Halloween can be one of the most magical holidays for children. Between dressing up, pretending to be someone (or something!) else, and the thrill of a few harmless frights, the excitement is contagious. But beyond costumes and candy, one of the best ways to build anticipation is by decorating your home together.
Getting kids involved in Halloween decorating not only sparks creativity but also gives them a sense of pride every time someone comments on their spooky handiwork. Whether you’re crafting as a family on a rainy afternoon or prepping for the big trick-or-treat night, these DIY decorations are easy, affordable, and big on Halloween charm.
🎃 Glow-in-the-Dark Jars
Nothing says “Halloween lab” quite like glowing jars filled with mysterious specimens. These are simple, safe, and endlessly customizable.
You’ll need:
- Clear glass jars, bottles, or test tubes
- Highlighters in various colors
- Water
- Plastic creepy crawlies (eyeballs, spiders, or skulls)
- Optional: black permanent marker
How to make them:
Fill your jar with water, then remove the plug or felt ink tube from a highlighter. Soak the ink tube in water for a few minutes to release the color, then squeeze out the remaining liquid. Drop in your spooky trinkets to make it look like a mad scientist’s specimen jar. Use a black marker to draw a face or label for an extra eerie effect. Set under a blacklight and watch your glowing creations come to life!
🍬 Candy Wreaths
Part decoration, part temptation — these candy wreaths are festive and fun (and yes, you can sneak a piece later).
You’ll need:
- A wire wreath form (often at dollar or craft stores)
- Hot glue gun (adult supervision required)
- Wrapped Halloween candy
- Optional: toy spiders, mini skeletons, fake cobwebs
Glue candy all around the wreath form, mixing up colors and sizes for a playful, over-the-top look. Add spiders, fangs, or webs for flair, then hang it on your front door. Just be warned — guests might think it’s edible!
✋ Handprint Pumpkins
Here’s a keepsake-worthy craft that doubles as a sweet seasonal decoration.
You’ll need:
- Salt dough or air-dry clay
- Orange craft paint
- Paintbrushes
- Your child’s hand!
Shape the dough into a pumpkin slightly larger than your child’s hand. Once dry, paint it orange and then press on a painted handprint for that perfect personal touch. Kids can also make ghosts, spiders, or jack-o-lanterns by molding the dough into different shapes before painting.
🕷️ Spider Pencils
Part spooky, part school-ready — these creepy crawly pencils are great for classrooms or Halloween party favors.
You’ll need:
- Foam balls
- Black paint
- Chenille stems (pipe cleaners)
- Googly eyes
- Washi tape
- Pencils
- Glue
Paint the foam balls black and cover your pencils in Halloween-themed washi tape. Cut the chenille stems into leg pieces (quarters or halves work well), then poke or glue them into the foam ball. Add googly eyes and attach the spider head to the top of the pencil. Instant creepy cuteness!
🪴 Mini Halloween Pots
These mini pots are perfect for little hands and quick craft sessions.
You’ll need:
- Mini clay pots
- Paint (orange, green, black, purple)
- Brushes
- Black marker or paint pen
- Optional: paper wings, yarn hair, googly eyes
Paint each pot a Halloween color, then decorate it as a jack-o-lantern, Frankenstein, or little monster. You can even add bat wings or pipe cleaner arms. Once dry, fill them with wrapped treats or small plants for a charming Halloween display.
✨ Glittery Glue Spider Webs
Who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle with their spooky? These glittery webs are easy, mess-friendly, and dry into cool, flexible shapes.
You’ll need:
- White or clear glue
- Sheet protectors or plastic bags
- Glitter in Halloween colors (black, silver, purple, orange)
Draw spiderwebs or other designs with glue on the plastic surface. Sprinkle glitter generously and let them dry overnight. The next day, peel them off, shake off excess glitter, and stick them to windows or mirrors, or use them as festive coasters.
👻 Final Tip: Let Kids Take the Lead
Perfection isn’t the goal — fun is! Let your children pick colors, draw silly faces, and come up with their own ideas. These crafts are about making memories together as much as they are about making decorations.
When you turn your home into a kid-made Halloween wonderland, you’re not just decorating — you’re building the kind of spooky, giggly traditions your kids will remember for years.
