Halloween season is here! I instantly think back to my childhood, running through the neighborhood with a pillow sack full of candy. I remember coming back home and unloading the first and the second loads, only to head out again for some more. It was usually cold and rainy, but we didn’t care.
90s Kids’ Halloween
With four siblings and many friends on the block, we tallied up who got the most candy. We would always trade out candy but not before our parents checked for the “suspects.” Any opened candy wrappers, semi-opened, or anything that even looked suspicious was out. A pile as high as the laundry baskets laid across our living room. We sorted, traded, and hid our stash from our parents. It was a fond memory, one I hope my kids will have, too.
Fast Forward to 2018
Today, Halloween is a bit different than when we were kids, though. There are elaborate parties, crafts, decor galore, and the kids’ costumes are seriously on fleek! Have you seen some of the price tags on them though? Some close to $100 bucks! To each their own, but this is not our style.
I’m the mom that LOVES crafts, possibly a bit Pinterest-obsessed. Although some have been total Pinterest fails, my kids usually didn’t care or notice.
For our family, we start by getting our Halloween/fall box out from the attic. It usually is on a weekend when dad is home. He usually watches or plays football with his main squeeze, our son, while the girls and I emerge ourselves in decking out the house in all things Halloween and fall-related! We search for local pumpkin patches where we can buy bushels of hay and some beautiful mums to display on our quaint front porch.
Decorate on a Dime
Some of our favorite Halloween activities are simple and cheap. Dollar Tree is seriously the bomb.com; they have EVERYTHING you need on a budget. From party planning supplies (all Halloween-themed) to outside decor like mini scarecrows, it’s a HIT. I love getting the kids’ school “treats” here. Pencils, erasers, tattoos, mini-notepads, and sticker boxes if you want to shy away from giving candy like we do. The kids also have become huge fans of and little customers at Michael’s. They are the ultimate go-to for crafting and classes, and they always seem to be offering a coupon or two! When family and friends ask what my kids want for birthdays or holidays, I always say a gift card to buy what they want! Typically it’s to buy a gallon of glue to make slime, but they have some great Halloween decor and crafts.
A little tip: sign up for their emails for special offers (sign up here) and go in at the end of the season to snag up some great deals for the next year. Even if it is just an item or two, I love growing our collection of the quality pieces that are a lot less later in the season.
We LOVE this season!
We love going on hayrides, apple picking and scouring the patch at Erwin’s, to find the kids their one “special” pumpkin. Our oldest daughter looks for the largest, and roundest one she can carry. Our middle munchkin, she too tries to do the same, as well as their littlest brother. It is the cutest thing to watch. So little in such a big field, all the feels. The changing colors, cider mills, warm apple cider, donuts, and playing in the leaves, it is all so very nostalgic.
Welcome to the season, it’s sure to be a FUN one!
Check out some of the links below for ideas and classes in your area for some family fun!
Dollar Tree Decor and Craft ideas
Micheal’s Decor and Crafts ideas
Micheal’s Classes-find your location!
