How to Have a Budget-Friendly Halloween
Halloween is such a fun time of year, but it can also get expensive quickly. Between costumes, candy, decorations, pumpkins, parties, and all of those tempting Halloween-themed treats, it’s easy to spend more than you planned.
Lately, I’ve been trying to be more mindful about how I spend my money. I’ve been thinking a lot about values-based spending, which is essentially being intentional with your money so you can spend more on the things that matter most to you—and less on the things that don’t.
As a mom, I know how easy it is to get caught up in making holidays feel special for our kids. I want the fun costumes, the festive decorations, and all the little Halloween extras, too! But over the years, I’ve realized that we don’t have to spend a lot of money to make Halloween feel magical.
With a little planning and creativity, you can have a fun and memorable Halloween without overspending. From saving on costumes and decorations to finding affordable activities the whole family will enjoy, here are some of my favorite ways to have a budget-friendly Halloween.
How to Have a Budget-Friendly Halloween
Here are 10 ways to do Halloween on a budget.
1. Set your Halloween budget.
Decide how much you can/want to spend on Halloween. Think about all of the categories - costumes, decor, activities, candy. Divide your budget into categories.
2. Decide what matters most to your family.
Values-based spending is predicated on the idea that you spend your money on things that you value. Maybe your kids care most about their costumes, while decorations aren't a big deal. Spend your money accordingly.
3. Shop your house before buying costumes.
Costumes can be so expensive, and they are usually only worn once. Think about what you might already have at home that you could use for a costume.
For example:
- black leggings + black shirt = witch/cat
- sports jersey = athlete
- pajamas = cozy/simple costume
- apron + mixing bowl = baker/chef
- dress-up clothes = princess/fairy/etc.
4. Buy or swap costumes secondhand.
Try:
- Thrift stores
- Facebook Marketplace
- Buy Nothing groups
- Neighborhood groups
- Friends/family
5. Think carefully about decor.
Don't decorate every room. A few areas — front porch, entryway, dining table — can create plenty of Halloween atmosphere without buying a houseful of decor.
6. Reuse decorations.
After Halloween, store costumes, decorations, and leftover supplies in a box to reuse next year. Kid's costumes can often be repurposed or used for dress-up, and decorations like plastic pumpkins, string lights, and garlands can last for several years if stored properly.
7. Shop after Halloween for next year.
One of the best times to buy Halloween decorations is November 1st. Post-Halloween shopping is the time to score major savings on costumes and decor that you can save for next year!
8. Buy Halloween candy strategically.
- check sales
- compare unit prices
- use store loyalty programs/coupons
- buy what you realistically need, don't buy huge quantities just because the bag looks like a deal
- consider a mix of chocolate and non-chocolate candy (non-chocolate tends to be less expensive)
- avoid eating through your trick-or-treat stash before Halloween 😂
9. Choose free or inexpensive Halloween activities.
You don’t need to spend money on expensive haunted houses or amusement park events to celebrate Halloween. Instead, try these free or low-cost activities:
- Halloween movie night - check out our favorite Halloween movie night ideas!
- pumpkin carving
- Halloween scavenger hunt
- neighborhood walk to see decorations
- Halloween crafts
- library events
- trunk-or-treats
- community parades
- spooky story night
- Halloween dance party at home
- bake Halloween cookies
10. Use what you have for Halloween parties.
- regular plates instead of themed plates
- regular serving bowls
- homemade snacks
- a simple playlist
- DIY decorations
Quick Halloween Savings Checklist
☐ Set a Halloween budget.
☐ Decide what matters most.
☐ Shop your house before buying costumes.
☐ Look for costumes secondhand.
☐ Think carefully about decor.
☐ Reuse decorations.
☐ Shop post-Halloween.
☐ Buy Halloween candy strategically.
☐ Choose free or inexpensive Halloween activities.
☐ Use what you have for Halloween parties.
Halloween on a Budget FAQ
How can I celebrate Halloween on a budget?
Use the checklist above to save money while still having a fun Halloween with your kids!
How can I save money on costumes?
Start by shopping your house, and then check out Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing groups, or neighborhood Halloween swaps.
What are some cheap Halloween activities for kids?
Check out local activities such as parades, trunk or treats, and activities at your local library.
How can I save money on decorations?
Decide what you actually need, then check out Facebook marketplace or Buy Nothing groups. Dollar stores and the Target Dollar Spot often have fun finds for just a few dollars.
Those are my top 10 tips for how to do Halloween on a budget. Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun. With a little creativity and planning, you can make it a fun experience for the whole family without feeling like you've overspent.
For more money-saving tips, check out my guide to spending less money during the holidays.
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