College Girl’s Ultimate Guide to Halloween

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, Mars, Incorporated. All opinions are mine alone. #SpookyTreats #CollectiveBias

It’s HALLOWEEN! Actually, no, it’s October but it’s never too early to start preparing for Halloween, right? Halloween in college can be quite unconventional. You’re at the point where you’re a little too old to socially acceptably go trick or treating and you’re at the point where Halloween costumes become dumping out your closet and hoping for a spark of creativity.

Even though you’re older and in college, you’re never too old for Halloween and you’re definitely never too old for candy. You’re also absolutely not too old to get into the holiday spirit.

1. Buy basic costume accessories in advance.

I got cat ears from Target for $1 and as basic as it may be, it’ll be perfect for a last minute costume or if a friend has no costume ideas! Basics like cat ears or bunny ears sell out quickly, so buying an affordable pair is great. The easiest costume accessories that can make an entire costume by just adding it to a normal outfit are usually ears, headgear, hats and hair accessories. Some other ideas might be a crown or fireman’s hat.

You can also buy supplies to DIY a costume accessory if you have ideas in mind. A plain headband is great for adding any type of ears you can cut out of paper or felt.

2. Plan your costume early.

I have a few College Halloween Costume ideas if you need some! Planning in advance allows you time to get everything you’ll need. This is crucial if you’re trying to plan a group costume. Decide who’s going as what so you can coordinate without scrambling last minute. This is also major if you plan on ordering costume details from online…allow these things some time to ship!

3. Make treat bags for friends.

This is such a fun and easy idea! These M&M’S Boo-tterscotch and DOVE Milk Chocolate Ghosts are exclusive to Target and are a perfect festive treat. Be sure to throw in some Skittles or Starbursts to add some fruitiness. These are so easy to make and everyone will absolutely love them–you’re never too old for candy!

You can use traditional bags or you can get creative. Some unique ideas came right from my favorite place–the Target dollar spot. How cute are these test tubes and little skeleton pots?

These test tubes are perfect for a unique and spooky way to share treats. They fit the M&Ms perfectly! The test tubes also came with those cute tags and twine. The stickers were also from Target, only $1! I plan on sticking them around my room for a little extra Halloween decor.

These little skeletons were literally 6 for $1! I plan on giving them to my housemates and filling them with Dove Milk Chocolate Ghosts and some Starburst Halloween Mix candies!

4. Leave a bowl of candy out.

This is a fun treat for visitors in your dorm or house. Plus, it serves as a decoration. You’ll also easily become a favorite among your housemates. These Starburst Halloween Mix candies are delicious and they come in lots of festive colors.

5. Buy affordable decorations.

Once again, Target is my hub for this. No need to spend a ton on decorations that won’t be used for a very long time. You can also DIY decorations, especially if you live on Pinterest.

6. Swap out your scents.

If you use air freshener or plug-in wall scents, swap your summer scents for pumpkin spice or some other warm, autumn scent. I love pumpkin pecan waffle scented things the most for this season. You can also swap out your hand soap, hand sanitizer or body wash for some warmer fragranced ones!

7. Wear fun nail art!

I do candy corn nails every year and get so many compliments. You don’t even need to be skilled at nail art to do these, I swear. I have more about these candy corn nails here. If you’re extra lazy, a simple orange or black polish can do the festive trick.

8. Decorate pumpkins.

Have a pumpkin decorating night with friends and include snacks and a fun playlist. It’s a great way to spend a night-in and it’ll leave you with festive Halloween decorations for fall! Some fun ideas include a glitter pumpkin, carving your monogram or your school mascot.

9. Complete the college girl’s ultimate fall bucket list.

If you’re stumped for some ideas, that list has you covered! Some of the best ones to do to prepare for Halloween is to go pumpkin picking. It’s a fun experience at a pumpkin patch, fun time carving a pumpkin AND decoration for the whole season.

10. Host a scary movie night.

Obviously have some candy to snack on while you watch! Also, mixing your candy with your pop corn is delicious, I definitely recommend that. One of my favorite thrillers lately is Hush on Netflix. It’s terrifying and was recommended to me by a friend. Use your own or find a friend with a Netflix subscription and go ham on the scary movies!

If you’re not into scary movies but still want some Halloween themed flicks to watch, Fun Size with Victoria Justice is great and so is everyone’s favorite, Halloweentown.

11. Use candy as decoration.

Filling a mason jar with candy and tying it with pretty ribbon or string is an easy and affordable way to decorate for Halloween. The best part of this is you can eat the candy after and swap out the inside of the jar’s depending on holidays. For Christmas you can put miniature ornaments or for Thanksgiving you can put some pretty leaves. Plus, mason jars are so aesthetic.

12. Have a candy potluck.

Have everyone bring one type of candy and then swap candies and snack! Be sure to save some for later–remember not to indulge in too much candy. Your future self will thank you. You can also have a cooking challenge to see who can incorporate candy into the most unique and delicious recipe.

13. Add pumpkin to your favorite recipes.

Pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes are two of my absolute favorites! Usually if I’m adapting my recipe to add pumpkin I’ll cut down on the amount of butter or oil I use. If you don’t feel like experimenting with tried and trued recipes, there are plenty of recipes involving pumpkin on Pinterest!

Also a huge thank you to my housemate, Lisa, for being my blog photographer for a day! And for also helping me pick up the M&Ms I thought would look really cute thrown in the air like confetti.

All of these candies I mentioned today can be found in the Target Halloween section! Look for these goodies on the end cap displays. Also, definitely check out the rest of the Halloween goodies at Target, I’m a huge fan.

How do you celebrate Halloween in college?