15 Easy (and Mostly Edible) DIY Halloween Ideas
Updated: Oct. 04, 2022From ghoulish decor to spooky-sweet treats, we've rounded up our favorite DIY Halloween ideas to help you celebrate with creative snacks and decorations.
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Halloween is almost here and, if you’re anything like me, you’re bubbling with excitement. However you’re celebrating this year, these easy DIY Halloween ideas—ranging from creepy crafts to spooky and sweet Halloween treats—will help add some festivity (and fright!) to your holiday.
1. Ghoulish Gummies
This jiggling Jell-O candy may be frightening to some, but one bite and you’ll realize it’s totally sweet. Here’s how to make it: Combine unflavored gelatin with limeade, following the package’s instructions. Pour the mix into an ice cube tray. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until the gelatin is soft. Place Halloween-shaped candy (think: gummy body parts, spiders or “vampire” teeth) into each mold. Return to the refrigerator and cool until firm.
Editor’s tip: For other spooky Jell-O Halloween recipes, try these wiggly pumpkins and champagne blood shots (for the adults).
2. Painted Pumpkins
Decorate your fresh-picked pumpkins without breaking out the carving set. Paint adds a dash of color and doesn’t cause as much of a mess! Use masking tape to create a pretty design (get inspired by these adorable Disney painted pumpkins), then spray-paint the pumpkin outside. Your finished piece will look just as great indoors as it does on your doorstep. There’s only one downside to painting pumpkins: You miss out on the deliciousness of roasted pumpkin seeds.
Editor’s tip: If you’re using tape as a stencil, remove it while the paint is still tacky to prevent the design from chipping.
3. Monster Spray
Finally, a surefire way to confront those monsters hiding under the bed. Team up with your youngster to turn an empty spray bottle into “monster spray.” Decorate using bright stickers, googly eyes and craft paper (or try this monster repellent printable), then fill it up with water and get spraying. Kids will have fun warding off goblins and ghosts around the house. Heads up: Your kiddo may want to keep this by their nightstand long after the holiday is over!
4. Frankenguac
Speaking of monsters, this Frankenguac recipe offers a fun take on Mary Shelley’s classic tale. This easy appetizer comes together in minutes—especially if you use already-made guacamole! Bring Frankenstein’s monster to life using small dollops of sour cream for eyes, black olives for the nose and bolts, and refried beans for the mouth, pupils and stitches. A few evil laughs are definitely encouraged.
Editor’s tip: This recipe really comes together when you add detail, but you don’t need a decorating kit to do so. Make those fine lines using a DIY piping bag: Scoop the refried beans into a plastic sandwich bag and use scissors to snip off a small section of the corner.
5. Candy Cauldrons
Friends will be completely spellbound when they receive this tiny treat. You can find plastic mini cauldrons at most craft stores around Halloween time. Grab one for each person in your crew and decorate with ribbon. Write the recipient’s name on the front in your spookiest script. Fill it with candy or this sweet-and-salty Halloween snack mix.
Editor’s tip: These personalized cauldrons make excellent classroom (or office) treats, adorable goodie bags and creative placeholders.
6. Dazzling Pumpkin
Who said ghoulish can’t be glamorous? Make your pumpkin extra pretty this year using glitter and glue. Spread a thin coat of tacky glue over your pumpkin, then sprinkle glitter over top. (Be sure to have a plate underneath to collect the leftover glitter.) Soon you’ll have a pumpkin that’s almost as shiny as the robot costume you wore last year.
7. Caramel Apples
Nothing says “fall” quite like a caramel apple. Whether you buy pre-made caramel apples or follow our easy caramel apple recipe, wrangle some friends to help decorate with melted chocolate, sprinkles and crushed candy. Make it a competition by seeing who can come up with the best design. (Although everyone ends up winning with a sweet treat!) If this project doesn’t satisfy your sweet tooth, we have more caramel apple-inspired desserts waiting for you.
8. Monster Buckets
Take your tablescape up a notch with this fun, funky decor. Wrap old soup cans in colorful felt and secure with hot glue. Cut vertical slits or a zig-zag pattern across the top and decorate with googly eyes, pom-poms or whatever else is hiding in your craft box. Fill these not-so-scary cans with treats like these scary eyeballs and creepy candied corn.
