How to Have a Budget-Friendly Halloween

How to Have a Budget-Friendly Halloween. Little girl in orange and black holding a pumpkin bucket.

Today I am sharing some tips for how to have a budget-friendly Halloween.

Fall can be a very expensive season. From back-to-school shopping, to Halloween costumes, to holiday gifts - it seems that the expenses just keep adding up.

Lately I've been really leaning into being more mindful with how I spend my money. I've been learning about values-based spending. Generally, this means that you are mindful about how you spend your money, in an effort to be able to meet your financial goals and spend on the things that matter most to you.

I think as a parent of young kids, I've gotten into the habit of spending more liberally (and less mindfully) over the last few years, especially when it comes to holidays like Halloween. The decor, the costumes, the candy - I want to do it all.

But do I really need that new Halloween wreath for my door? Or all of the Halloween-themed snacks? Probably not. With a little creativity and planning, you can celebrate Halloween without breaking the bank.

Here are some ways that you can enjoy Halloween, continue to make the magic for your kids, and keep things budget-friendly.

How to Have a Budget-Friendly Halloween

Try one (or more!) of these tips this year, and save yourself some money.

Get crafty with 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. I know my kids have loads of dress-up clothes and accessories. Maybe you have an apron and chef hat? Or a sports jersey and gear? See what you can repurpose. And if you are motivated to DIY - try your hand at making costumes for you or your kids.

Swap or borrow costumes.

Kids grow out of costumes fast, and they often only wear them once. Consider organizing a costume swap with friends or family. This way, everyone gets a 'new' outfit without spending a dime. Some communities even host organized costume swaps at local schools or libraries. You can also look for costumes that people are selling on platforms like Facebook Marketplace to save some money.

Reuse and store decorations.

After Halloween, don’t throw everything away! 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.

You can also purchase new decorations after Halloween, for a fraction of the price, and store them for the following year.

Think about cost-effective Halloween treats.

Buy in bulk. If you get a lot of trick-or-treaters, try purchasing your candy in bulk from a store like Costco. You might also find candy on sale in the weeks leading up to Halloween.

DIY treats. If you're hosting a party or giving treats to close friends, consider baking homemade cookies or making popcorn balls. These can be fun, tasty alternatives to pre-packaged candy.

Think beyond candy. Non-candy treats like pencils, stickers, or small toys can be affordable and unique. Kids love a little variety in their treat bags!

Plan affordable 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. Gather the family for a night of spooky movies at home. Make some popcorn, grab some blankets, and enjoy!

Pumpkin carving. Visit a pumpkin patch for a day of fun, or buy pumpkins at a local grocery store to carve or paint at home.

Neighborhood events. Many communities offer free Halloween events, such as trunk-or-treats, parades, or library story times. Check your local listings for family-friendly activities.

Create a budget and stick to it.

Lastly, the best way to save money on Halloween is to set a budget before you start shopping. Decide how much you're willing to spend on costumes, treats, and decorations, and then look for ways to stay within that limit. When you keep track of your spending, it’s easier to make mindful choices that keep costs down.

Focus on the fun, not the stuff.

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 overspending.

Those are my top tips for how to have a budget-friendly Halloween. Is there anything you'd add? Let me know below!

For more on saving money, check out my guide to spending less money during the holidays.

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