Halloween isn’t just another holiday — it’s a chance to transform your home, your look, and your night into something magical (and a little bit spooky). Whether you’re hosting a big party, planning family fun with the kids, or just making your porch stand out for trick-or-treaters, the right details bring the celebration to life.

At Wishes, we’ve seen people build Halloween wishlists that range from simple DIY setups to over-the-top haunted house creations. Here are some of our favorite ideas to inspire you this year.

Decorations That Set the Scene

Your front door is the stage for the night, so start there. Instead of just pumpkins, try this:

• Creepy Entryway: Stretch black cheesecloth or old netting across the doorframe, then hang a motion-sensor bat or crow that swoops down when someone walks past. It’s a simple trick that guarantees squeals from visitors.

• Pumpkin Tower: Stack three carved pumpkins on top of each other (secured with wooden skewers), add battery-powered lights inside, and suddenly you’ve got a glowing pumpkin totem.

• DIY Potion Shelf: Repurpose empty wine bottles or mason jars, fill them with tinted water, label them “Eye of Newt” or “Zombie Tonic,” and line them on a shelf with candles around. Instant mad scientist vibes.

Save everything you need — from string lights to that fog machine you’ve been eyeing — in a Halloween Decoration Wishlist on Wishes. That way, you can collect ideas from different stores in one place and check them off as you go.

Costumes That Steal the Show

Forget the standard witch or vampire. The best costumes are clever, budget-friendly, and memorable. A few out-of-the-box ideas:

• Error 404: Costume Not Found — Grab a plain white T-shirt, write “Error 404: Costume Not Found” across the front with a marker, and you’ve got the easiest (and most tech-savvy) outfit of the night.

• Rainstorm — Wear gray clothes, glue cotton balls to a clear umbrella, and dangle blue ribbon “raindrops.” Add glittery eyeliner for lightning and you’re the storm everyone remembers.

• Silent Film Star — Dress in black, white, and gray, paint your face in grayscale makeup, and carry around cue cards with phrases like “Gasp!” or “Oh no!” — it’s creative, unexpected, and perfect for parties.

You can also plan ahead and pick something online if DIY isn’t your style. We’ve put together a Halloween Costume Wishlist with fun ideas for all ages — check it out for inspiration. 

Party Ideas That Keep Guests Talking

Costumes and snacks are great, but games and activities turn a Halloween night into something unforgettable! Here are a few ideas to keep the night going:

• Murder Mystery Game: Hand out character cards as guests arrive. Someone’s the “ghost,” and throughout the night they leave clues. By the end of the party, everyone makes a guess.

• Pumpkin Bowling: Line up empty plastic bottles, paint them like ghosts, and use a small pumpkin as the bowling ball. Works for kids and adults alike.

• Haunted Playlist: Music sets the tone. Mix classics like Thriller and Monster Mash with eerie instrumentals. We’ve made a ready-to-use Halloween Party Playlist to get you started.

Add props and supplies to a Halloween Party List and share it with friends. Everyone can “book” what they’ll bring, so you don’t end up with three people showing up with the same dip.

Snacks That Look Spooky But Taste Amazing

No Halloween party is complete without food that makes people laugh and grab their phones for photos. The best treats are easy to make, a little creepy to look at, and delicious enough to disappear fast.

• Mummy Hot Dogs: Wrap puff pastry around sausages, leaving little gaps for “eyes.” Bake, then add tiny mustard dots for pupils.

• Witch’s Brew Punch: Mix lime soda with green sherbet in a big bowl — it bubbles up like a cauldron. Toss in gummy worms for extra creepiness.

• Edible Eyeballs: Use peeled grapes or lychee fruit with a blueberry in the center. Place them in a bowl of red jelly for a dish that looks straight out of a horror movie.

These spooky bites are simple to prepare and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Make This Halloween Yours

Halloween is about more than candy — it’s about creativity, laughter, and a little bit of fright. The details you plan today turn into the stories everyone tells tomorrow.

Whether you’re decorating your porch, trying out a clever costume, or filling the table with spooky treats, a wishlist keeps it all together in one place.

Ready to plan your best Halloween yet? Start your Halloween wishlist with Wishes and make October 31st as magical — and organized — as possible.