Halloween doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be fun and festive. With a quick trip to Dollar Tree, you can stock up on affordable supplies to create spooky, cute, and downright impressive DIY Halloween crafts. From kid-friendly ghosts to elegant gothic centerpieces, these 15 Dollar Tree Halloween craft ideas will help you decorate your home, throw a party, or simply enjoy a creative afternoon with the family—without breaking the bank.
1. Cotton Ball Ghost Garland
If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly Halloween decoration, this cotton ball ghost garland is perfect. All you need are cotton balls, black construction paper (or a black marker), string, and glue—all of which you can find at Dollar Tree. Start by shaping clusters of cotton balls into fluffy ghost bodies.
For faces, simply cut out small oval eyes and mouths from black paper, or draw them directly with a marker. Glue them onto your cotton ghosts, let them dry, and then attach each ghost to a long piece of string with tape or glue. Hang the garland across a fireplace mantle, window, or even a doorway for instant Halloween charm.
This craft is especially fun for kids because they can personalize each ghost—make some look silly, others spooky, and even add googly eyes for a fun twist. Not only is this garland inexpensive to make, but it also creates a cozy homemade Halloween vibe that feels festive without being scary. It’s a wonderful way to decorate while spending creative time with your family.
2. Dollar Tree Candle Holder Mummies
These mummy candle holders are a simple yet eye-catching DIY project that will add spooky ambiance to your Halloween setup. Pick up a few glass candle holders or jars from Dollar Tree along with some white gauze or medical tape. Start by wrapping each jar with the gauze, leaving little gaps so the candlelight can shine through.
To give your mummy personality, glue on a pair of googly eyes—you can even layer the gauze partially over them for a peek-a-boo effect. Once wrapped, place a battery-operated tea light inside (also available at Dollar Tree) to create a soft, eerie glow. These mummies look fantastic lined up along a walkway, clustered on a porch, or even placed as a centerpiece on your Halloween table. They’re incredibly inexpensive to make—just a few dollars for a whole set—and take less than 20 minutes to put together.
3. Spooky Spider Web Plates
Transform plain Dollar Tree plastic plates into spooky spider web decorations with just a bit of creativity. You’ll need black plastic plates, a white paint pen (or white acrylic paint and a thin brush), and a pack of plastic spiders. Start by drawing a spider web design directly onto the plate using the paint pen.
Begin with a few intersecting lines radiating from the center, then connect them with curved lines to form the web. For added dimension, hot-glue a few plastic spiders onto the web so it looks like they’re crawling across. These plates can be used as wall décor, hung with removable hooks, or laid flat as spooky serving trays for wrapped treats. The best part? They cost less than a couple of dollars each to make, and you can create an entire set in under 30 minutes.
4. Glow-in-the-Dark Pumpkin Jars
Glow-in-the-dark pumpkin jars are a fantastic way to add a playful yet spooky vibe to your Halloween setup. Start by grabbing some small glass jars or plastic containers from Dollar Tree, along with orange paint, glow-in-the-dark stickers or paint, and a few battery-operated tea lights. First, paint the outside of each jar orange, allowing it to dry completely.
Once the base is ready, use a black marker or cut out black adhesive vinyl shapes to create jack-o’-lantern faces. Add glow-in-the-dark paint details around the eyes and mouth for a fun glowing effect once the lights are dimmed. Finally, place a battery-operated candle inside to bring your mini pumpkins to life. These jars look amazing when lined up along a porch, placed in windows, or even used as a table centerpiece.
5. Witch Hat Centerpieces
Witch hat centerpieces are a Dollar Tree craft that instantly makes your Halloween table feel festive. You’ll need black cardstock or foam sheets, ribbon, glitter, and embellishments like plastic spiders or stars. Begin by rolling the cardstock into a cone shape for the top of the hat and securing it with glue or tape.
Cut a circular base to attach the cone, forming the brim. Once assembled, decorate the hat with glitter, ribbon bands, or even small faux flowers in Halloween colors like purple, green, and orange. To make it stand out as a centerpiece, you can glue the hat onto a charger plate or even surround it with LED tea lights. The best part is that each witch hat can be customized—some can look elegant with sparkles, while others can be spooky with dangling spider décor. This craft is inexpensive, quick to assemble, and makes a striking addition to any party table.
6. Haunted Mason Jars
Haunted mason jars are an easy craft that doubles as atmospheric Halloween décor. At Dollar Tree, pick up some mason jars, black paint, and spooky window clings or cutouts. Begin by painting the outside of the jar with a thin coat of black paint, leaving streaks or uneven areas for a distressed, haunted look.
