20 Easy and Cheap DIY Outdoor Halloween Decoration Ideas to Haunt Your Yard

Halloween is around the corner, and it is time to get your home looking the part. You do not have to spend a fortune to make your house the spookiest one on the block. There are plenty of DIY Halloween decoration ideas that are both budget-friendly and easy to make.

Let’s check some fun, creative, and cheap DIY outdoor Halloween decoration ideas to transform your yard into a haunted wonderland.

This is the List

  1. Halloween Cats Made From Stacked Pumpkins
  2. Floating Witch Hat Luminaries
  3. Halloween Yard Sign
  4. Glowing Spooky Eyes
  5. Giant Spider in Spiderweb
  6. Eyeballs in a Tree
  7. Illuminated Ghost Garland
  8. Hanging Bats
  9. Ghosts Dancing Around the Fire
  10. Black and White Halloween Topiary
  11. Witch Welcome Mat
  12. Creepy Spider Egg Sac
  13. 3D Cardboard Tombstones
  14. Spooky Spirit Halloween Jugs
  15. Ghost Leaf Bags
  16. Giant Tentacle Monster
  17. Ghosts Made From Gourds
  18. Ping Pong Ghost Lights
  19. Giant Creepy Eyeball
  20. Cute Frankenstein Front Door

1. Halloween Cats Made From Stacked Pumpkins

Stacked pumpkins are not just for Thanksgiving anymore. With a few pumpkins (real or faux), you can create some fantastic Halloween cat decorations. All you need is paint, pumpkins in various sizes, and a little creativity.

Materials Needed

  • Pumpkins of various sizes
  • Black paint
  • Cardboard or felt for the ears and tail

Instructions

  • Stack your pumpkins, largest at the bottom.
  • Paint the entire stack black.
  • Cut out ears and tails from cardboard or felt, and glue them onto your pumpkin stack.
  • Add some eyes, either painted or using googly eyes, for that creepy, glowing effect at night.

Pro Tip

Use battery-operated tea lights or glow sticks inside your pumpkins to give them an eerie glow after dark. You can place these cats along your walkway or in your yard for a spooky entrance!

We also have some other DIY projects for you to check out.

2. Floating Witch Hat Luminaries

Floating witch hats can add an ethereal touch to your Halloween decor. They look magical during the day and super spooky when lit up at night. Plus, this craft idea is budget-friendly and easy to pull off.

What You Need

  • Black witch hats
  • Battery-powered LED lights or glow sticks
  • Fishing line

Step-by-Step

  • Attach fishing line to the tips of the witch hats.
  • String them across your porch, trees, or another outdoor area.
  • Drop an LED light or glow stick inside each hat to make them glow at night.

Additional Idea

For an added spooky vibe, place a broomstick below each hat so it looks like a bunch of witches are ready to take off!

3. Halloween Yard Sign

A DIY Halloween yard sign is a simple and fun project that can be customized to fit your style. Whether you want it spooky, funny, or downright eerie, a yard sign will grab your guests’ attention.

Supplies Needed

  • Wooden boards or reclaimed wood
  • Black, orange, or white paint
  • A paintbrush
  • Nails and a hammer

Instructions

  • Start by painting the wooden boards with your desired Halloween messages.
  • Some ideas include “Enter If You Dare,” “Beware of Ghosts,” or “Witches Only.”
  • Nail the boards together into a post or display them however you like.

Creative Tip

If you want to add an extra touch of spookiness, try distressing the wood by sanding it down to give it an aged, haunted look.

4. Glowing ‘Spooky Eyes’

Glowing eyes peeking out from the bushes? Yes, please! These glowing ‘spooky eyes’ will give your trick-or-treaters a fright.

Things You Need

  • Empty toilet paper rolls
  • Glow sticks
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors

How to Make

  • Cut out pairs of eyes in various shapes from the toilet paper rolls.
  • Insert glow sticks inside the rolls.
  • Cover the ends with duct tape to secure the glow stick.
  • Hide them in dark corners or shrubs to make it seem like creepy creatures are watching.

Extra Tip

Make sure you cut out the eyes in different shapes to create a variety of spooky creatures lurking around your yard.

5. Giant Spider in Spiderweb

You cannot go wrong with a classic giant spider and web. It is creepy, it is cool, and best of all, it is super easy to make.

You Will Need

  • White yarn or string
  • Large foam ball for the spider body
  • Black pipe cleaners for spider legs

Instructions

  • Use the yarn to create a large spider web. Stretch it across your porch or a tree.
  • For the spider, stick the pipe cleaners into the foam ball to create legs.
  • Place the spider in the center of the web for an instant creepy effect.

