Covering your house with Halloween thrills and chills has never been easier. We found 14 homemade (or almost) Halloween decorations that range from super clever (dead & breakfast anyone?) to delightfully simple. Scroll down to get inspired. 

Add a Bubbling Cauldron to the Yard or Front Porch

courtesy of Grandin Road

Witches and wizards will appreciate a properly bubbling cauldron on Halloween night. We love this tutorial from Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. Get what you need in the link below! 

Get the look here

Go Overboard on Pumpkins

Andrei Lanovskii via Unsplash

We love the idea of going overboard on pumpkins lining your front porch. You can get various sizes and shapes and even use some luminaries! 

Get the look here

Halloween Yard Sign

Jen Theodore via Unsplash

Lead little ones to your front door with eerie signage. From Harry Potter to zombie warnings and more, there’s no end to the possibilities! We love this version from Birds and Soap.

Get the look here.  

Keep It Simple

Annie Spratt via Unsplash

If you aren't a huge fan of over-the-top Halloween decorations, keep it simple with gourds, pumpkins and straw. It's still got that festive feeling, and you aren't staring down skeletons for a month. 

Get the look here, or snag real pumpkins at your local pumpkin patch. 

Make a Cave-Like Entrance

The Crafting Chicks

It’s easy to make your porch a spooky cave where bats dwell like this cobweb banner we spotted over at The Crafting Chicks. We love how it’s sweet enough to not scare off tiny trick-or-treaters. 

Get the look here. 

Milk Carton Luminaries

Jen Sedillo via Eighteen 25

Better start saving your milk jugs (and ask your friends!) now to make your own Spirit Jugs like the ones from Eighteen 25.

Stacked Painted Pumpkins

courtesy Brit Co

These stackable pumpkins look amazing, add a funky vibe to your front porch, and are surprisingly easy to make—especially when you follow the tutorial we found over at Brit + Co. It’s also a decoration idea that’ll last for years and can be used both inside and out. 

Get the pumpkins here

Dead & Breakfast Sign

Christy James via Confessions of a Serial DIYer

How clever is this Dead & Breakfast sign from Confessions of a Serial DIYer? It's the perfect addition to your haunted home. 

Get the look here.

 

Easy Floating Ghosts

Practically Functional

These floating ghosts seem more sweet than spooky. The best part? This last-minute decor detail is a cinch to make. Jessi of Practically Functional has the details on a DIY anyone can tackle.

 

 

Giant Spider Web

Jacob Clayton at MyUntangledLife

Life can be a tangled web and MyUntangledLife makes one of the best! Drape this amazing spider’s home on your front porch for the holiday and see how many little ghouls and goblins dare enter!  

Get the look here

Mice Silhouettes

courtesy Sixty Fifth Avenue

If you’ve got steps up to your front door, this idea from Sixty-Fifth Avenue works perfectly. We love the silhouette mice: they add a spooky touch without being too creepy. Add in a few pumpkins and any Cinderellas out for a stroll will feel right at home. You can find the silhouettes at the local craft store or make your own if you’re feeling crafty. See the entire set up over at Sixty-Fifth Avenue.

 

Climbing Skeletons

Stefanie Schiada of Brooklyn Limestone

We are in awe of the skeletons caught crawling all over this amazing home in Brooklyn. Stephanie of Brooklyn Limestone shares her inspirations and stunning home decor here. And, even if you don't have a 100-year-old home to decorate, you can still get the look by following this tutorial from Instructables

Nancy Creative

These Jack O’ Lanterns are anything but “cookie cutter"! They’ll light a ghoulish path to your door as luminaries, or add a stylish pop to your porch. All you need are stainless steel cookie cutters and a rubber mallet. Nancy at Nancy Creative has the scoop.

 

— Natasha Davis & Gabby Cullen

 

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Once September hits, it’s the perfect time to start shopping for Halloween decorations on Amazon! From creepy spider webs to yard signs, there’s something for everyone on our roundup of freaky and fun Halloween decorations. Scroll down to see them all.

Halloween Porch Signs

Pretty up your porch this Halloween with fabric banners boasting fun sayings like, "Hocus Pocus," and "Trick or Treat!" Each banner is 13" x 71" and the soft material means it'll be a cinch to store them. 

