Halloween is one of my favorite times of year—but wow, it can get expensive fast. Between costumes, candy, decorations, and parties, the costs can creep up without you even realizing it. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks (pun intended!) that help me celebrate in style without draining my wallet. Let me share what works for me—you might just find a few ideas that save you money this spooky season too.
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Costumes: Get Creative Instead of Buying New
I used to run straight to the store and drop $40–$60 on a costume that I’d wear for a few hours. Now, I raid my closet first. Old flannels, black dresses, hats, or even ripped jeans can be turned into a scarecrow, witch, or zombie with a little makeup. I also like to swap costumes with friends—last year’s “witch” can easily become this year’s “pirate” with a borrowed accessory or two.
Another hack? Thrift stores! They’re treasure troves of affordable pieces that can be reused beyond Halloween. A $5 blazer can make a vampire look, a detective outfit, or even a retro character costume.
Decorations: DIY and Repurpose
I love decorating, but buying new themed décor each year adds up. Instead, I focus on a few DIY projects. Empty jars become “potion bottles” with some food coloring and labels. Cardboard boxes? Cut them into tombstones and paint them gray. Even toilet paper rolls can become spooky bats with some construction paper wings.
I also store my decorations carefully after Halloween. A plastic bin keeps everything safe and means I don’t have to rebuy string lights, fake cobwebs, or pumpkin buckets every year.
Candy: Shop Smart and Buy in Bulk
Candy is a must, but it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. I avoid buying it in early October (when I’d end up snacking on it and needing to rebuy). Instead, I wait until the week before Halloween when sales are everywhere. Buying in bulk at warehouse stores or splitting a jumbo bag with a neighbor saves even more.
If you want to go a little cheaper, consider mixing candy with small toys or stickers from dollar stores—kids love them just as much, and it stretches your stash further.
Parties: Keep It Simple
I love hosting Halloween get-togethers, but I’ve learned to simplify. Instead of catering, I make fun themed snacks at home—like “mummy hot dogs” (crescent roll dough wrapped around hot dogs) or “witches’ brew” punch with floating gummy worms. Guests often enjoy potlucks too—it’s fun to see what creepy creations people bring.
For activities, I skip pricey setups and do classics like pumpkin carving contests, costume parades, or scary movie nights. They’re memorable and cost next to nothing.
Pumpkins: Stretch the Value
Carving pumpkins is a tradition for me, but instead of buying a bunch of large ones, I go for one carving pumpkin and then a few smaller pie pumpkins or gourds. They’re cheaper, last longer, and I can cook them after Halloween. Roasting pumpkin seeds is also a free (and delicious) snack that comes with the fun of carving.
Halloween on a Budget with Kids
Now, let’s be honest, having kids takes Halloween excitement to a whole new level, but also a whole new budget level.
Here’s how I save when celebrating with my little one:
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Costume swaps and DIY fun: Kids outgrow costumes in a blink. I swap with friends, check local “Buy Nothing” groups, or make simple DIY versions. A black t-shirt and some face paint can be a skeleton, and a cardboard box can become a robot with just foil and markers. Bonus: kids love helping decorate their own costumes.
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Skip pricey themed buckets: Instead of buying a $15 light-up trick-or-treat bucket, I give my child a pillowcase, tote bag, or even a decorated grocery bag. It holds more candy anyway!
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Neighborhood trick-or-treating only: Instead of expensive ticketed events, I keep it simple with neighborhood rounds. If we want more fun, I look for free community events hosted by libraries, schools, or local malls.
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Pumpkin patch alternatives: While pumpkin patches are adorable, the extras (hayrides, photo packages, etc.) add up. I’ll often buy a pumpkin at the grocery store for less, then still take my kid to a park in costume for free photos. Same memories, fewer dollars.
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DIY party activities: If we host a kids’ party, I lean on low-cost games like “pin the hat on the witch,” scavenger hunts, or musical chairs with spooky music. Dollar-store prizes make it exciting without the price tag.
These swaps mean my child still feels like Halloween is magical, but I’m not paying premium prices for one-night fun.
Plan Ahead for Next Year
One of my best money-saving tricks is shopping the clearance racks on November 1st. Costumes, décor, and candy often get marked down by 50–75%. I’ll stash them away for next year, and it feels like I’m getting a head start without paying full price.
Wrapping It Up
Halloween doesn’t have to be a budget buster. With a little creativity—like making DIY costumes, repurposing decorations, shopping smart for candy, and keeping parties simple—I’ve managed to enjoy the holiday without overspending. And with kids, the savings matter even more. Costume swaps, community events, and DIY fun make Halloween just as magical for them without draining my bank account.
So this year, try a couple of these tricks and watch how much you save. Your wallet (and maybe even your pumpkin stash) will thank you!
