Holiday parties are always so much fun to plan, but if I am not careful, once I start getting all of the little details together that go into hosting a Party, it can turn expensive real fast. Over the last few years, I have noticed the parties we have hosted and attended that are the most fun are the ones that are kept simple. I believe that you can throw a Halloween party that the kids will remember for a long time by adding a bit of creativity and planning into your next party. Here are 8 suggestions to get you started with throwing a fun and thrifty Halloween party.

Invitations

1)    You don’t have to spend money on invitations or stamps anymore. Facebook, Evite, and email are all free options and a cost effective way to invite people to your party.

Food

2)    While the food can quickly become one of the biggest expenses when hosting any party, you can cut this cost dramatically by letting your guests know that you are hosting a potluck Halloween party. The parents each bring one item such as, a dish item, beverage, plates, napkins, cups, or utensils. We always have great success when hosting a potluck party and we get a variety of food and drinks which ensures that everyone will find something that they will like.

3)     The witches’ hats are one of my favorite quick treats to make for a Halloween party.

Decorations

4)     Before thinking you have to buy any decorations, think again. See what you already have around the house and start with that. If you do have to go out and buy decorations, the dollar store is always my go to place for inexpensive party decor. Many of the crafts that I make with my daughter are used for our party decorations as well. Try digging through your child’s playroom and see what you can find in there. And the next time your child attends a birthday party and you don’t know what to do with all of the little toys from the goody bags (like the spider rings in the picture below), save them to use for decorations to create a spooky display for your party.

Party activities

Most of the time kids just want to run around and play with each other when they attend any party, but having some fun activities and games that won’t break the bank is a great idea.

5)     Painting and decorating pumpkins is always a super fun activity that the kids really enjoy and also gives them something that they can take home with them. We cut our costs by letting parents know that they are responsible for bringing a small (or large) pumpkin for their child to decorate. Some paint, paint brushes, glitter, markers, and stickers are all you need to put out for the kids. And don’t forget to throw down old newspaper under the pumpkins or do this activity outside.

6)    Spider pops are a cute craft that the kids always have fun making and eating.

7)    The kids played the Doughnut on a string game at the last Halloween party we attended. This is hilarious to watch and the kids have a blast trying to get the doughnuts using only their mouths and they love getting a yummy treat at the end. This is also a great photo opportunity!

8)     Jumping in piles of leaves is such a simple activity, but it keeps the kids entertained for a long time. At our Halloween parties, we rake up huge piles and the kids dive in, laughing hysterically. This was the one activity that the kids kept coming back to over and over again.

 How are you planning to throw an inexpensive Halloween party that maximizes the fun but cuts down on the costs?

Halloween Party Table image courtesy of Kid’s Birthday Parties.