Once dry, stick Halloween-themed clings—like bats, ghosts, or haunted houses—onto the glass. Place a battery-operated candle inside, and watch as the light shines through the designs, creating an eerie shadow effect. To add more flair, wrap twine around the jar’s rim or hot-glue small plastic spiders crawling along the sides.
These jars are versatile: line them along a walkway, use them on your porch, or scatter them indoors as spooky accents. The project takes less than an hour, making it a great last-minute craft for busy families. Kids can help apply the clings and even choose what designs go on each jar, while parents will enjoy the glowing, haunted ambiance these inexpensive decorations bring to their Halloween display.
7. Skeleton Hands Wreath
A skeleton hands wreath is one of those Dollar Tree crafts that looks like it came straight from a Halloween store, but it costs only a few bucks to make. Start by grabbing a foam wreath form, which you can usually find in the floral section. Then, head over to the Halloween aisle for plastic skeleton hands—pick up enough to cover the entire wreath.
Using hot glue, attach the hands around the foam form so that they overlap slightly, creating a layered, bony effect. To give the wreath more depth, weave in some fake cobwebs, plastic spiders, or even a string of LED lights. You can finish it off with a bold black or orange ribbon to hang it on your door.
This project is simple enough for kids to help with the placement of decorations while adults handle the gluing. The end result is both spooky and stylish, perfect for greeting trick-or-treaters or adding a chilling touch to your front porch. It’s budget-friendly, creative, and guaranteed to get comments from neighbors and guests.
8. Creepy Candle Holders
Creepy candle holders are an easy way to turn plain Dollar Tree glass candle holders into eerie Halloween décor. Start with clear glass holders or vases, some tissue paper, black paint, and Mod Podge. Tear the tissue paper into small pieces and glue them onto the glass with Mod Podge to create a textured, spooky surface.
Once it’s dry, lightly paint over the tissue with black or gray paint, leaving uneven patches so light can still shine through. Add finishing touches like black lace, twine, or even plastic spiders for a chilling effect. Pop in a battery-operated candle, and you’ll have hauntingly beautiful candle holders that cast a ghostly glow.
These look great on mantels, dining tables, or even outdoor setups for a Halloween party. The best part? Each candle holder can look different depending on how you layer the tissue or apply the paint. Kids can help with the tissue application, making it a fun, hands-on family activity, while adults handle the finishing touches. They’re inexpensive, atmospheric, and guaranteed to add that creepy-cool vibe to your Halloween décor.
9. DIY Bat Garland
DIY bat garland is a fun and festive way to decorate your home with a touch of Halloween whimsy. To start, grab some black construction paper or foam sheets from Dollar Tree, along with scissors, string, and tape or glue. Use a bat template (easy to find online) or freehand draw simple bat shapes.
Cut out as many bats as you’d like, depending on how long you want your garland to be. Once you have your bats ready, fold their wings slightly to give them a 3D look, then attach them to your string with glue or tape. Hang the garland across a fireplace, doorway, or wall for an instant Halloween upgrade.
If you want to make it spookier, add googly eyes or glitter accents to some of the bats. This craft is super kid-friendly, as children can help trace, cut, and decorate the bats. It’s inexpensive, easy to scale up or down, and reusable year after year. Plus, the finished garland looks just as good for a Halloween party as it does for everyday seasonal décor.
10. Potion Bottles
Potion bottles are a classic Dollar Tree Halloween craft that instantly adds spooky charm to any room. Start by grabbing a few glass bottles or jars from Dollar Tree—anything from spice jars to small vases will work. To give them that old, witchy vibe, lightly dab black, brown, or green paint on the glass, letting some areas remain clear for an aged effect.
Once dry, print out or handwrite labels like “Witch’s Brew,” “Eye of Newt,” or “Zombie Tonic” and glue them on. Wrap the tops with twine, burlap, or even melted hot glue for a wax-drip look. Add food coloring to water and fill the jars to complete the effect—green, purple, and red make especially eerie potions.
If you want a safer option for kids’ rooms, leave them empty and just use the labels for decoration. These potion bottles look fantastic on mantels, Halloween party tables, or in a faux witch’s corner. For a final spooky touch, place them alongside cobwebs and plastic spiders. It’s an affordable, customizable craft that looks store-bought but costs only a few dollars.
