Halloween in the UK has grown rapidly over the last decade, with more families, students, and communities getting into the spooky spirit. From trick-or-treating to themed house parties, the demand for fun Halloween costumes and creative Halloween decorations has never been higher.
But celebrating doesn’t need to break the bank. With the right Halloween ideas, you can create an unforgettable look and atmosphere using budget-friendly tricks, everyday items, and a little imagination.
The Best Halloween Costumes for 2025
This year, the most in-demand Halloween costumes blend timeless classics with pop culture references. The good news? Most of them can be created cheaply or DIY-style.
1. Wednesday Addams (Still Trending)
After Netflix’s Wednesday reboot, the gothic schoolgirl look is still going strong in 2025. For one of the all-time favourite Halloween costumes, all you need is this:
- A black dress with a white collar (or layer a shirt under a plain dress).
- Dark plaits and pale makeup.
- Optional: Add Thing (a glove or hand prop) for extra effect.
2. The Wicked Witch (Thanks to the Movie Release)
With Wicked finally hitting UK cinemas, expect a surge in witch-inspired Halloween costumes. Easy to pull together:
- Black dress or skirt + top.
- Pointed hat (available in most supermarkets).
- Green face paint if you want to go full Elphaba.
3. Barbie and Ken (Still Riding the Pink Wave)
The Barbie movie boom hasn’t faded. Think pink!
- For Barbie: anything pastel or hot pink, bold sunglasses, blonde wig (optional).
- For Ken: bright shorts, printed shirt, or a cowboy hat.
Best as a couple or group look.
4. Classic Horror Revivals
Characters from Scream, Chucky, and even Dracula are making a comeback. Supermarkets and budget chains sell masks cheaply, or you can DIY bloodied clothes with old shirts and washable red paint.
With some creative thinking and a bit of effort, you can make some seriously cool (and scary) Halloween costumes.
5. DIY Last-Minute Options for Easy Halloween Costumes
If you’ve left it too late, here are quick fixes:
- Ghost: Old white sheet with cut-out eyes (simple but timeless).
- Mummy: Bandages or strips of old fabric wrapped over clothing.
- Zombie: Rip and stain an old t-shirt, add face paint and fake blood.
Halloween Decorations That Won’t Cost a Fortune
With cheap (but nice) Halloween costumes come great Halloween decorations but they don’t need to be store-bought. Many can be made from items already at home. Let’s take a look at a few simple Halloween decoration ideas:
- Paper Bats and Ghosts: Cut black card into bat shapes or use white tissue to make ghost garlands. Cheap, quick, and effective.
- DIY Pumpkins: Carved pumpkins are classics, but painted pumpkins last longer and can be reused as autumn décor. Metallic paints, pastel “Pinkoween” tones, or simple scary faces all work well.
- Fairy Lights with a Twist: Reuse Christmas fairy lights by adding orange tissue or ping pong balls drawn with faces to create glowing ghost lights.
- Whimsigoth Style: Mix dried flowers, lace fabrics, and candles (real or LED) to achieve a gothic-romantic vibe — one of the biggest décor trends this year.
- Supermarket Specials: Budget retailers like Aldi and Lidl offer seasonal specials. From pumpkin lanterns to costumes; all at a fraction of party shop prices (The Sun).
Quick Halloween Ideas for Last-Minute Planners
Pressed for time? Here are some fast-track Halloween ideas:
- Black clothing + cat ears = instant black cat.
- Bedsheet + eyeliner whiskers = ghost cat (great for kids).
- Cardboard cut into gravestone shapes for garden décor.
- Jam jars with tea lights wrapped in tissue paper = spooky lanterns.
Sustainable Halloween Costumes and Decorations: Reuse and Store for Next Year
One of the smartest ways to save money long-term is by reusing your old Halloween costumes and décor. Instead of throwing items away, keep them safe and bring them back out next October.
Here are some expert tips for storing all your Halloween items:
- Pack Halloween costumes in labelled boxes to avoid damage.
- Wrap delicate decorations in bubble wrap or paper.
- Keep everything dry and cool but remember, lofts and damp garages are risky.
If you’re short on space, seasonal storage can be a lifesaver. Our guide to self storage rules explains what you can and can’t store, so your Halloween costumes and decorations will be safe until next year.
Final Thoughts on ‘Cheap’ Halloween Costumes
Whether you’re going all out or keeping it simple, the best Halloween costumes and Halloween decorations for 2025 prove that creativity counts more than cash. From Wednesday Addams to Whimsigoth décor, and from supermarket bargains to homemade classics, this year’s Halloween ideas are all about fun, style, and imagination.
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