9. Spooky Stuffed Peppers
Carving isn’t just for pumpkins anymore. Use a small paring knife to carve a jack-o’-lantern face into a hollow bell pepper. Then follow our vegetarian stuffed pepper recipe to fill with a savory mix of rice, beans, tomatoes and cheese. It’s an easy way to add a spooky twist to family dinner.
10. Mad Scientist Station
Got a children’s party to host? They’ll go crazy over a mad scientist theme. Serve punch from beakers and fill test tubes with sprinkles, rock candy or nonpareils. Make room at the table for kids to create their own supersized molecules using gumdrops and toothpicks. For the grand finale, whip up a brainy cake and decorate with swirled frosting.
11. Ghastly Garnish
Whether you’re reaching for a mocktail or a boozy libation, Â these fruity swizzle sticks add an extra layer of festivity. To get the look, quarter an apple and press a small Halloween-themed cookie cutter through the fruit pieces. Skewer, adding orange slices and cranberries. Alternatively, you can skip the drink and gather the fruit kabobs in a vase to make an edible bouquet.
12. Martian Marshmallows
Whip up a batch of these adorable martian marshmallows for your spooky soiree. (And don’t worry about making a mess—the mix of candy coating and shortening in this recipe helps decorations like colored sugar, nonpareils and licorice slices stick to the marshmallows.)
13. Power-Tool Jack-o’-lantern
With proper supervision, power tools can be a fun way to carve pumpkins. Use an electric screwdriver to create your jack-o’-lantern this year. First, design a dotted pattern on your pumpkin using pushpins. Then drill holes using an electric screwdriver (or try these other power tools for carving pumpkins). Keep the holes 1 or 2 inches apart from each other so that the pumpkin doesn’t collapse.
Editor’s tip: To get a clean hole, position the drill bit perpendicular to the pumpkin. This will also help let more light shine through.
14. Mini Maple Pumpkin Pies
Even if you’re not attending any Halloween bashes this year, cooking handheld recipes is a fun way to make simple meals feel like party food. Try these mini maple pumpkin pies for a compact spin on the classic fall dessert. Use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to form the pies and a paring knife to carve the faces.
15. Spooky Luminaries
Got a few mason jars handy? Turn them into haunting luminaries with orange and black tissue paper. Spread a thin layer of decoupage glue around the glass, then layer on the paper. Once dry, stick a candle (electric is a safe option) inside. Arrange the lanterns on your doorstep or use them to decorate your dinner table. If you’re feeling fancy, apply designs like spiderwebs, cats, witches and ghosts.
Hot Dog Mummies with Honey Mustard Dip
These flaky mummy sandwiches are instant party hits! The accompanying mustard dip adds just the right kick. —Jessie Sarrazin, Livingston, Montana
Mad Scientist Punch
Our home economists concocted this "potion" with kitchen staples such as juice concentrate, soft drink mix, soda and sherbet. It appeals to kids of all ages! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Cheese Ball
No one will guess this make-ahead spread has pumpkin in it, but that subtle ingredient lends harvest color and added nutrition. —Linnea Rein, Topeka, Kansas
Frankenguac
Play the mad scientist this year and bring a monster to life. He's frightfully fun and delicious! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Crescent Roll Witch Hats
It doesn’t take magic to transform these crescent rolls into charming witch hats—just a few minutes and a couple of ingredients. They’re so good, you’ll want to make a double batch. —Mara Fletcher, Batesville, Indiana
Roasted Pumpkin Nachos
I had previously made this dish with black beans and corn off the cob in the summer. Wanting to try it with fresh fall ingredients, I replaced the corn with roasted pumpkin—yum! It's also good with butternut squash. —Lesle Harwood, Douglassville, Pennsylvania
Skull Deviled Eggs
Thrill partygoers with Halloween deviled eggs. The mayonnaise-filled bites are one of my favorite apps, so I had fun creating a spooky version. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Witch's Caviar
I like to serve this dip with triangle-shaped tortilla chips because they look like pointy witch hats. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Halloween Punch
My bright orange sipper fits right in with October fun. To serve it in a festive way, I often put the punch bowl inside a hollowed-out-pumpkin. —Sue Thomas, Casa Grande, Arizona