11. Spooky Mason Jar Lanterns
Spooky mason jar lanterns are a simple yet striking way to create glowing Halloween décor with minimal effort. Pick up a few mason jars or glass jars from Dollar Tree, along with tissue paper, Mod Podge, and battery-operated tea lights. Tear the tissue paper into small pieces and glue them onto the outside of the jars, covering them fully.
Orange, purple, or black tissue works best for that Halloween glow. Once the jar is covered, let it dry, then use black construction paper or vinyl to cut out shapes like bats, cats, or jack-o’-lantern faces. Glue the shapes on the outside of the jar to create silhouettes. Pop a tea light inside, and you’ll have lanterns that cast a haunting shadow effect when lit.
These are safe for kids’ rooms, since no real flame is involved, and kids can help with the tissue layering while adults handle the cutting. For variation, sprinkle glitter over the tissue while it’s still wet to add sparkle. These lanterns make excellent centerpieces or window decorations, and they’re cheap enough to make several for under $10.
12. DIY Pumpkin Topiary
A pumpkin topiary is a fantastic way to make your front porch or entryway look festive on a budget. Start by buying foam pumpkins in different sizes from Dollar Tree—you’ll need at least three for a stacked effect. Use a serrated knife to cut off the stems of the bottom pumpkins so they stack neatly. Secure them together with hot glue or wooden dowels to keep them stable.
Once stacked, you can paint them to match your Halloween theme—classic orange, sleek black, or even metallic gold for a more elegant vibe. Wrap the finished stack with fake leaves, fairy lights, or spooky ribbon for extra flair. Place the topiary in a planter or large pot to give it more height and stability.
If you’re making this craft with kids, let them help with painting or gluing leaves, while adults handle the cutting and stacking. The end result looks high-end but costs a fraction of store-bought topiaries. It’s durable, reusable each year, and instantly creates a welcoming Halloween display.
13. Skeleton Hand Candy Bowl
A skeleton hand candy bowl is one of those Halloween projects that’s both spooky and practical. Head to Dollar Tree and grab a plastic bowl and a few skeleton hands from their seasonal aisle. Start by hot gluing the hands around the outside of the bowl, either standing upright as if they’re gripping it or lying flat for a more subtle look.
Once secured, spray paint the entire bowl black, silver, or even glow-in-the-dark white for extra creep factor. Let it dry completely before adding candy or snacks inside. For added drama, place a battery-operated light in the bottom of the bowl so it glows through the skeleton fingers. This craft is great for parties, trick-or-treat night, or just as a fun centerpiece on your dining table.
Kids can help by arranging the hands and choosing paint colors, while adults handle the gluing and spraying. The end result looks like something from a Halloween store but costs under $10 to make. It’s eerie, functional, and guaranteed to impress your guests.
14. Creepy Crawly Wreath
The creepy crawly wreath is a budget-friendly way to make your front door festive and spooky. Start with a foam or wire wreath form from Dollar Tree. Wrap it with black ribbon, mesh, or even strips of black fabric to cover the base. Then, hot glue an assortment of creepy crawlies—plastic spiders, bats, and insects—around the wreath.
Layer them for a full, textured effect. For extra dimension, add faux cobwebs stretched across the surface. If you want a pop of color, sprinkle in some orange or purple glitter spiders. Once everything is in place, tie a big black or orange bow at the bottom to finish it off. This wreath takes about an hour to make and costs less than $15, depending on how many decorations you add.
It’s safe for kids to help with, especially by placing the bugs before they’re glued down, though adults should handle the hot glue. Hang it on your front door or even inside on a wall to instantly set the Halloween mood. It’s spooky, playful, and customizable to your style.
15. Dollar Tree Haunted House
Creating a haunted house from Dollar Tree supplies is the ultimate Halloween DIY for kids and adults alike. Grab a small cardboard house (often found in the craft aisle) or use a plain box as the base. Paint it black or gray with acrylic paint, then add details like windows, doors, and shingles using white or metallic markers.
Decorate the roof with fake moss or spider webs for that abandoned look. For extra spookiness, glue on tiny skeletons, bats, or pumpkins—most of which you can find in Dollar Tree’s seasonal section. To light it up, place a battery-operated tea light inside and watch the windows glow eerily at night. Kids can get creative by designing the windows or painting the walls, while adults assist with cutting and gluing.
This craft costs under $10 and takes about an hour, but the finished product looks like a centerpiece you’d buy at a store. Display it on a mantel, bookshelf, or table as part of a spooky Halloween village. It’s imaginative, customizable, and so much fun to make together.
