I’m a Shopping Expert: My 8 Top Ways To Save Money on Halloween
Written by
Nicole Spector
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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‘Tis the spookiest season of the year and consumers are gearing up for Halloween. But many may not be as keen on spending on the ghoulish holiday as they’ve been in years past. A new survey by LendingTree found that 59% of Halloween shoppers plan to forgo a related purchase this year thanks to the lingering haunt of inflation.
How can you celebrate this exciting holiday without breaking the bank? Shopping experts provided GOBankingRates with eight proven ways.
Plan Ahead and Set a Halloween Spending Limit
Shopping last-minute for Halloween is never a good idea. It can mean limited options and hiked-up prices on what remains. Instead of delaying, start planning out and budgeting for your Halloween shopping now.
“As you prepare for Halloween, set a total spending limit for costumes, candy, decorations and any other festive activities,” said Mary Hines Droesch, head of product for consumer, business and wealth management banking and lending at Bank of America. “Take a look at your budget and assess what you can reasonably spend on Halloween, while still putting money into savings. From there, make sure to track your spending in real-time and make adjustments as needed.”
Buy Halloween Candy in Bulk
You probably already know the money-saving perks of buying in bulk. Absolutely use that method for stocking up on Halloween candy.
“Halloween candy can add up if you’re planning to pass out candy all night, so buy in bulk to save money and time,” Droesch said. “You can also opt to buy generic brands of candy instead of name-brand treats — they’re just as sugary and fun. If you’re not sure what to buy, getting the variety packs of treats gives kids options and takes the guesswork out of candy shopping.”
DIY Halloween Decorations
Pretty much every big retailer right now is pushing Halloween decorations. Even small decor items can be pricey. It’s financially smarter, and probably a lot more fun (especially if you have young children) to DIY Halloween decorations.
“Try making Halloween decorations instead of splurging on expensive seasonal items,” said Erika Kullberg, a personal finance expert, attorney and the founder of Erika.com. “You can add a personal touch to your fall decor while keeping more money in your pockets. You can also go for more general fall decor using things like pumpkins, pinecones and autumn leaves that will work for both Halloween and Thanksgiving.”
If You Want To Buy Halloween Decor, Buy Now
If DIY-ing Halloween decorations isn’t your thing, and buying is your ideal method, start shopping now to save money.
“If you haven’t shopped for Halloween decor yet, now might be the best time to do so,” said Julie Ramhold, senior editor and consumer analyst at DealNews. “You’ll have a better selection as many stores will still have most of their options available and you’ll be able to take advantage of at least modest discounts.”
Check Out Dollar Stores
When shopping for Halloween decorations and other spooky items, don’t forget to check out dollar stores like Dollar Tree.
“Pick up party favors and favor bags, napkins, paper plates, candy and Halloween crafts from the dollar store — doesn’t get cheaper than $1.25,” said personal finance and budgeting expert Andrea Woroch.
Swap, Reuse or DIY Your Halloween Costume
Halloween costumes can also rack up a bill. To minimize spending here, get creative. Think about swapping out a past costume with a friend, reusing or DIY-ing your Halloween ensemble. You should also check out thrift stores for cheap gems.
“Most people only wear their costumes once, so consider shopping secondhand for costumes or hosting a costume swap with a few close friends,” Droesch said. “Alternatively, budget-friendly and DIY costumes can make for a fun activity. Think of costumes that only require props like a wand, face paint or wings or create a unique, DIY costume utilizing accessories you already have, like using an apron and a wooden spoon to be a chef. Getting creative and saving money while doing so can be the best part of the holiday.”
Get Kids’ Costumes at Discount Retailers
If shopping for kids costumes, head to a discount retailer like Marshalls or T.J. Maxx. Woroch said that at these types of stores, you can find popular costumes for up to 60% off regular retail prices.They also have deals on Halloween decor, from spooky outdoor yard stakes to skeleton-adorned serving platters to Halloween-theme party accessories like paper plates and napkins, all for 40% to 60% off regular retail prices.
Seek Out Free Halloween Activities
This time of year, there are tons of Halloween activities. Some, like, say, a horror-themed night at an amusement park, can potentially set you back over a hundred bucks. Why pay for something like that when there are plenty of free things going on?
“Instead of paying for haunted houses or admission-based activities, consider free neighborhood activities such as pumpkin patches, hayrides or neighborhood festivals,” Kullberg said. “Such events are often equally entertaining and save you money on admission fees of $20 to $40 a time per outing.”
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