Halloween on a Budget

Six Tips for Halloween on a Budget

Halloween is one of those holidays that is just as fun for adults as for kids. Who doesn’t love dressing up in costumes and eating candy all night? As simple as this holiday may seem, it can get expensive.

The costs of costumes, candy, and attending parties can add up fast, but it’s certainly possible to have a great Halloween on a budget. Here are some tips to help you keep Halloween expenses less spooky:

1. Make your own costume.

Off-the-rack costumes can cost hundreds of dollars. To keep costs down, make your own from items already in your closet. Challenge yourself to spend less than $10 per person, including accessories and makeup needed to complete the outfit.

Easy costumes to make with items you already have include:

• Pirate – For a pirate, just rip up an old dress shirt, add an eye patch and a single earring, and you’ll look the part.
• Sports fan – Wear your football jersey and hat, and you have the sports fan covered!
• Witch – Don some black leggings and a black shirt. Buy a witch’s hat at the dollar store.

2. Visit thrift stores.

If you really can’t find anything costume-worthy in your closet, visit a thrift store. They often have used costumes or you can pick through available clothing to assemble your own.

Idea: Wear some used ski gear and be a professional skier or buy an old denim jacket and dress up as a mechanic. 

3. Attend, host a house party instead of going out.

The cover charge to attend a Halloween party at a bar or restaurant can be $30 or more. Plus, you have to buy food and drinks. It’s hard to leave without spending at least $100!

Attending a house party is a lot more affordable. You can spend less than $20 on drinks and a shareable snack. If you host the party, just ask guests to each BYOB (bring-your-own-beverage) and bring a finger-food to share.

Idea: Order a pizza and have everyone chip in $5.

4. Buy candy with coupons.

It wouldn’t be Halloween without candy! If you wait until the night before to buy, you’ll pay top dollar. Instead, start watching the ads for sales and coupons weeks before Halloween. Only buy candy that is on sale or for which you have a coupon.

It can be helpful to set a candy budget, too. Whether you decide to spend $10 or $40, when you reach your limit, you can’t add any more to the cart.

5. Hand out smaller candies.

If you get a lot of trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood and you typically hand out candy, go for smaller candies, such as bags of individually wrapped gummies or mini candy bars. They’ll go further.

Yes, kids love going to the houses that hand out full-size candy bars. But if your budget is tight, you can’t afford to be that house this year.

6. Make your own decorations from recycled materials.

Instead of spending a fortune on plastic pumpkins and flashing lights, make simple decorations with items you already have.

Idea: Turn dryer sheets into little ghosts you can hang on the wall, or you can even make your own scarecrow with old clothes and straw.

Don’t let Halloween break your budget! You can have a scary good time this year without overspending.