5 Ways to Safely Celebrate Halloween


In a year with so much uncertainty, this much is clear: Goodwill is still the place to shop for unique, one-of-a-kind Halloween decor and costumes. You can find everything you need to get in the Halloween spirit even if celebrating is a little different this year. 

Your favorite Halloween activities might not be able to happen, but there are still ways to make this spooky season special. 

Fill Your Home with Festive Decorations

From classic to spooky, Goodwill has a large array of different Halloween decorations to choose from. You can find fun one-of-a-kind pieces to help bring your spooky look together. Discover skeletons and other interactive Halloween decor for a lot less than when you purchase it brand new.

Decorative gourds are a great way to bring a touch of fall into your home, and you can always find them for less at your neighborhood Goodwill. They are also a great option if you like your holiday decorations to match your other home decor because you can always use spray paint or chalk paint to change their look. 

You could also create a fun family activity where your kids can paint their own plastic pumpkin and make it their own. This is a great option if your kids are a little too young for actual pumpkin carving.

Create a Spooky Scavenger Hunt: Backyard Trick or Treating

With the CDC’s recommendation to find alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating this year, it’s time to get a little creative on how to celebrate the big day. With the help of Goodwill, you can create a spooky scavenger hunt in your home or backyard. 

You can find affordable decorations, like skeletons and ghosts, to set a scary mood. Then hide candy and other treats around different areas of your home for your kids to find.

Add some little clues to give hints of where they should look next. This is a great way to create a unique Halloween experience for your kids that they will remember for years to come. 

Host a Small Outdoor Halloween Party with Your Quarenteam

Gather your Qaurenteam and plan a small outdoor gathering with some pumpkin carving and festive treats. Shop unique serving platters and plates at your neighborhood Goodwill to help bring your spooky look together.

You could even plan to do a socially-distanced scary movie night by setting up an outdoor projector. Make it extra cozy for your guests with some blankets and pillows, and create a little basket full of different snacks and treats for them to enjoy during the movie. Goodwill is a great place to find affordable baskets and containers, so you can stay within your budget.

DIY Pumpkin Decor

Plan Fun Halloween Activities Throughout the Month

Halloween isn’t just the last day of the month; it’s the whole month of October! From visiting the pumpkin patch to watching spooky movies, every day is the countdown to the big day. Even though things may look a little different this year, and your weekends may not be filled with costume parties or visiting haunted houses. 

You can still plan activities to do with your family or household, or even virtual activities with a group of friends! DIY projects are fun and affordable activities to do with a group. You can find different ideas on Pinterest or craft kits at your local craft store. Goodwill is also a great place to find fun items to upcycle for Halloween projects.

Organize a Neighborhood Costume Parade 

Ask your neighbors to help you plan a small costume parade for your block! This is a great way for everyone to show off their Halloween costumes from a safe distance. Every household can gather on their porch or driveway to watch the parade, and each household takes a turn walking down the block. They can even create fun routines to do along the way, and create a contest to vote for the best costumes and parade routines.

Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner creativity when coming up with your costume! You don’t have to settle for the generic ones you find at any department store. Shop your local Goodwill to find an affordable yet original costume that will make you stand out from the rest, and might give you an edge up in that costume contest! 

You never know what unique treasures you might come across when shopping at your neighborhood Goodwill. With 90+ locations across the Phoenix-metro, northern Arizona, and Yuma areas, don’t be afraid to visit more than one location to find everything you need to celebrate the season.

Exciting Events this Week!

Amazing things are always happening at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona! Whether you are looking for a daily special or want to participate in one of our job training events, we have something for you.


*Daily deals are valid at select Metro Phoenix, Prescott, and Yuma locations. Please check with your neighborhood Goodwill for details. Dollar Day pricing adjustment goes into effect on Jan. 5, 2023.

Discount valid on used merchandise only. Not valid on food or drink, new goods, seasonal or holiday items. Not valid at Goodwill Clearance Center.