Avocado Goat Cheese Truffles
Give guests the VIP treatment with luxurious truffles you can make in your own kitchen. The goat cheese is mild, and red pepper heats up each bite just a bit. Crackers are the perfect accompaniment. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Mummy-Wrapped Brie
You can assemble our baked Brie appetizer in advance and bake it right before the party. —Marion Lowery, Medford, Oregon
Festive Pumpkin Dip
Pumpkin adds a sweet element to savory cream cheese dip. It's a chunky, satisfying snack for fall. —Evelyn Kennell, Roanoke, Illinois
Jack-o'-Lantern Empanadas
Your trick-or-treaters will love these spooktacular pockets with silly grins. The savory filling is perfectly spiced, and the refrigerated pie crust makes prep easy.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Mediterranean Shrimp Dip
Guests will help themselves to seconds of this savory Mediterranean shrimp dip that features shrimp, feta cheese and Greek seasoning. —Gina Wilson, Austin, Texas
Sweet 'n' Salty Party Mix
These crunchy munchies are sure to rank high with your family and friends. The combination of flavors gets this sweet and salty chex mix recipe just right. —Candice Lumley, Charles City, Iowa
Mummy Poppers
I wrapped these spicy jalapeno poppers in puff pastry like a mummy. You can tame the heat by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers.—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bacon Cheddar Potato Skins
Wondering how to make potato skins taste great? Both crisp and hearty, this restaurant-quality snack is one that's often requested by my family. —Trish Perrin, Keizer, Oregon
Steak-Through-the-Heart Bites
Our Test Kitchen staff enhances the already fabulous flavor of beef kabobs by topping them with a colorful roasted red pepper sauce. Guests will fall in love with these appetizers! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Snack Mix
This yummy mix is so munchable, a bowl of it never lasts long. Feel free to use candy corn instead of the candy pumpkins—or a mix of both! —Shirley Engstrom, Genoa, Nebraska
Ham 'n' Cheese Spiders
These creepy sandwiches are sure to scare up some fun at Halloween time! Kids really enjoy eating the spider-shaped sandwiches. —Kendra Barclay, De Kalb, Illinois
Cauldron Dip
This witch's cauldron doesn't hold a spooky brew—just a Halloween snack that's frightfully fun! Our Test Kitchen formed a pot by toasting a slice of rye bread, then filled it with a creamy dip that's perfect with the pretzel "logs" and sweet pepper "flames" that are placed underneath. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Slithering Hummus Bites
Friends often ask me to make my hummus dip for parties. One year at Halloween, I decided to take it further by piping it into phyllo shells and topping it with olives and roasted red peppers to make creepy creatures. —Amy White, Manchester, Connecticut
Frankensushi
Give this guy a try this year! These cute rolls are so fun to make. —Tina Coopman, Toronto, Ontario
Spider Sliders
We're always trying to do fun things with food to make meals memorable. Better grab one of these sandwiches before it walks away! —Frank Millard, Edgerton, Wisconsin
Skewered Eyeballs
Someone is watching! These stuffed mushrooms are awfully tasty. The toothpicks look threatening, but they help folks grab their share of the finger food.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pumpkin Pie Dip
I came up with this rich, creamy pumpkin dip when I had a small amount of canned pumpkin left in the fridge after my holiday baking. It's also great served with sliced pears and apples, or as a spread on zucchini bread. —Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas
Brain Dumplings
Family and friends will be shocked to learn these tasty brains are actually pot stickers! —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada
Gourd-geous Halloween Nachos
My family loves nachos so much that I sometimes serve them for lunch. To get in the Halloween spirit, I used a pumpkin cookie cutter to cut out chips from pita bread. You can change the cutter shape to match any theme.—Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Roasted Beetroot and Garlic Hummus
This tasty beetroot hummus is the prettiest pink snack I’ve ever seen. The healthy recipe is handy to make in large batches and keep in the fridge for lunches and snacks throughout the week. —Elizabeth Worndl, Toronto, OntarioTeddy Nykiel, Taste of Home Associate Digital Editor, contributed to this article.