Buy the set here, $11.

3-D Bat Stickers

These reusable 3-D bat stickers are just the right balance of spooky and cool. They are made from black, waterproof PVC plastic—you can use them indoors or out. Plus, there are four different sizes of bats to create a fun design. 

Buy them here, $6 for an 80-pack. 

Flame-Less Melted Votive Candles

These flame-less candles are designed to look like they've been working hard while you whip up a magic potion or two. They come with batteries that are said to last 72-100 hours, and when the battery dies, it's easy to replace it. 

Order a 12-pack here, $15.

Spooky Yard Signs

Warn all potential visitors of the dangers that lie ahead with these spooky yard signs. They are double-sided, so they feel more authentic and they have stakes for easy placements.

Buy them here, $17.

Sugar Skull Salt & Pepper Shakers

We are so in love with this set of sugar skull salt and pepper shakers! The bright colors and intricate illustrations would make a good addition to any table long after Halloween and Día de Los Muertos are over. 

Buy the set here, $18.

Black Feathered Crows

Complete the look of your creepy witch’s lair with these crows. The wire in the feet allows you to use on bushes, on mantles, on pumpkins and more. They measure 4.72” tall and 9.44” long from beak to tail feathers.

Order them here, $16 for 6.

Halloween Paper Garland- Pack of 5

Skulls, pumpkins, ghosts, spiders and bats––the gang's all here! Whether you're hosting a Halloween bash or just decorating your home for fun, there are plenty of ways to use these adorable paper garlands. Each garland is about 10 feet in length, so there's no limit when it comes to spooky creativity.

Buy it here, $7.

Black Lace Spiderweb Fireplace Mantel Scarf

halloween decorations

Dress up your mantel in full Halloween spirit when you cover with a spooky spiderweb mantle scarf. The black lace accessory works equally well hung over a door, and pairs perfectly with some fall foliage, candles and even a skeleton or two.

Buy it here, $9.

Halloween Christmas Tree

Have you heard about the new Halloween Christmas tree trend? Yup, it's happening, and you either love it or you hate it. If you love it, this one is for you! 

Buy it here, $30.

Pumpkin Lights

These adorable pumpkin-shaped paper lanterns will light up your back yard, your front porch or mantle with that iconic toothy grin. You get 10 LED lights and 10 pumpkin lanterns. 

Order it here, $9.

Giant Web & Spider

Why go small when you can go big, especially when it comes to freaky decorations. Let's hope your neighborhood crew doesn't have arachnophobia or they'll never get past your garden gate! 

Get your very own spider and web here, $28.

Peep n' Peepers Flashing Eyes Halloween Lights

halloween decorations

Create the ultimate scare when you install flashing eyeballs in your bushes. This set of three flashing and adjustable colored eyes come on six-foot strands and can be connected end-to-end. They are super easy to install in just a few minutes for hours of spooky fun.

Order them here, $20.

Yikes in the Yard Buried Lawn Skeleton

Give yourself a super creepy yard this year by displaying a partially buried skeleton! For $25 you get a skull, two arms and two legs made from molded plastic that is durable and weatherproof. This is a purchase you can use year after year for ultimate thrills!

You can find this skeleton here, $27.

Solar Flame Torches

Fire up your walkway with these solar-powered flame torches. The dancing flames will lure Trick-or-Treaters to your door in search of goodies. Will they get a scare too? 

Buy them here, $70 for a 4-pack.

Zombie Hands Wall Decal

Because who wouldn't want peel and stick zombie hands to frighten up the living room? This decal comes in one large piece for easy application and when it comes time to peel it off, it won't damage your wall.

Order a set here, $13.

Glow-in-the-Dark Rocks

Make your entryway or garden path glow with an eerie light with these uber-cool glow pebbles. They have the added bonus of being pet safe and eco-friendly—just leave them out to charge all day in the bright sunlight so that as night falls they light up naturally. They're non-toxic, so they are also safe for aquarium use. 

Snag a bag or two by clicking here, $13.

Witch Hat Lights

Amazon

More sweet than spooky, these lights will look picture-perfect hanging from a tree in your front yard. With just a tinge of retro-witchiness, they invoke the true spirit of All Hallow's Eve. Wicked cool. 

