Spooky Ways to Make Money This Halloween

Halloween isn’t just about spooky fun—it’s a prime time to cash in on creative opportunities. Whether you’re tech-savvy or prefer working offline, here are expanded strategies to make money this Halloween season:

1. Sell Handmade Halloween Decorations or Crafts

Halloween is a craft lover’s dream, with endless opportunities to sell spooky, handcrafted items. Platforms like Etsy or eBay are excellent for selling unique Halloween decorations, from eerie wreaths to custom-designed jack-o’-lanterns. DIY Halloween crafts are always in demand, and tapping into a niche—like eco-friendly or vintage-themed Halloween décor—can help you stand out. Offer limited edition items, play up the exclusivity of your products, and use social media to drive traffic to your online store.

Pro Tip: Start promoting your Halloween-themed products early in the fall, so customers have plenty of time to discover and purchase before the big day. Consider offering bundle deals, like sets of themed candles, decorations, or crafts, to encourage bigger purchases.

2. Create Halloween-Themed Content

If you’re a content creator, Halloween provides fertile ground for content ideas. From YouTube tutorials on DIY costumes or spooky makeup to blog posts ranking the best horror films of the season, you can monetize this content through affiliate marketing, ad revenue, and sponsorships. For YouTubers or podcasters, themed content such as virtual ghost stories or “Halloween survival guides” can build a strong audience.

Pro Tip: Use affiliate links from costume shops, prop sellers, and candy brands to monetize your content. These partnerships often thrive during Halloween, making it a perfect opportunity to earn through affiliate programs.

3. Offer Event Services for Halloween Parties

With people eager to throw Halloween parties, you can monetize your event-planning skills. Whether you’re a DJ, a face-painter, or an all-around party planner, you can offer services like organizing spooky games for kids, decorating homes, or even curating Halloween-themed playlists. As parents host Halloween parties for kids or adults gather for costume-themed events, your expertise will be in high demand.

Pro Tip: Consider partnering with local venues or event companies to expand your reach. A collaborative effort can help secure bigger, higher-paying gigs and spread word-of-mouth marketing about your services.

4. Sell Candy and Halloween-Themed Treat Baskets

Halloween and candy go hand-in-hand, and you can cash in by creating and selling Halloween-themed treat baskets. Market them to busy parents, companies hosting events, or even as thoughtful gifts for Halloween enthusiasts. Curate baskets with high-quality, branded candy, fun accessories, and even small toys for kids. You can also partner with local businesses or schools to sell in bulk.

Pro Tip: Offer personalized baskets with the buyer’s name or themed to popular TV shows and movies, which can increase their appeal to niche markets.

5. Host a Haunted House or Maze

If you have space and an appetite for a little spookiness, consider hosting a haunted house or maze in your home or backyard. Charge a small admission fee and give attendees an unforgettable experience. Depending on your budget, you can invest in props, fog machines, and spooky lighting to create a more professional feel, or keep it simple with jump scares and eerie storytelling.

Pro Tip: Promote your haunted house on social media and local community pages. Offer group discounts to encourage larger crowds, and get creative with different scare levels to appeal to both children and adults.

6. Rent Out Halloween Costumes

Have a closet full of costumes? Turn it into a business! Halloween is an ideal time to rent out costumes to locals looking for a last-minute outfit or something unique. You can list your costumes on local platforms like Facebook Marketplace or simply spread the word within your community. Halloween costumes can get expensive, and people are often looking for more affordable options—your service could be the perfect fit.

Pro Tip: Offer a range of costumes, from classic witches and vampires to pop-culture-inspired outfits, to attract a wider audience. Promote your costume rental business on social media and local online forums well in advance.

7. Halloween Photography

If you’re a photographer, consider offering Halloween-themed mini photoshoots. Families, couples, and pet owners love capturing the fun and spooky essence of Halloween. You can stage photoshoots with costumes, themed props, and eerie backdrops. Promote your services as “limited-time Halloween sessions,” which helps create urgency and drive bookings.

Pro Tip: Create packages for families, kids, or even pets in costumes, and offer digital and printed photo options. Share your past work on Instagram and Facebook to attract new clients.

8. Run a Halloween Pop-Up Shop

Halloween pop-up shops selling themed merchandise like costumes, decorations, candy, and party supplies can generate a lot of traffic. Consider setting up a booth at local farmers’ markets, community fairs, or even online through platforms like Shopify or eBay. Promote your shop as a one-stop-shop for Halloween essentials to maximize your sales potential.

Pro Tip: Partner with local businesses to cross-promote each other’s Halloween items or services. Offer special deals or bundles to draw in larger crowds.

Fatten Your Pockets

This Halloween, don’t just dress up—make your wallet fatter by tapping into the festive spirit. Whether you’re selling online or offering in-person services, now is the perfect time to turn your creativity and skills into extra cash. Start today by exploring these Halloween-themed money-making ideas, and watch the spooky season boost your income!