Halloween look? Or maybe a kawaii-spooky theme? DIY makes it possible.
The Charm of Handmade & Embroidered Accents
There’s something magical about decorations that have a handmade touch.
Embroidery, for example, adds warmth and texture that store-bought items can’t match.
A spooky embroidered table runner, a pumpkin pillow cover, or even a hoodie with a ghost stitched onto it can be part of both your wardrobe and your decor.
At Hicitees, embroidered shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts aren’t just clothing — they can be part of your celebration.
Imagine hanging a black hoodie with a jack-o’-lantern embroidery on the coat rack near your entryway.
It becomes part of the atmosphere while doubling as a costume option for a guest.
Now, let’s dive into the 12 creative and cost-saving Halloween decor ideas.
12 Simple Halloween Decor Ideas to Save Money
DIY Paper Bats & Spiders
Paper is cheap, easy to work with, and surprisingly versatile. All you need is black cardstock or even leftover cardboard painted black.
Cut out bat or spider shapes (plenty of free templates are available online) and tape them to walls, windows, or stair rails.
For extra drama, arrange them so they look like they’re “flying” across your living room wall.
This entire project can cost less than $5 and makes a big impact.
Repurposed Mason Jar Lanterns
Got old mason jars or sauce jars?
Paint them orange, purple, or black, and draw spooky faces or designs on them.
Drop in a tea light candle (LED for safety), and you’ve got glowing lanterns perfect for your porch or dining table.
You can also wrap them in gauze to create little mummy lanterns — a fun project for kids.
Old Clothes to Halloween Costumes
Before you buy new costumes, raid your closet. An oversized black hoodie from Hicitees?
Perfect for a witch, vampire, or shadowy ghost look. Old flannel shirts? Instant scarecrow costume. White bedsheet? Classic ghost.
You can even embroider small spooky designs on plain shirts and sweatshirts for a festive touch without a full costume purchase.
Handmade Embroidered Table Runner
Table runners instantly make a dining table look polished.
Use leftover fabric or thrift a plain runner, then embroider small pumpkins, spiderwebs, or bats along the edges.
This is a slow, relaxing project that costs almost nothing if you already have thread at home.
If embroidery isn’t your thing, fabric paint works just as well.
Painted Pumpkins Instead of Carving
Carving pumpkins is fun, but it’s messy and short-lived.
Painted pumpkins last longer and can be reused for weeks. Use acrylic paint to create silly, scary, or elegant designs.
You can even stencil on embroidered-like patterns for a crafty look.
Printable Halloween Wall Art
Thanks to free design websites, you can download printable art for zero cost.
Just print, pop it into a thrifted frame, and hang it. Choose anything from vintage Halloween posters to modern minimalist designs.
Switching the art seasonally keeps your walls fresh without spending much.
Spooky Garland from Fabric Scraps
If you have leftover fabric (from old shirts or sewing projects), cut it into bats, pumpkins, or ghosts and string them together with twine.
Drape the garland over your mantel, around windows, or along the banister.
Bonus: If you have an old embroidered shirt from Hicitees that’s worn out, you can cut the embroidery into shapes and include them iin the garland for a sentimental touch.
Black Lace Lampshade Covers
Drape thrifted black lace over lampshades for a soft, eerie glow. It’s cheap, easy, and transforms the entire feel of the room.
If you find lace with embroidery details, even better — the patterns will cast unique shadows on your walls.
Pillow Covers with Halloween Embroidery
Instead of buying whole new pillows, make or buy simple pillow covers and add embroidered designs.
Pumpkins, black cats, and haunted houses are perfect motifs.
These can be reused every Halloween, saving money in the long term and keeping storage space minimal.
Dollar Store Cauldron Candy Bowls
Dollar stores often sell plastic cauldrons for $1–$3. Dress them up with metallic paint, glitter, or ribbons.
You can even glue on embroidered patches for a quirky handmade touch.
They’re great for handing out candy or using as table centerpieces.
Glow Stick Pathway Lights
Glow sticks are inexpensive and perfect for lighting walkways.
Place them inside white balloons for a “floating ghost” effect, or put them in jars for glowing ground lights.
It’s budget-friendly, kid-safe, and gives a festive glow to your yard.
DIY Door Wreath with Found Items
Wreaths don’t have to be expensive.
Collect sticks, pinecones, and leaves from your yard, then hot-glue them to a circular base (wire or even a cardboard cutout).
Spray-paint black or orange and add a small embroidered bow for a cozy, handmade finish.
Combining Decor & Fashion
Halloween isn’t just about decorating your home — it’s about creating an entire experience.
Coordinating your outfit with your decor can make your celebration feel extra special.
For example:
- If your party decor is ghost-themed, wear a black embroidered hoodie from Hicitees with a white ghost on the chest.
- Hosting a pumpkin carving night? A sweatshirt embroidered with autumn leaves ties it all together.
This way, your decor and outfit complement each other, making photos look cohesive and fun.
Tips for Saving Even More
- Shop Off-Season – Buy decor right after Halloween for next year at 70–90% off.
- Thrift Store Hunts – You’d be surprised what Halloween treasures you can find for just a few dollars.
- Group Craft Nights – Share materials and ideas with friends to save money.
Final Thoughts
A memorable Halloween celebration doesn’t require a big budget — just a bit of imagination, some resourcefulness, and the willingness to get crafty.
From paper bats to embroidered table runners, there are endless ways to bring spooky charm into your home for little cost.
And if you want your Halloween style to match your decor, Hicitees’ embroidered shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts are the perfect blend of comfort, style, and festive spirit.
Wear them, display them, or gift them — they’ll make your Halloween celebrations extra special.
This year, let your creativity run wild, keep your spending low, and enjoy a hauntingly good time.