Buy then here, $20 for a set of 3. 

––Gabby Cullen with Karly Wood

 

All images courtesy of Amazon.

Editor’s note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase. 

 

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You asked and Hershey’s answered: Vampire Kisses are back! The red, strawberry-flavored creme center and bat-wrapped treat makes this this must-have candy for Halloween.

Vampire Hershey’s Kisses are made with milk chocolate and are joined by other spooky sweets. You’ll be able to grab Reese’s Franken-Cups, KIT KAT Witch’s Brew and Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Crème Fangs.

Hershey's Vampire Kisses
But back to the Vampire Kisses: they’ll be available for a limited time in a 9 oz. bag at retailers nationwide for about $3.59.

—Karly Wood

Photos: Courtesy of Target

 

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If you’re dreaming of toy storage and home organization à la The Home Edit, now is the perfect time to make it happen! Spring cleaning season is here, and with a few organization ideas that include clever storage containers, under-bed storage and even LEGO storage, a tidy home can be yours. Keep reading to see our favorite toy storage solutions below.

Build Your Own Cameron Wall System

With this storage solution from Pottery Barn Kids, you can pick and choose which shelves, drawers and other components to create a customized unit that fits your needs. 

Buy it here, $89.99 & up. 

3 Sprouts Lion Toy Storage Box

How adorable is this lion storage box? It’s got handles, and it’s cute enough to be part of the room decor. 

Buy it here, $23.99.

Lay-n-Go Toy Storage Mat 

LEGO can be challenging to keep in one place. If you don’t mind all the bricks being mixed up, this cinching storage mat is ideal. Lay it out, play, and then close it up when you’re ready to be done. 

Buy it here, $49.99.

Taylor Madison Designs® Water Hyacinth Bear Bin

These fashionable bins come in the shape of a bear and are made from real water hyacinth, which is a renewable resource. This storage bin will add a touch of texture to your kids’ room or playroom. 

Buy it here, $89.99.

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wire Puzzle Rack 

It's easy to keep your puzzles organized with a wire rack. Kids can easily slip them out to use and back in when they’re done. Say goodbye to searching the bottom of the toy bin for that last piece! 

Buy it here, $26.99.

KidKraft Austin Toy Box

This cute toy box keeps everything out of sight and also serves as a sweet seat for reading or displaying stuffies. 

Buy it here, $99.99.

Sterilite 60qt Clear View Underbed Storage Bin

The space under your bed or your kids’ bed is usually underutilized, so invest in a few basic storage containers and push toys out of sight. This is a good way to keep a rotation of toys going. Every once in a while, swap out what’s in the container. 

Buy them here, $17.99.

The Home Edit Toy and Craft Storage Starter Kit 

The ultimate home organization, this toy and craft storage starter kit was designed by the team behind The Home Edit phenomena and is available at The Container Store.

Buy it here, $357.80.

Red Krout Folding Fabric Bin

These basic folding fabric bins come in over a dozen colors and can be used in several different ways.

Buy them here, $15.51 for 2.

Maze Wide White Geometric Bookcase

Make your storage unit a statement piece too. This geometric bookcase from Crate & Kids has plenty of space for toys, but its sophisticated design means you don’t have to sacrifice style. 

Buy it here, $399.

Little Stackers Bedside Storage Caddy

Made with soft felt and designed to drape over a footbed, side rails or even between the mattress, this fun bedside storage caddy gives your kids a place to store tablets, books, diaries and more. Choose from a shark, cat and dinosaurs. 

Buy it here, $19.99.

Melissa & Doug Multi-Activity Train Table 

Not only does it give your kiddo’s trains a place to call home, but the extra bin allows the extra accessories to stay nearby. 

Buy it here, $172.79.

Dream Baby Toy Storage Hammock 

This hammock is a creative way to keep your little’s stuffies up and out of the way. 

Buy it here, $14.99.

Garage Sports Equipment Storage Organizer with Baskets and Hooks

Keep all the sports equipment in one easily accessed location with this storage set up. There's a spot for bats and racquets, shelves for shoes, cleats, and bins for soccer balls, baseballs, yoga mats and more. 

Buy it here, $94.99.

—Gabby Cullen

All images courtesy of retailers.