Bonus Idea

Make several smaller spiders to scatter around the yard for a full infestation.

6. Eyeballs in a Tree

Transform the trees in your yard into eerie, eye-catching displays with a few easy steps. This DIY idea is both simple and highly effective. The key to this decoration is placing large, glowing eyeballs among the tree branches. The result creates the illusion that your yard is being watched by something otherworldly lurking in the dark.

How to Make Eyeballs in a Tree

To make these spooky eyeballs, use foam balls or plastic spheres. Paint the spheres white and add black or green pupils to give them that realistic look. For an even creepier touch, consider adding some red veins around the pupils with thin red paint or a marker.

Once dry, you can hang them using clear fishing line or string, so they appear to be floating among the leaves.

Tip

Place a light source, like a small flashlight or battery-powered LED, behind or inside the eyeballs to make them glow ominously at night. You can even use glow-in-the-dark paint for a similar effect.

7. Illuminated Ghost Garland

One of the most enchanting yet spooky decorations for Halloween is the illuminated ghost garland. Stringing up these glowing ghost figures can make any porch or yard instantly scream Halloween.

How to Make Ghost Garland

You will need white fabric, LED tea lights, and string. Wrap each tea light in a small piece of fabric, securing it with a piece of string to create the ghost’s head. Leave some fabric hanging below the head for the body.

Then attach each ghost to a longer piece of string or wire to hang up. Once the lights are on, the glowing heads will illuminate the surrounding fabric, giving the ghosts a lifelike appearance.

Tip

Vary the size of your ghosts to create a more dynamic garland. Some larger, more detailed ghosts mixed in with smaller ones will give your display depth.

8. Hanging Bats

Bats add a creepy touch to any Halloween setup, and you can easily hang them from trees, porches, or anywhere else to create a haunted atmosphere. This DIY project is simple, budget-friendly, and gives off spooky vibes.

What You Need

  • Black foam sheets or construction paper
  • Bat template
  • Scissors
  • Fishing line or string
  • Hole punch

Step-by-Step

  1. Use the bat template to cut bat shapes out of the foam or construction paper.
  2. Punch a hole at the top of each bat’s head and thread the fishing line or string through.
  3. Hang the bats from tree branches, porch ceilings, or other outdoor spaces to give the appearance of flying bats.

Additional Idea

Use glow-in-the-dark paint for the bat eyes or add small LED lights to make the bats even spookier at night.

9. Ghosts Dancing Around the Fire

Imagine a circle of spooky ghosts dancing around a fire. This decoration looks eerie, especially at night, and is sure to catch everyone’s attention.

What You Need

  • White sheets or fabric
  • Styrofoam balls
  • Stakes
  • String or fishing line
  • LED lights (optional for the fire effect)

Step-by-Step

  1. Form each ghost by draping a white sheet over a styrofoam ball.
  2. Secure the ghosts to stakes driven into the ground, arranged in a circle.
  3. Use fishing line or string to create the illusion that the ghosts are holding hands.
  4. Place LED lights in the center of the circle to resemble a glowing fire.

Additional Idea

Add a fan nearby to make the ghosts’ fabric sway as if they are truly dancing in the breeze.

10. Black and White Halloween Topiary

A black and white topiary gives your Halloween decorations a touch of elegance while still staying spooky. This DIY project is perfect for framing your front door or placing along a walkway, providing a refined yet festive look.

What You Need

  • Foam balls
  • Black and white paint
  • Wooden dowels
  • Planters or pots
  • Decorative ribbon or Halloween-themed ornaments

Step-by-Step

  1. Paint the foam balls in alternating black and white patterns.
  2. Insert the wooden dowels into the foam balls, stacking them on top of each other.
  3. Place the bottom of the dowel into a planter or pot for stability.
  4. Add decorative ribbon or Halloween-themed ornaments to personalize your topiary.

Additional Idea

Top the design with a small witch hat or black crow for extra Halloween flair.

11. Witch Welcome Mat

Welcome guests (and trick-or-treaters) with a festive Halloween welcome mat. This DIY craft is easy, inexpensive, and allows you to get creative with your design.

What You Need

  • Plain doormat
  • Black and purple paint
  • Stencils or painter’s tape
  • Paintbrushes

Step-by-Step

  1. Start with a blank doormat and create your design using stencils or painter’s tape.
  2. Paint on a witchy design or phrase like “The Witch is In” or “Enter if You Dare.”
  3. Allow the paint to dry completely before placing it outside.

