Originally published October 21, 2022, Updated October 21, 2024.

I don’t know about you, but my kids are at the BEST age for trick or treating, and the last thing I want to do is miss out on the fun! But I still want a fun way to greet trick-or-treaters who stop by our house while we’re out. Because our neighbourhood is always super busy with little ones and big kids at heart, a not-too-spooky treat station was in order.

I set out to create one with three things in mind: it had to be cheap, easy, and cute! This cute DIY Halloween candy stand doesn’t require much time, effort, or craft skills.  Without further adieu, here’s how to create the cutest Halloween candy stand for the little ghosts and goblins knocking at your door.

Materials Required:

• Small utility cart
• 2×4 lumber cut to 36 inches each 
• Large white Dollar Store plant pot
• Clear Dollar Store bowl
• Zip Ties
• 3x Drop Sheets
• Black Felt
• Scissors
• Drill

Step 1: Build the Stand

Drill some holes in the bottom of your plant pot so you can secure it to the top of the cart. I used a drill to make four holes, placed it on the cart’s top shelf and used zip ties to secure it.

I wanted my friendly ghost to have arms, so for this, I took a piece of 2×4 and attached it to the underside of the top shelf of the utility cart using more zip ties. The skeleton of the cart is done! Super easy, right?

Related: 4 DIY Pumpkin Decorations and Crafts Perfect for Your Fall Porch

Step 2: Make Your Friendly Ghost

Afterwords, take three white Dollar Store drop sheets (I used three because they were thin and a bit see-through on their own) and layered them on top of the zip-tie-cart creation. I took some scissors and rounded out the bottom edges of the sheets. Using some black felt, cut out two oval eyes and use a glue gun to stick them on for a minimal face. Isn’t he cute?

Related: How to Make an Easy Yarn Tassel Garland (With a Festive Twist!)

Step 3: Add the Final Touches

Finally, take a large bowl that fits in the top of the plant pot and press it down, securing the sheets and finishing your treat station.  Take the ghost candy stand outside and fill the bowl with candy. I styled him with a chalkboard sign, some pumpkins and a little treat bucket. And there you have it, the cutest DIY Halloween candy stand. Happy haunting! 

Images courtesy of Courtney Ryall

Are you looking to add a touch of fun to your Halloween decor this year? Look no further than this adorable DIY paper-mache Halloween-inspired vase and matching bowl! With just a few simple materials, like newspaper, glue and acrylic paint, you can create a beautiful centrepiece to perfectly complement your home decor, together with any spooky celebrations you have planned.

Here, we’ll explain the proper technique for working with paper mache in order to achieve the perfect Halloween decor pieces for the season ahead. Let’s get started!

Materials Required:

• Newspaper sheets
• White glue
• Small or medium bowl/vase
• Painter’s tape
• Scissors
• Acrylic paint in white and black
• Plastic bag

Step 1: Prep Your Materials

Let’s start by prepping our workspace and protecting the surface area where you will craft the paper mache to prevent any mess (a plastic tablecloth or newspaper works well). Grab your vase (and bowl if creating both) and wrap them in a plastic bag with painter’s tape. Tip: Keep in mind the size of your bowl and vase, as it will be the same proportion in paper-mache form.

Step 2: Let’s Paper Mache!

Now, tear or cut the newspaper into strips, and mix lukewarm water with white glue into a bowl. Dip each piece of newspaper into the paper-mache glue mix, ensuring it’s covered in both sides. Remove with your fingers any excess liquid and place the newspaper piece on top of the bowl or vase. Repeat this process, overlapping the paper until the base is covered with a full layer. We repeated this process up to three/four layers. You can do the same until you score the desired thickness. Allow the layers to dry overnight before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Having Fun Decorating

Remove the dried paper-mache creation from the vase and/or bowl base. Now, it’s time to decorate! Using acrylic paint, coat the entire surface of your paper-mache vase and bowl, and let it dry to the touch. We added a spooky ghost theme to both of our DIY pieces.

Related: This Cute DIY Halloween Candy Stand is Perfect for Your Front Porch

There you have it! A fun and simple DIY paper-mache Halloween project that will add a touch of charm to your seasonal decor this year.

Images Courtesy of Maca Atencio

Originally published August 3, 2023, Updated October 3, 2024.

We know what you might be thinking: it’s not even the end of summer yet, so how are we already talking about Halloween? Sorry to give you a spook, but IKEA’s new 2023 Halloween collection just dropped, and we’re kind of obsessed with this year’s items. Titled the KUSTFYR, the collection features cozy and chic decor items that will match your home’s aesthetic while still giving it the fun and spooky vibe you’re after. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the new IKEA Halloween collection, and a sneak peek of our favourite pieces to shop now.

Related: These are IKEA’s Most Popular Products in Canada

How Many Pieces Are in the IKEA 2023 Halloween Collection?

The KUSTFYR collection features 32 pieces, ranging from adorable ghost couch cushions and pumpkin tealight lanterns to chilling yet warm LED lights.

How Much Do the KUSTFYR Items Cost?

You can expect the Halloween collection to be on par with accessible IKEA pricing that won’t break the bank (from $4 for a ghost-shaped pillar candle to $30 for a spooky LED wreath).

Related: Our Favourite DIY Halloween Decorations for a Spooktacular Holiday

Our Favourite IKEA Halloween Items to Shop Now

Load up your cart and get ready to trick-or-treat with these goodies from the collection.

Welcome guests (or trick-or-treaters) with this front door mat. The spooky greeting lends a Halloween vibe, while the natural coir fiber is ideal to help trap dirt before it reaches the rest of your home. 

KUSTFYR Door Mat, Black, IKEA, $25.

It’s not Halloween without pumpkins. We’re obsessed with this glass pumpkin decor piece fit for any counter, table or mantel. It’s transparent enough for light to shine through, almost like a jack-o-lantern, while still matching most aesthetics. 

KUSTFYR Glass Pumpkin, IKEA, $20.

If you’re having a Halloween party this year, this ghost LED lamp is what you ghoulishly need. The purple light perfectly sets the mood. Plus, it’s battery-operated, so you don’t need to worry about plugging it in. 

KUSTFYR LED Table Lamp, IKEA, $15.

This ghostly unscented candle has 45 hours of burn time, so it’ll feel like Halloween all season long. 

KUSTFYR Unscented Pillar Candle, White/Ghost, IKEA, $4. 

This blanket is perfect for movie nights, whether you’re watching you’re favourite spooky horror or a more family-friendly Halloween flick. It’s made from soft cotton, so it’s extra cozy and ideal for covering your eyes during those extras-scary scenes.

KUSTFYR Throw, White/Black, IKEA, $30. 

Spruce up your sofa with this spooky-meets-cheerful couch cushion cover featuring happy dancing skeletons. It’s made from a lightweight linen and cotton mix, and the cushion is sold separately. 

KUSTFYR Cushion, White/Black, IKEA, $8.

View the rest of IKEA’S 2023 KUSTFYR Halloween collection for more frightful decorating ideas this year.