These 5 DIY Halloween Countdown Calendars Make Every Day in October a Treat

October has, over time, become a month-long celebration of costumes, candy, and creativity. One of the cutest ways to embrace the countdown to October 31st is with a DIY Halloween countdown calendar. Much like traditional holiday countdowns, these calendars add daily excitement, encourage playful traditions, and give crafters of all skill levels a chance to get festive. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy and affordable to make.

Just like the many DIY Christmas countdown calendars trending online, Halloween countdown calendars can be simple, fun, and totally approachable, even if you’re not a seasoned crafter. Read on to discover our top five ideas for a festive countdown to Halloween that’s both charming and stress-free

1. Hanging Envelope Countdown Calendar

One of the simplest ways to create a Halloween countdown is with a set of hanging envelopes. Use small paper envelopes, gift bags, or even folded construction paper, and label each with a number from 1 through 31. Hang them along a string or ribbon on a wall, bulletin board, or mantel using mini clothespins.

For filling the envelopes, candy is a classic choice. Still, you can also add tiny toys, Halloween-themed stickers, temporary tattoos, or even short activity prompts like “Watch a scary movie with a friend” or “Draw your own pumpkin design.”

Personalizing each envelope with a hand-drawn pumpkin, ghost, or bat adds a whimsical touch. For a social-media-ready aesthetic, try alternating patterned and solid-color envelopes or adding glitter and washi tape for extra flair.

2. Upcycled Box Countdown Calendar

Do you have old matchboxes, mini cereal boxes, or shoe boxes lying around? These are perfect for creating a multiday countdown calendar. Wrap each box in festive paper or paint it with Halloween motifs, number them, and stack them in a decorative pyramid or spread them across a shelf.

In the boxes, you can include small spooky trinkets like faux skeletons, spiders, or other miniature toys, which will delight kids and adults alike. You can also sneak in playful dares, Halloween jokes, or even little notes of encouragement. For families, try a mix of candy and activity prompts: “Bake pumpkin muffins,” “Make a Halloween playlist,” or “Create your own spooky story.”

3. Plastic Cup Pumpkin Countdown Calendar

Check out the above creative DIY countdown calendar idea that uses 31 plastic cups glued onto a poster board in the shape of a pumpkin. Each cup is filled with treats or surprises and covered with orange tissue paper secured with rubber bands, making it easy to peel away each day leading up to the holiday. This project is perfect for those who want to add a festive touch to their Halloween celebrations without complex crafting.

4. Mason Jar Countdown Calendar

Mason jars make charming and reusable countdown displays. Line up 31 small jars or a smaller set for a shorter countdown, and number each with paint, stickers, or tags. Fill them with a variety of treats or surprises, and place them on a shelf or in a wooden crate for an eye-catching display.

Layer candy with small toys, include a folded activity note, or fill the jars with themed craft supplies like mini pumpkins, googly eyes, or glow-in-the-dark stickers. Mason jars also make it easy to add adult-appropriate surprises, such as Halloween-themed cocktail mixers, gourmet chocolates, or mini candles.

5. Activity and Craft-Based Countdown Calendar

For a hands-on approach, skip edible fillers and turn your calendar into a countdown for a craft or activity. Use a pocket chart, hanging display, or a small pinboard to feature daily prompts: carve a pumpkin, make a ghost garland, paint a rock like a spider, or tell a spooky story. This version is perfect for families who want interactive, screen-free fun in the lead-up to Halloween.