Additional Idea

For a three-dimensional effect, glue on witch shoes or attach a small broom to one side of the mat.

12. Creepy Spider Egg Sac

Give your yard an eerie twist with spider egg sacs that look like they are ready to burst with hundreds of creepy crawlies. This decoration is sure to send shivers down the spines of your visitors.

What You Need

  • White stockings or cheesecloth
  • Plastic spiders
  • Cotton balls or pillow stuffing
  • Fishing line or string

Step-by-Step

  1. Stuff the stockings or cheesecloth with cotton balls or pillow stuffing to create a rounded sac shape.
  2. Add plastic spiders inside and on the outside of the sac to give the appearance of an egg sac about to hatch.
  3. Hang the sacs from tree branches, porch ceilings, or bushes using fishing line or string.

Extra Tip

For an extra gross effect, smear some fake spider webs or slime around the sacs to make them look freshly spun.

13. 3D Cardboard Tombstones

Create an eerie graveyard scene in your front yard with realistic-looking 3D tombstones. This project is budget-friendly, and you can personalize each tombstone for added fun.

What You Need

  • Large pieces of cardboard
  • Grey and black spray paint
  • Utility knife
  • Hot glue gun

Step-by-Step

  1. Cut out tombstone shapes from the cardboard.
  2. Spray paint the tombstones grey, then use black paint to add shadows and depth.
  3. Use a utility knife to carve fake epitaphs, names, or designs into the tombstones.
  4. Attach several layers of cardboard to give the tombstones a three-dimensional look.

Also

To enhance the spookiness, position the tombstones at different angles, as if they have been weathered by time.

14. Spooky Spirit Halloween Jugs

Turn your empty milk jugs into spooky spirit decorations that will light up your yard or driveway. This eco-friendly project is fun for all ages, and you can customize each jug to make it unique.

What You Need

  • Empty milk jugs
  • Black marker
  • LED tea lights or glow sticks

Step-by-Step

  1. Clean out your empty milk jugs and use a black marker to draw ghostly faces on them.
  2. Cut a small hole in the back of each jug to insert the LED lights or glow sticks.
  3. Line the jugs along your walkway, driveway, or porch to create a glowing ghostly path.

Additional Idea

For added fun, vary the faces—make some spooky, some silly, and some downright scary.

15. Ghost Leaf Bags

A simple but effective way to decorate your yard is by turning your fall leaves into ghostly figures. This project uses common items you may already have and adds a festive Halloween twist to your yard cleanup.

What You Need

  • Large white trash bags
  • Black marker
  • Leaves or crumpled newspaper

Step-by-Step

  1. Stuff the white trash bags with leaves or newspaper until they are plump.
  2. Draw ghost faces on the bags using a black marker.
  3. Tie off the top of the bags and place them around your yard to look like floating ghosts.

Try This Also

For a different look, use colored trash bags and create pumpkins or other Halloween figures in addition to ghosts.

16. Build a Giant Tentacle Monster

For a truly eye-popping Halloween display, nothing beats the sight of a giant tentacle monster rising from your yard or porch. This DIY decoration is sure to turn heads and impress all who pass by.

What You Need

  • Pool noodles
  • Duct tape
  • Green and purple spray paint
  • Cardboard for suction cups

Step-by-Step

  1. Bend the pool noodles into tentacle shapes, using duct tape to hold them in place if needed.
  2. Spray paint the noodles green or purple, adding extra detail with suction cup shapes made from cardboard.
  3. Position the tentacles so they appear to be bursting from the ground or emerging from a window or door.

Additional Tip

Add fake seaweed or bubbles around the base of the tentacles to give the scene an “underwater” look.

17. Ghosts Made From Gourds

Put a fresh twist on traditional pumpkin decorations by using gourds to create ghostly figures. This simple DIY project adds a unique touch to your outdoor Halloween display.

What You Need

  • Gourds of various shapes and sizes
  • White spray paint
  • Black marker or paint

Instructions

  1. Paint the gourds white using spray paint.
  2. Once dry, use a black marker or paint to draw ghost faces on each gourd.
  3. Place the ghoulish gourds on your porch, in your garden, or around your yard.

Additional Idea

Use gourds of different shapes and sizes to create a whole family of ghostly figures.

18. Ping Pong Ghost Lights

Turn ordinary ping pong balls into adorable ghost lights that will brighten up your Halloween night. These decorations are easy to make and look great hanging from trees or stringed across your porch.

