Halloween 2017 Guide: Tips, tricks and ideas to make yours the BEST one yet

The spooky season is beckoning and the supermarket aisles are already jam-packed with ghoulish lanterns, devil pitchforks and witch's hats. But how do you make this year's Halloween even better than the year before?

From picking the best Halloween costumes (preferably one which won't cost more than the weekly food shop) to the best ghost stories that will even leave Mum and Dad sleeping with the light on.

Closer have rounded together all the best tips, tricks and ideas to make this years spooky holiday eerie-sistable...

Tip 1: Choose a Halloween costume that's cheap, quick and easy...

Need an outfit that won't break the bank, but will still wow your friends at the Halloween party you are being dragged along to? Or maybe your little ones are pleading with their huge Bambi-eyes (why do they do that) for you to get into the Halloween spirit? Here is our guide to dressing up for Halloween on a budget with stuff you probably already have. Perfect!

Tip 2: Make sure you have lots of spooky games up your (wizard's) sleeve...

Whether you are looking for activities to entertain the kids, or are hosting your own Halloween house party, give these unusual halloween party games a whirl. There is toad-ly something for everyone.

Tip 3: Pregnant? Spookify your baby bump this Halloween....

Here's some inspiration to spookify your baby bump, guaranteed to make you the talking point of the Halloween celebrations - it's not for the shy and retiring, that's for sure!

Tip 4: Make sure you have your children's costumes sorted

We like to challenge gender-stereotypes when it comes to children's Halloween costumes. Come on - who says girls have to be witches and boys have to be were-wolves? Here are some halloween dress up ideas that every child can enjoy this year.

Tip 5: Don't settle on your Halloween snacks before checking out these terrifying treats...

From 'Spooky Banana Ghosts' to 'Melting Witch Hats' there are plenty of delicious Halloween delights to have a go at baking (oh - and tasting!). Which one will you bake first?

Tip 6: Things you should know before picking your child's Halloween costume...

Agreed, we all want our children to look both adorable AND gruesome this year, but it's also very important to bear in mind the safety regulations when picking their Halloween costume. We all remember the horrifying news of Claudia Winkleman's daughter Maddie's outfit catching alight in 2014... Check out our important safety tips when picking a Halloween costume this year.

Tip 7: Get clued up on crazy Halloween contact lenses...

Are they harmless outfit enhancers or could they be actually damaging your eyes (gulp)? We have investigated this eye-sore of a Halloween accessory to see if they are actually safe...

Tip 8: Watch these spooky Halloween face painting tutorials!

All you need is face paint, a sponge and a willingness to get your hands a bit splodgy... oh and Closer's round up of Halloween face paint tutorials!

Tip 9: Make your Halloween extra scary with these ghost stories

Tip 10: Keep your pets safe during Halloween and Bonfire night

Keep your furry friends safe during the ghoulish season (turns out they get confused when your face suddenly becomes deathly-pale and blood is on your chin) by reading over guide for keeping pets safe during Halloween.

All 17 of these ghost stories will make you want to check under your bed and in your wardrobe before you go to sleep.... are you brave enough? (Dun dun dun)

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