Having an Affordable Halloween

Halloween is nearly here! That means ghosts, ghouls, goblins, candy, costumes, and parties. Of course, much like any special occasion, Halloween can be costly. But it doesn’t have to be! Here are some tips for having an affordable Halloween, whether you’re looking to save money on a party, treats, costumes, or events for you and the kids.

There are no shortage of events taking place around Halloween. From pumpkin carving contests to haunted houses to elaborate parties, there’s a lot to do, whatever your age and whatever you’re into. However, a lot of these events are pretty costly.

Before you shell out money for a Halloween event, check and see what free alternatives are available. Use local papers and websites to do your search. You never know what you’ll find that could save you a few bucks.

Planning almost always saves you money. It also saves you time and hassle. Halloween-related purchases tend to go up in price as the day approaches. They also get more difficult to find, which makes it more likely that you’ll have to overpay to get the exact item you want. That’s why it makes sense to plan your costume or party theme in advance and buy whatever you need with plenty of time to spare. This gives you the ability to comparison shop and find the lowest prices. If you wait too long, you could find yourself rushing out at the last minute and then you’ll be at the mercy of whatever you can get – at whatever price they’re asking.

While a store-bought costume can certainly look impressive (and it’s a pretty easy option for a great costume), it also costs quite a lot to buy a ready-made costume. If you’re creative, handy, or both, you can likely make a costume yourself. Even if you don’t make the entire thing, there’s a good chance you could make some aspect of your costume, saving you money. Before you buy, think if there’s a way you can make what you’re looking for instead.

You don’t have to be able to sew, knit, or otherwise be handy to make a costume at home. You can likely repurpose something you already own into a great costume. Old uniforms from sports and clubs work great for this. If you have any “dated” clothes that you don’t wear anymore, these can become a costume as well. Have a box of clothes from 20 years ago stashed in the attic? Pull them out and create a 1990s theme costume! Not only is recycling old items a great way to cut costs, but it also gives new life to clothing that you don’t wear anymore.

If you don’t have any suitable old clothing, check out a second-hand store or thrift shop to find something that works. You can often get clothing for just a few dollars at these stores. They’re often a great place to buy a costume on the cheap.

If you don’t want to – or can’t – make your costume, consider renting one. There’s a good chance that you’re only going to wear your Halloween costume once anyway, so why not save some money and rent instead of buying? You’ll have to be quick though, because many popular costumes become very tough to find as Halloween approaches.

Buying in bulk is a good way to save money. Of course, depending on your neighbourhood, you might not need a bulk-sized package of Halloween treats to give out to trick or treaters. But this doesn’t mean you have to buy a smaller package and pay more. Instead, talk to friends, family members, and neighbours. See if they’re interested in buying bulk packages of candy and other treats and splitting them. This can save a decent amount of money and give you more variety in your treats.

Discount stores and dollar stores often sell Halloween candy, decorations, and even costumes for much cheaper than department stores and dedicated Halloween shops. Make these stores one of your first stops. Get what you need there and then, if necessary, complete your shopping list elsewhere.

Don’t assume that all Halloween goods cost the same at every store. Shop around, look for sales, and make sure to check online stores as well. You might be able to find some great deals. Some stores may even price-match!