 

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If you are looking to add some water fun to your summer, head over to ALDI. From a slip and slide baseball diamond to splash pads, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Each item will be available for a limited time and will start rolling out during the month of June.

Wham-O Foam Party Factory

There's no FOMO with this fun foam party factory! Part slip and slide, part party, this unique ALDI find puts a new spin on backyard fun.

Find at an ALDI store starting Jun. 30 for $24.99.

Banzai Splash Pads

These fun splash pads are perfect for your little ones featuring bright and colorful characters. Made of high-quality material, the pads easily connect to any garden hose. 

Banzai Splash Pads will be available starting Jun. 23 for $8.99.

Banzai Water Slide Assortment

Banzai Water Slide

Choose from a slip and slide baseball diamond or a fun obstacle course. The Grand Slam Baseball Diamond is a 14’ x 14’ waterslide diamond and comes with a baseball bat and ball. The Obstacle Course features a waterslide with limbo pole, inflatable hurdles and a water-filled tire jump. 

The Banzai Water Slide Assortment will be available starting Jun. 2 for $19.99 each.

 

—Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of ALDI

 

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It’s only been a short period of time that I’ve stood beside Kanen in this autism journey—6 months ago to be exact is when I heard the official words that changed my world. I don’t know what it is about those words that find a way into a mother’s soul and crushes her spirt but they do. I think mainly because we know this world is not designed for different. It’s simply not made for our child.

During the grieving process you might find your self slipping into the darkness that surrounds any diagnosis. Praying for a light at the end of the tunnel. Before autism changed my world, I was motivated. I was selfish. I was everything you would expect a young 25 year old girl to be. And overnight I knew I had to grow up far beyond the years of my peers.

It was almost instantly that I stopped relating to girls’ night out or “Sunday Funday’s.” While my friends were out living their best lives, my life suddenly felt like I was parachuted into the middle of a dark jungle, expected to walk down a path I’ve never seen before. With no directions, no map, no flashlight, and definitely no tour guide.

Along the voyage I learned I wasn’t alone. I found other mom’s in the dark. And they did something remarkable. Life changing even. They took a seat right beside me. Maybe they sat for only a moment, maybe it’s was for a few days, or a week, or a month. “I will sit in the dark with you, for as long as you need. Whenever you need” they said.

I’ve learned life will throw you curveballs you were never prepared to bat up for. And when they hit they’ll leave bruises that might take a lifetime to heal. It’s okay to cry, be angry, mad, sad, frustrated, and confused. To feel like you’re lost in the dark. Feel all the feels, you’re human too, remember that. But just know you’re never alone. I’ll always be here to take a seat with you. For as long as you need or whenever you need.

Samira is a 25 year old single mom to a 2 year old son Kanen Arley. Her son Kanen was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism in September of 2020, which inspired her to start sharing their journey through My Charming Arley on Facebook and Samirasstella on Instagram.

Whether you’re heading out, or staying in for Halloween 2020, the citizens of New York City are still bringing it with over-the-top and amazing Halloween decorations. From gorgeous and festive to creepy or campy, we’ve rounded up some of our favorites—that of course, you can “tour” from the comfort of your living room. (Still looking for ideas on what to do for Halloween? Check out these!)

Creepy in Kensington

Mimi O'Connor

Enormous spider/candy chute? Check. Flying bat? Check. Timely headstones with puns? Check. Check it out on E. Fourth near Albemarle. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by New York City (@melliekr) on

Home Freak Home

This townhouse in Prospect Lefferts Gardens is home to an impressive collection of skeletons, witches and ghouls. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rech.loves.NYC (@rechyl) on

Upper Yeesch Side

This charming pair is part of an elaborate display on the Upper East Side on 67th Street. 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by David Nankervis (@david_nankervis) on

Great Ape

Apparently King Kong has moved on from the Empire State Building and is now in Brooklyn Heights on Clark Street! (Near Willow.)

View this post on Instagram

Chillin in the Village

An elegantly-spooky display of bats, autumnal foliage and skeleton/spider duo for good measure in the Village on Washington Place off Sixth Avenue. 

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Eek a House

This house in Queens looks like a major HQ for a creepy crew! 

View this post on Instagram

Going for a Spin

A returning favorite on Christopher Street, the giant spider web is topped by a skeleton for 2020. 

