Hauntingly Good Finds: Thrifting Halloween
What's scarier than Halloween? Checking my bank account after buying all new decorations…
With Halloween just around the corner, here is a complete guide on thrifting spooky decor. If you're lucky, you'll thrift something haunted!
Ghoulishly Good Thrift Finds
Thrifting goes hand in hand with DIY. This is your opportunity to breathe new life into old items and create one-of-a-kind decorations. If you find a mirror, you could paint a skeleton. Finding glassware is fun, because you can decorate them as potion bottles— just paint a skull or “do not drink.” Pinterest is my go-to for DIY Halloween inspiration, so if you find something you like, go thrift it! The possibilities are endless, and your DIY projects will add a personal touch to your haunted house.
Beware of Bargain Bins
Many thrift stores have bargain bins or discount sections for seasonal decor at scary good prices. A broken skeleton can become a sinister door knocker, and a chipped cauldron can be transformed into a wicked centerpiece filled with candy. These bins might seem daunting, but treat it like a treasure hunt— keep digging, and you are certain to find the gold.
Don't Forget the Costume Section
Thrifting your Halloween isn’t just about décor— it's also a great way to find Halloween costumes. Like Frankenstein, finding the right bits and pieces can bring your whole costume alive. Depending on your costume, there are many places to check out while thrifting. Whether you need big, flashy jewelry, a wedding dress, or even a witch’s hat, you’re sure to find the perfect pieces.
One year I went as Carrie. I thrifted a prom dress and covered it in fake blood, knowing I would never wear it again. You can tatter a wedding dress and be Corpse Bride or find basketball shorts, a larger shirt, a baseball hat, and dress as Adam Sandler. Whatever you decide to do, keep your costume in mind and look for corresponding colors or pieces to compliment the outfit.
Frightful and Delightful
Now it's time to summon spine-chilling savings and hit the thrift stores. This Halloween, you don’t have to scream when opening your bank account. Remember, thrift stores are not where items go to die— it's an opportunity for a second life. So, go unearth the best decorations… if you dare!
Happy Haunting and…
Be Well, Auburn.
Writer
Cat was born in Georgia but moved a lot as a child. From North Carolina to Florida, she has been all over the south. Cat can confidently say she has found her home in Auburn. Now a junior, she is majoring in Marketing and minoring in Crop Soil Sciences.
She has a passion for social media and environmental science and hopes to combine both her passions in her career one day. Outside of class, Cat loves trying new foods, going on long walks, and binge watching New Girl with her roomie. She is also on the club swim team and spends her afternoons practicing. Cat is so excited for the rest of her time at Auburn and hopes to spend it as best she can!
