Whether you're over the stress of searching for the perfect costume or your plan fell through at the last minute, going door-to-door to get candy doesn't have to be a Halloween deal-breaker. Instead, there are plenty of other fun, yummy, send-shivers-down-your-spine alternatives for trick-or-treating on the spookiest night of the year.


Read on below for eight ways to get into the Halloween spirit that doesn't involve ringing a doorbell (or sweating in an unbearably uncomfortable costume).


1. Volunteer to be the designated candy distributor.

Someone's gotta do the job, right? Not only are you in charge of the candy bowl (you're officially allowed first dibs on leftovers), but there's nothing quite as adorable as seeing your under-age 5 neighbors dressed up as superheroes and Disney characters on your doorstep. So. Much. Cuteness.[1]


halloween candy


2. Talk to the dead. Or at least attempt to.

If you dare, break out the Ouija board and prepare to get a little spooked. Whether it's a long-lost relative, historical figure or an old movie star, Halloween is the perfect night to try calling on the spirits of the dead. Who knows? Maybe you'll get a few words or wisdom -- or at least a good laugh.


ouija board


3. Have a scary movie marathon.

For those who enjoy feeling spooked, a scary movie marathon is guaranteed to get your heart racing. So turn off the lights, grab your childhood teddy bear and see how long you can last without jumping from your couch.


Not into scary movies? You can't go wrong with Halloween favorites like "Hocus Pocus," "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" or "The Nightmare Before Christmas." But of course, when all else fails, you can always rely on a "Teen Wolf" marathon[2] to get you through the night.


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4. Host a Halloween party at your house.

Don't feel like bringing the party to your neighborhood streets? Bring the party to your house instead. It's a great excuse to buy excessive amounts of candy, see all your friends' epic costume creations[3] and be silly. Have your friends help you make a Halloween playlist with classics like "Monster Mash" and play games like seeing who can wrap someone else in toilet paper like a mummy the fastest. (The winning time gets a king-sized candy bar prize.)


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5. Tell ghost stories.

Show off your storytelling skills (and totally get revenge on your little brother) with your best scary story. Round up a your family members or friends, dim the lights, grab a flashlight and see who can raise goosebumps first.


ghost stories


6. Have a pumpkin-carving contest.

Feeling a little competitive -- er, creative? Put your artistic skills to the test by challenging your family members to a pumpkin-carving contest. You'll obviously one-up everyone with your impressive "Justin Bieber" pumpkin[4] , so don't worry, you've already got this in the bag.


jackolantern


7. Bake something sweet.

Obviously, one of the best parts about Halloween is the candy, but there are lots of delicious treats you can make to satisfy any sweet tooth. For our foodies out there, ghostly pretzel sticks[5] and chocolate-dipped rats[6] make great snacks. If you're really feeling fancy, try whipping up a pumpkin bat cake[7] with cream cheese frosting. Yum.


halloween dessert


8. Have a bonfire outside.

What could be better than sitting outside next to a crackling fire on a crisp fall night? Sometimes, all you need is a blanket and s'mores to make a low-key night a great one. Stick some candy corn in your s'more to make it a little festive and then kick back and relax.


smores



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  • Katniss Everdeen And Peeta Mellark


    Mimic Katniss's laidback style with dressed-down basics: cargo pants and a windbreaker, or jeans and a black tee. Finish your look with a side-braid and a bow and arrow. Peeta wears simple clothing, like Katniss, so make his style recognizable with a baker's apron tied around his waist.




  • Clary and Jace from "The Mortal Instuments"


    Scour your drawers for black clothing and you're 90% there for these costumes. For Clary, black pants, boots and tank with a leather jacket and fingerless gloves. For Jace, A big black hoodie with black pants, a v-neck and a giant plastic sword should do the trick. Dark eyeliner for both is a must.




  • Naya Rivera and Demi Lovato from "Glee"


    To channel the cheerleader coupling of our dreams, wear red t-shirts, white pleated skirts and matching half ponytails. (FYI breaking out into a cappella renditions of "Give Your Heart A Break" throughout the night is non-optional.)




  • Brady and Mack from "Teen Beach Movie"


    For Mack, all you need are pig tails and a yellow floral dress, and for Brady, a blue button-down, rolled up white jeans and OMG blonde hair. Be sure to add flip flops and a choreographed dance routine.




  • Charlie and Sam


    Fans of <em>The Perks of Being a Wallflower</em>, get ready to slip into the 90s! Charlie doesn't actually dress too differently than most teens today -- a sweater and jeans are fine. Carry around a notebook or the actual book itself and play "Asleep" by The Smiths on your phone. For Sam, steal her 90s schoolgirl style with a varsity jacket, plaid, turtlenecks, and your most retro sweaters. A thin headband and combat boots complete the look.




  • Peter Parker And Gwen Stacy


    In honor of <em>The Amazing Spider-Man</em>, channel your favorite superhero in the classic red and blue costume. If you'd rather go as Peter Parker, a hoodie and skateboard will do the trick. For Gwen Stacy, go for the classic schoolgirl look. She often wears polos, sweater vests, mini skirts, knee socks, and headbands.




  • Larry Stylinson


    Is <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=larry%20stylinson">Larry</a> real? Imagined? We'll never know. This costume is the perfect excuse to sing One Direction while you're <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Up_All_Night_(One_Direction_album)">"up all night."</a> Mimic Louis Tomlinson's look with his signature red pants and a striped shirt. For Harry, go full-on prep with a button-down shirt, blazer, and pocket square.




  • Jenna Hamilton And Matty McKibben


    To channel this <em>Awkward</em> couple, turn to the pilot episode for inspiration. Jenna's basic look is easy -- jeans and a t-shirt -- but a paper mâché cast or a sling makes the costume. Show off Matty's sporty side in a varsity jacket and carry a football.




  • Jacob Black And Renesmee Cullen


    Instead of dressing as Bella and Edward for <em>another</em> year in a row, take inspiration from an unexpected Twilight couple: Jacob and Renesmee. For Jacob, start with jeans and a t-shirt and add a wolf mask. For Renesmee, make the details count: write "I <3 Jacob" on a t-shirt and carry around a glass of "blood" (cranberry juice).




  • Snow White And The Huntsman


    Kristen Stewart didn't look like your typical Snow White: She wore a green dress over leggings with riding boots. Not sure people will recognize you? Carry around a "poisonous" apple and make references to your seven dwarves -- they'll get the picture. For the Huntsman, dress in brown from head to toe and carry an axe or a sword.