What You Need

  • Ping pong balls
  • White fabric or tissue paper
  • Black marker
  • String lights

Step-by-Step

  1. Wrap each ping pong ball in white fabric or tissue paper to create the body of the ghost.
  2. Use a black marker to draw simple ghost faces on each ball.
  3. Attach the balls to string lights, spacing them out evenly. Hang the lights wherever you want to add some ghostly fun.

Extra Tip

You can also use cotton balls for a fluffier, softer ghost look.

19. Turn a Yoga Ball Into a Giant Creepy Eyeball

A giant eyeball staring out at your visitors is sure to be one of the most unsettling decorations on your block. This oversized creepy eyeball is easy to make with just a few household items.

What You Need

  • Yoga ball
  • White spray paint
  • Red and black markers or paint

Step-by-Step

  1. Spray paint the entire yoga ball white and allow it to dry completely.
  2. Use a red marker to draw veins across the surface of the ball, and add a large black pupil in the center to create the eyeball.
  3. Display the giant eyeball in your yard or prop it up in a window to give the illusion that it’s watching everyone who passes by.

Bonus Tip

Position a spotlight behind the eyeball at night to give it a glowing, ominous presence.

20. Transform Your Front Door Into a Cute Frankenstein

One of the easiest and most charming ways to decorate for Halloween is by transforming your front door into a cute version of Frankenstein’s monster. It’s perfect for welcoming guests and trick-or-treaters in a fun, festive way.

What You Need

  • Green construction paper
  • Black and white paper for facial features
  • Tape or adhesive

Step-by-Step

  1. Cut large pieces of green construction paper to cover the entire door.
  2. Create Frankenstein’s face by cutting out eyes, a mouth, and bolts from black and white paper.
  3. Tape or glue the facial features onto the door, arranging them to resemble Frankenstein’s iconic look.

Additional Idea

For extra detail, add some “stitches” with black yarn or paper to make Frankenstein look even more like the classic monster.

FAQs

How can I decorate my house for Halloween on a budget?

To decorate your house for Halloween on a budget, try DIY ideas like ghost leaf bags, ping pong ghost lights, and cardboard tombstones. Use recycled items like old sheets or trash bags to save money while still making spooky decorations.

What materials do I need for Halloween DIY decorations?

For most Halloween DIY decorations, you’ll need basic materials like construction paper, foam balls, black markers, string, and LED lights. Other common materials include white sheets, cardboard, and glow sticks.

How do you make floating witch hats?

To make floating witch hats, attach fishing line to the tops of black witch hats and hang them from trees, porches, or ceilings. Drop an LED light or glow stick inside each hat to make them glow at night.

What are some last-minute Halloween decorations?

Last-minute Halloween decorations include hanging bats, glowing spooky eyes made from toilet paper rolls, and ghost leaf bags. These are quick to assemble and use items you may already have at home.

How do you make ghosts for Halloween?

You can make ghosts for Halloween by draping white sheets over Styrofoam balls or stakes. Draw on simple ghost faces with a marker, and use fishing line to make the ghosts appear to float.

How can I make my house look spooky for Halloween?

To make your house look spooky for Halloween, hang glowing bats, add spider egg sacs to your bushes, and create a circle of ghosts around an LED fire. You can also use cardboard tombstones and glowing jugs to turn your yard into a haunted graveyard.

What’s a good way to light up Halloween decorations at night?

A good way to light up Halloween decorations is by using LED lights or glow sticks. Place them inside decorations like pumpkins, milk jugs, or floating witch hats to make them glow in the dark.

How do I make a giant eyeball for Halloween?

To make a giant eyeball for Halloween, spray paint a yoga ball white, draw veins with a red marker, and add a large black pupil in the center. Position the eyeball in your yard or a window to create a creepy effect.

Last Words

In the spirit of Halloween, decorating your home does not have to cost a fortune or take much time. These 20 DIY outdoor decoration ideas prove that you can create a spooky and festive atmosphere using simple materials and a bit of imagination. From glowing ghost lights to towering tentacle monsters, these projects can turn any yard into a haunted masterpiece that will excite trick-or-treaters and neighbors.

The best part of DIY decorations is the personal touch. You can customize each idea to fit your unique style, whether you want something cute, creepy, or terrifying. Gather your supplies, get creative, and let the Halloween spirit take over. By the time October 31 comes, your house will be the star of the neighborhood, and you will have enjoyed making each piece.

Categories DIY