Halloween Decorations & Gift Ideas for the Spookster in You

Whilst the popularity of Halloween in the UK may seem like a more recent phenomenon, the festival actually dates back over 2,000 years, when people used to ward off ghosts by lighting sacrificial bonfires. Always celebrated on 31st October, Halloween is also commonly known as All Hallows Eve and is now considered the third biggest commercial festival in the UK. However you are choosing to celebrate this year, we’ve got all the Halloween decorations and Halloween gift ideas you need to get into the spooky spirit of the season!

Halloween Decorations For Your House

If you’re someone who loves to go all out on a theme, then Halloween is without a doubt one of the most fun events to go to town with.

You could go all-in with full-scale props in your house, hanging cobwebs and themed decal stickers in your windows.

You could also replace the beautifully framed photos in your house with some spooky pictures downloaded from the internet. Yes, go full-on Halloween house decorations mode!

As October rolls around, it is the perfect time to get crafting. Involve your children too, and make DIY Halloween decorations together. An easy activity is cutting out fun shapes like bats and cobwebs, which you can then display in your windows.

A Few Ideas for More Subtle Halloween Decorations

If you’re after a more subtle way to integrate Halloween decorations into your home, think about the beautiful rich colours and warming scents this time of year brings.

You could create a focal point on an area in your home, such as your fireplace. Fill it with some cosy candles scented with autumnal essences such as ginger, cinnamon, pumpkin spice and apple. Place some pumpkin-shaped ornaments around your candles to create a chic Halloween look.

Don’t forget to make a feature of your doorway with a wreath packed with orange and red flowers and leaves. Place some pumpkins in different sizes and colours on your doorstep.

If you are carving your own pumpkins, battery-powered tealights are ideal for safely bringing your creations to life. Pumpkin carving is another brilliant family activity (and don’t forget to use the flesh and seeds in cooking too!)

Spooky Halloween garden ideas

Welcome trick or treaters with garden Halloween decorations that UK spooksters will love. Whether you decide to go all out or stay simplistic with a jack o’lantern, you will show off your Halloween spirit and demonstrate to your neighbours that you are getting into the swing of things by decorating your garden this October.

One of the easiest ways to create Halloween garden decorations is through atmospheric lighting. Themed festoon lights attach to most fences easily, and lots are now solar-powered. So you don’t have to remember to switch them on and off every day.

You can go big with full-sized props and ornaments or keep it simple with plenty of pumpkins. Don’t want to go too mad with Halloween garden decorations? Then add a fun touch with a themed doormat that reads “BOO!” to surprise your visitors.

Add a personal touch to your Halloween decorations

Remember, Halloween decorations don’t have to happen just at home! You can have all sorts of fun with Halloween styled fashion, too. And no, you don’t have to dig out that witch costume if you don’t want to.

To give your outfit a touch of Halloween flair, you can add subtle touches with themed jewellery, such as cute pumpkin earrings or a cheeky spider necklace. Think about those classic Halloween colours and incorporate them into your wardrobe, such as deep orange tights with a black dress.

If you have a pet that doesn’t mind being dressed up, then Halloween is the perfect time of year to have fun with some pet costumes. There is nothing cuter than a puppy dressed as a pumpkin!

Halloween cake decorations

If you’re hosting a party, it’s not just about the Halloween party decorations – a showstopper cake is a must. If you’re not the most confident baker, keep it simple by baking a chocolate cake with orange icing. Decorate it with a fun cake topper. There are some fantastic ones available online. Another easy win is individual cupcakes topped with black and orange icing.

Ready to get creative? How about a black cat shaped cake? Or make the most of your jack o’lantern fillings and bake a pumpkin loaf to enjoy on those cold autumn nights.

Halloween Gifts that will make them scream (with joy)

Want to surprise a loved one with a Halloween gift box but not sure what to get? Don’t panic – there are plenty of fun Halloween gift box ideas on the high street. You can go with autumn scented candles, or Halloween themed bath bombs and spooky sweets.

Whilst you’re out shopping, don’t forget to pick up trick-or-treat goodies too! If you have family members going trick or treating for the first time, why not gift them their very own bag or bucket to collect their sweets?

A personal touch is always appreciated, so if you love baking, you could make iced biscuits in the shape of ghosts, pumpkins or cats. Package them up into a Halloween gift box for your friends and family. Don’t forget to think of some Halloween gift card ideas to accompany your home-baked goodies!

Capture your Halloween celebrations

Once the decorations are up and the pumpkins are carved, get all the family together in fancy dress for a spooky family portrait.

Whether you decide to stick with a theme (think Addams Family and Scooby-Doo) or surprise each other with your costumes, you will want to remember your Halloween celebrations. Don’t forget to order a frame for your Halloween family pictures.  This way, you can look back on your Halloween fun all year round.