Boiling Cauldrons and Spider Webs

Let’s start off by saying that some of the prices of the Styrofoam decorations these days are out of this world.  A plastic skull can be $12.99.  Some fancy vampire fangs are $23.  Fake blood, as gross as that is anyway, is $16.99.  And these are all from an online store that doesn’t have to pay for a lot of property or employees, like a WalMart.  Ridiculous.

There is no reason in the world to pay that much for anything.  (I almost fell out of my chair when I saw that those vampire fangs are $23.)  There are so many places to save money, even if you want to go all out.  If you’re not the one throwing the party, then good for you – pass this information on to the people who need it.

First, figure out what you want to do.  Planning ahead, even though it takes a little bit more time, it will pay off in the end.  If you have a general picture of what you want done, you can just go get those items.  If you have no clue, you’ll end up going to the store and just grabbing everything you think looks really cool.  Trust me.  I speak from experience on this one.

Once you have your plan and are out looking, keep in mind a certain budget.  Don’t just go willy-nilly, saying you know you won’t spend too much.  You will.  Have you seen some of the stuff they have?  Motion censored skeletons and singing gravestones.  Cool!  Keep in mind your budget.  Make it a mantra if you have too.  No more than 5.99.  No more than 5.99.

Do you have any DIY skills whatsoever?  Can you use scissors, even if they are the rounded safety scissors given to first graders?  Do you have a printer?  How about some good ole’ Elmer’s white glue?  Ummm… if you said “yes”, which I hope you did, then you have almost unlimited possibilities.

Print off two pictures of scary trees.  Glue them together to make it 3-D.  Tape construction paper onto your fridge to make it look like a cauldron or witch.  Cut up a trash bag and tape it to an entry way.  Use a sheet as a classic ghost costume, only use a basketball as the head.  Instant huge decoration.

If you have more than those basic Kindergarten skills, try making some things yourself.  DIY doesn’t have to be that difficult.  Know someone that has a saw and scrap wood?  Can you sew?  Paint?  Scrapbook?  Be creative and think of all the possibilities you have without spending any money – just time.

Finally, I really just wanted to point all of you to this article, which is on the Budget 101 Website.  It is a fantastic site with tons of ideas to work in on a pretty tight budget.  If you’re just searching around for general ideas, start here.  You’ll be amazed what you can do on like $10.