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This post shows you 17 fun Halloween costume contest prize ideas and how to host a Halloween costume contest prize event.
Halloween is a time for creativity, spookiness, and fun, especially when it comes to costume contests.
As the excitement builds for the big night, one of the most anticipated elements is the announcement of the prize winners.
Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood gathering, a work event, or a themed party, the right prizes can make all the difference in celebrating the best costumes and adding to the festive spirit.
In this blog post, we will take a look at a range of prize ideas that will not only reward the winners but also inspire participants to go all out with their costumes.
Get ready to make your Halloween contest unforgettable with these fantastic prize suggestions!
17 FUN HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST PRIZE IDEAS
1. Customized Trophy
A Halloween-themed trophy can be a fun and memorable prize.
You can have it engraved with the winner’s name, the category they won (e.g., Best Overall Costume), and the year.
Choose a trophy that features Halloween elements like pumpkins, ghosts, or bats to make it festive.
2. Gift Cards
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Versatile and practical, gift cards to popular stores, restaurants, or online retailers allow winners to choose their own prizes.
You could opt for general gift cards or select ones from places that align with the Halloween theme, such as costume shops or candy stores.
3. Halloween Themed Gift Baskets 
Create themed gift baskets filled with Halloween goodies such as candy, snacks, themed decorations, and small toys.
You can also include Halloween-themed kitchenware or bath products for added fun.
4. Costume Accessories
High-quality or unique accessories that enhance future costumes can be a hit.
Think along the lines of stylish masks, elegant capes, or elaborate hats that add a special touch to any Halloween outfit.
5. DIY Craft Kits
Provide kits that let winners create their own Halloween decorations or costume accessories.
This could include materials for making spooky wreaths, painted pumpkins, or DIY masks.
It’s a fun way for them to continue celebrating Halloween creatively.
6. Spooky Movie Night Package
Put together a collection of classic horror or Halloween-themed movies, complete with popcorn, candy, and perhaps a cozy blanket.
This prize allows winners to enjoy a spooky night in with friends or family.
7. Monster-Themed Plush Toys
Fun and cuddly plush toys featuring monsters or Halloween characters make for delightful prizes.
They can be a great keepsake and add a touch of fun to the Halloween season.
8. Halloween Cookbook
A cookbook filled with Halloween recipes, such as themed snacks, treats, and drinks, can inspire the winner to create their own spooky culinary creations.
Look for books with both savory and sweet options.
9. Subscription Boxes
Monthly subscription boxes with a Halloween or spooky theme can be an exciting ongoing prize.
These boxes often include themed items, snacks, or craft kits, providing a fun surprise each month.
10. Haunted House Tickets
Passes to a local haunted house or Halloween attraction offer winners a chance to experience more thrills and chills.
It’s a great way to extend the Halloween fun beyond the contest.
11. Personalized Halloween Gear
Customized items like T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags featuring Halloween designs or messages can be a unique and practical prize.
Personalize them with the winner’s name or a spooky slogan for an extra touch.
12. Exclusive Party Invitations
Offer winners invitations to a special Halloween party or event, such as a VIP gathering or a themed bash.
This prize gives them access to an exclusive experience and further celebrates their win.
13. Themed Jewelry
Earrings, necklaces, or bracelets with Halloween motifs, such as bats, spiders, or pumpkins, can be a stylish and festive prize.
Choose pieces that can be worn year-round or just during the Halloween season.
14. Halloween Makeup Kits
Professional or fun makeup sets designed for creating Halloween looks are a practical prize.
Kits might include face paints, special effects makeup, or even instructional guides to help winners perfect their spooky styles.
15. Decorative Halloween Decor
Offer items such as spooky lights, candles, or wall art that add to the Halloween ambiance at home.
These decorations can be used year after year, making them a valued prize.
16. Books on Halloween History or Lore
Books that delve into the history, traditions, and legends of Halloween can be both educational and entertaining.
This prize appeals to those interested in the origins and cultural significance of the holiday.
17. Mystery Boxes
Curate boxes filled with assorted Halloween-themed items and surprises. Each box can contain a mix of treats, small toys, or decorations, adding an element of excitement and discovery for the winner.
HOW TO HOST A HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST PRIZE
Hosting a Halloween costume contest can be a thrilling way to celebrate the holiday and engage your guests.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you organize a successful contest:
1. Plan Ahead
Set a Date and Time
Choose a date and time that works for your guests.
Ensure it’s well before Halloween so people have time to prepare their costumes.
Decide on a Venue
Determine where you’ll host the contest—whether it’s a private party at home, a community event, or a virtual gathering.
2. Define Categories and Prizes
Decide on various costume categories, such as Best Overall Costume, Scariest Costume, Funniest Costume, Best Couple/Group Costume, etc.
Choose exciting and appropriate prizes for each category.
Refer to the list of prize ideas to select items that fit your budget and audience.
3. Promote the Contest
Invite Participants
Send out invitations and provide information about the contest, including the date, time, location, categories, and prize details.
Publicize the Event
Use social media, flyers, or local community boards to generate interest and attract more participants.
4. Prepare for the Event
Set Up the Space
Arrange the venue with decorations to set a Halloween atmosphere.
Prepare a stage or area for contestants to showcase their costumes.
Create a Registration Process
Set up a registration desk where participants can sign up for the contest and provide their details.
5. Organize the Contest
Judging Panel
Choose a panel of judges or let the audience vote. Ensure they understand the categories and criteria for judging.
Contest Flow
Plan how the contest will proceed. Typically, contestants take turns showing off their costumes, and judges or the audience vote for the winners.
Announce Winners
After the contest, announce the winners in each category and award them their prizes.
6. Capture the Moment
Photographs
Take plenty of photos of the contestants, winners, and the event overall. Consider setting up a photo booth with Halloween props.
Videos
Record parts of the contest for sharing on social media or for a fun recap video.
7. Wrap Up
Thank Participants
Show appreciation to all participants for their effort and creativity.
Share Results
Post results and photos on social media or send them to participants, especially if it’s a virtual event.
8. Post-Event
Feedback
Gather feedback from participants and attendees to improve future contests.
Clean Up
Ensure the venue is cleaned up and all decorations are removed.
This post showed you 17 Halloween costume contest prize ideas and how to host a Halloween costume contest prize event.
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