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Host A Halloween Party For Under $50

September 24, 2021 by Shellie Wilson

This is one of my favorite kinds of post because we get lots of emails asking us for tips and tricks on hosting parties for next t nothing. Especially kid’s birthday parties where parents simply can’t afford to spend money.

This post is going to about Halloween parties not birthday parties, but if your child is having a birthday in October do consider having it Halloween themed because buying seasonal products is such a money saver.

Tip number one, decor, these Halloween decorations above is under $30 and contains 130 pcs.   So that is ALL the decorations you need.  The best way to decorate on budget is to allocate a small area that can be themed well. For example, 130 pcs might be lost in your backyard, but pop them in the garage or up against the side of the house and you have a full-looking theme.

Need more decorations? Black bing bags can be cut into strips to make spooky doorways, hang them from the ceilings. Fill them with empty boxes and place them around the room, like trash in an alley.  Add some red paint for blood, like bodies wrapped up. VERY inexpensive. Old newspaper can be cut into cobwebs (like snowflakes) and draped on the walls. When everything is together the newspaper will look amazing.

Food? You can’t have a party without food right?

Sandwiches, bread is cheap! Jam is cheap, red jam/jelly looks like blood. So Blood sandwiches for dinner!  Add some bowls of rice bubbles for snacks, (bowls of teeth)  or make piles and piles of popcorn, cheap and yum!  Drinks? Cordial, red, green, orange.

Kids don’t pay much attention to food and how it looks, just how it tastes, so sugar is always a winner.  Want more food? Make pancakes, inexpensively with flour, sugar, and water.  Serve cupcakes covered in red syrup or orange food dye for a sweet treat, these can also be given to take home.

Have some money left over?  Want to send them home with a gift? Print out some free Halloween coloring pages   or An Apple or a pair of Dracula teeth, (kids love those things).

 

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Have you read?

DIY Soothing Bug Bite Powder – A Natural Itch Relief Remedy That Works

If you’ve ever found yourself wildly scratching at a mozzie bite during family BBQs, camping trips, or while doing the washing line dash at dusk, you’re not alone. For years I kept a tube of store-bought anti-itch cream in the kitchen drawer… until I peeked at the ingredients. Yikes. That’s when I decided to whip up my own natural bug bite powder remedy—and friends, this one actually works. Bonus? It smells divine and doubles as a light body powder in summer.

This homemade bug bite powder is cooling, calming, and easy to toss into a jar for your bathroom, glovebox, or handbag. Perfect for anyone with sensitive skin or trying to reduce the chemical load in their household.

Why This DIY Bug Bite Powder is a Must-Have

  • All-natural & toxin-free – No petroleum, parabens, or synthetic fragrances 
  • Soothing & anti-inflammatory – Uses botanicals like calendula, chamomile, and lavender 
  • Kid-safe & gentle – Works on mozzie bites, ant bites, and even mild stings 
  • Multi-use – Can be used under the arms or in sweaty spots to prevent chafing or soothe heat rash 

Ingredients (Makes ~100g)

  • ¼ cup arrowroot powder (soothes irritation and helps powder cling to skin) 
  • 2 tbsp bentonite clay (draws out toxins, reduces inflammation) 
  • 1 tbsp colloidal oatmeal (anti-itch and skin softening) 
  • 1 tsp dried calendula petals, finely ground (anti-inflammatory and healing) 
  • ½ tsp dried chamomile, finely ground (soothing and calming) 
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil (anti-itch, calming, smells lovely) 
  • Optional: 5 drops tea tree oil (antibacterial, antifungal – great for scratch-prone skin) 

How to Make It

  1. Grind herbs: Use a clean coffee grinder or mortar and pestle to powder the calendula and chamomile. 
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine arrowroot, bentonite clay, colloidal oatmeal, and ground herbs. 
  3. Add oils: Drop in the essential oils and stir with a spoon or whisk to evenly distribute. 
  4. Sift: Optional, but sifting helps ensure a smoother finish. 
  5. Bottle it up: Pour into a clean, dry shaker jar or small lidded container. A recycled spice jar with a shaker top works beautifully. 

How to Use

Dust a small amount directly onto bug bites or irritated areas using clean fingers or a soft powder puff. Gently pat it in—no need to rub. Reapply as needed, especially after sweating or washing.

Tip: For travel, store a small amount in an empty mint tin with a cotton pad for dabbing.

Storage Tips

Keep your powder in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight. If you’re using essential oils, try to use within 6–9 months to maintain potency. No fridge required, and no weird separation like some natural creams.

Variations

For super sensitive skin: Skip the essential oils and just use the powdered herbs.
For baby-safe version: Omit tea tree oil and stick with chamomile only.
Want more cooling? Add ½ tsp organic peppermint leaf powder for a minty chill.

Why Bentonite Clay for Bug Bites?

Bentonite is the secret weapon in this blend—it helps draw out the toxins from a bite while reducing redness and swelling. Unlike creams that just sit on the surface, this powder helps the skin recover more quickly. I’ve even used it as a quick pit-powder on camping trips when we forgot deodorant!

Label Title Ideas

  • “Bug Off! Herbal Soothing Powder” 
  • “Natural Bite & Itch Relief” 
  • “Mozzie Dust – Natural Bite Soother” 

This soothing bug bite powder has become a staple in our family’s natural remedy shelf. It’s light, effective, and totally non-greasy—which is perfect when you’re dealing with Queensland heat and multiple kids yelling “Muuum! Something bit me!”

Once you make this, don’t be surprised if your neighbours or camping buddies start requesting their own jar

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