View this post on Instagram

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On the Web

Someone on this Upper West Side block really loves Halloween. #approve

View this post on Instagram

Peace is the Word

In Chelsea, it's all about Namaste. 

View this post on Instagram

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Green with Frenzy

Meanwhile, on 36th Street in Manhattan, the displays of life-sized skeletons glow, and feature a nice contrasting violet light. 

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Character Appearances

We appreciate the maximalist sensibility of this display in Greenpoint. #moreismore

Dominating in Ditmas

Mimi O'Connor

This massive display in Ditmas Park in Brooklyn gets more elaborate each year. Spiders, creepy clowns, zombies, witches, skeletons, demons: no matter your nightmare, there's something for you! (Find it at the corner of Argyle and Albemarle Road. 

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Go Big or Go Home

Not for the faint of heart, this Halloween house in Middle Village not only sports a highly-coveted larger-than-life skeleton, its creepy display continues. (Click through photos for more terrifying tableaus.)

—Mimi O’Connor

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It’s time to get the kids prepped for Halloween. While the holiday may look different this year, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM,Inc. is helping families to stay connected to make the most of the day. From socially distanced trick-or-treating to no-contact gifting there are endless ways to celebrate. 

Harry & David Halloween Pear Decorating Kit ($34.99): A fun and creative new way to enjoy a fruit alternative as a Halloween treat, this unique and sweet Halloween Pear Decorating Kit comes complete with a sheet of food-safe stickers. Once completed these pears are perfect to use as Halloween décor. 

Harry & David Halloween Pear Decorating Kit

The Popcorn Factory Halloween Popcorn Ball Decorating Kit ($39.99): Play with your food! This kit includes everything you’ll need to fashion ghosts, goblins, witches, bats, pumpkins, monsters, spiders, bats or anything else your imagination can create using eight popcorn balls.

The Popcorn Factory Halloween Popcorn Ball Decorating Kit

Cheryl’s Cookies Halloween Cut-Out Cookie Decorating Kit ($49.99-$79.99): A delicious and fun gift idea! The cut-out cookie kit arrives with everything you need to create yummy buttercream frosted Cheryl’s treats at home – no baking necessary. The kit includes 24 unfrosted, cut-out cookies, a 1 lb. tub each of vanilla and orange icing and Halloween sprinkles. If you choose, you can add aprons and a spatula. 

Cheryl’s Cookies Halloween Cut-Out Cookie Decorating Kit

This year, Halloween activities for kids are definitely not cancelled!

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM

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The kids may be looking forward to their stash of Halloween candy, but we’re excited for ALDI’s new spooky cheese varieties. The Emporium Selection Halloween Cheese Assortment is perfect for an at-home Halloween charcuterie board. Your little ones may want to trade their chocolate for a taste of one of these fun flavors. 

 

No Rest For The Wicked Wensleydale: a strawberry- and Prosecco-flavored Wensleydale cheese

Emporium Selection Halloween Cheese No Rest For The Wicked

Freaky Franken Sage Derby: a mild derby cheese with dried sage

Emporium Selection Halloween Cheese Freaky Frankenstein

Bat Knit Crazy Cheddar: a black aged Cheddar

Emporium Selection Halloween Cheese Bat Crazy Cheddar

Scary Pumpkin Spice Wensleydale Cheese: a Wensleydale cheese flavored with cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg

Emporium Selection Halloween Cheese Pumpkin Spice

 

These Emporium Selection Halloween Cheeses will be available nationwide starting Sept. 30. Each retails for $3.99. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of ALDI

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As if yoga skeletons and all the other cool, but kind of creepy, Halloween decor wasn’t enough, now you can score boo-tiful Pyrex containers at Target!

The big red bullseye retailer has three different versions of the container, all featuring Halloween designs. The 32 oz. $5.99 containers come in ghosts and trick-or-treating kitties and a 56 oz. pumpkin version for $7.99.

 

If you’re looking for an easy way to store your kiddo’s snacks or keep leftovers under control, the bowls are microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, over-safe, freezer-safe and come with handy plastic lids.

Score your Halloween Pyrex food storage container now—before you have to trade bats and cats for snow and Santa.

—Erica Loop & Karly Wood

Photos: Target

 

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