15 Easy and Inexpensive Ways to Get in the Halloween Spirit

I love the spooky season and always look for fun ways to celebrate. Whether you’re a die-hard Halloween enthusiast or looking to dip your toe in the cauldron, there’s no denying the excitement of Halloween. I began this post last year, starting with things my family enjoys doing during Halloween, then curated it with additional items for this year’s festivities.

This guide is designed for 15 easy and inexpensive ways to get in the Halloween spirit, but like anything, you can spend as much or as little time or money with each. So grab your notebook and light your smokey sandalwood candle; we’re making a new type of Halloween bucket list.

Build a Halloween Mood Board on Pinterest

Living in Hawai’i, where the weather remains relatively consistent, getting into the Halloween or fall mood takes a bit more time because our falls don’t look like fall. Crafting a mood board is one way to embrace the Halloween vibe, whether your seasons change or not. Pinning photos to my board definitely put me in the spooky season mood, and Pinterest always sparks my creativity.

Horror Movie Themed Dinners & Snacks

This is one inexpensive method for getting in the Halloween spirit because you’re most likely buying food already; you just add a little creative twist with a horror or favorite Halloween flick pairing/theme.

Here are a few of the ones I’ve done in the past:

It’s also fun to make spooky snack trays for your movie nights.

Check Local Libraries & Community Centers for Events

Before working for a library, I had yet to learn how many free events and activities were available to the community. That could be my naivete, but I am certain only some know the library’s various resources.

My job was to create events, so I’m far more informed now, and we had all sorts of fun things for Halloween, including a costume storytime with a tick-or-treat parade through the library.

Exploring your local library and community centers is worthwhile. Their Halloween or autumn-themed events are often free.

Thrift Fall Inspired Fits

Let’s pop some tags and hunt for fall fits. Thrift stores are the best all year round, but when you’re looking for something extra to do this season, consider planning a treat-yourself day with a pumpkin spice something and shop the treasure trove of thrift possibilities. Or explore your own closet, mixing a patching styles you haven’t tried before.

Here’s my fall inspo fit board:

Cheers with No Booze Cocktails

Create a Halloween Playlist

Creating a Halloween playlist is more than just assembling a collection of songs; it’s a way to summon the season’s spirit. Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but let me tell you, when the calendar is marked by September, and a breeze dares to touch my skin, I’m ready for everything moody Halloween.

Some people go for the classic tunes like “People or Strange” by The Doors or scary movie scores; I enjoy a combination of both with a bit of rap on the side.

Whether you’re hosting a costume party, decorating your haunted house, or, in my case, doing everything (including working out), whatever it is, your Halloween playlist becomes the soundtrack to the season. Make it a spine-tingling delight.

If you haven’t already, check out my Frighteningly Good Halloween Workout Playlist

Nature Hike (aka Leaf Peepin’)

My husband hates that I call it leaf peepin’, but I can’t stop, won’t stop. Leaf peepin’ is one of my favorite things to do in the fall. It stems from many years of living in places that don’t have vegetation that shifts with the seasons.

Whether you’re a hiker going deep in the woods or strolling your favorite neighborhoods, making the time to enjoy nature connects us with the essence of fall.

Romanticize Routine & Make it Spooky

I thoroughly love Angie Bellmare’s YouTube channel. I watch her all year round, but she especially posts great content during Halloween. This is her Cozy Day Routine from last year, but I’m sure she’ll be posting even more exciting Halloween-themed videos this season.

Face Painting or Makeup Styles

My sister and I love trying new makeup styles during Halloween, and we don’t need the day of to do it, and neither do you. The season is a canvas for creativity; experiment with fall-themed makeup, whether hanging out at home or visiting a pumpkin patch, have fun with it.

Pumpkin Painting Party

A pumpkin painting party can be as elaborate or inexpensive as you want it. Pumpkin painting parties are less cleanup than carving parties, and you can still express your creativity. Plus, they are kinda of fun to say.

Horror Movie Trivia or Board Game Night

Face your fears, challenge your knowledge, or pair your favorite horror film with a board game night. Greg and I love exploding zombie kittens, but I am very competitive, so naturally, I love it most when I’m winning. Either way, game nights are awesome. This year, I plan to pick up horror movie trivia.

When you make a purchase using the retail links provided on my site, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. That said, all opinions expressed on this site are my own, and I would never recommend products I do not enjoy myself.

Board Games for Spooky Season

1. Zombie Exploding Kittens
2. Morbid The Lunar Dial Game
3. The Haunted Mansion – Call of the Spirits
4. Scream
5. Horrified
6. Horror Trivia Card Game
7. Any murder mystery game

DIY Halloween Inspired Photoshoot

Unwind with Coloring Book or Halloween-themed Puzzle

If you’re not into board games, maybe I can entice you in another way to unwind. Coloring books are one way I like to quiet my mind. Another method it picking a good puzzle. Although puzzles, for me, can be all-consuming, they definitely distract me from real-life stressors.

When you make a purchase using the retail links provided on my site, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. That said, all opinions expressed on this site are my own, and I would never recommend products I do not enjoy myself.

Coloring Books & Puzzles

1. The Beauty of Horror: A GOREgeous Coloring Book
2. Freak of Halloween – Coloring Book
3. Horror Night Watch Part – Puzzle
4. Enter if you Date – Puzzle

Costume Pet Parade

Pet parades are perfect for us fur-baby parents. You can do a block party or look into organized events in your community (Halloween pet parades are a thing. They have them in Colorado.), giving your pets a chance to strut their stuff in the spotlight.

These are some of my favorite costume ideas:

Halloween Candy Taste Test

I haven’t done this before, but the idea came from being an avid watcher of Hells Kitchen, and the blind taste test is my favorite challenge. We are having a block party this season, and this game will hopefully be a highlight.

The premise is simple, and the title tells you what you need to know. Gather your favorite Halloween candy and your favorite Halloween people, blindfold the contestants, and see who can guess the candy

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