Carve Out Savings This Halloween

Expenses have a way of creeping up this time of year. Avoid getting tricked into spending more with these tips.

Halloween has traditionally been an expensive holiday. According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are projected to spend a record-breaking $13.1 billion in 2025.

Don’t let the cost of Halloween be the scariest part of the season! Use these budget-friendly tips to make the most of your festivities without overspending.

Inexpensive Halloween Fun

Group Activities

Get into the spooky spirit without breaking the bank by enjoying fun, budget-friendly activities with friends and family. Try things like:

• Hosting a pumpkin-carving contest
• Planning a scary (or not-so-scary!) movie night
• Creating Halloween DIY crafts for decorations
• Enjoying free Halloween-themed activities at local community centers, schools, or museums

And if you’re hosting a party, turn it into a potluck – guests can bring a dish, so everyone shares in the fun (and the cost).

Decorations

Set the scene for Halloween fun without overspending. Visit dollar stores for affordable finds, or hunt for online coupons to score the best deals before you shop. Have leftover decorations from last year? Reuse them to stretch your budget even further.

For those who like to plan ahead, post-Halloween sales in early November are a great time to grab steep discounts on costumes and decorations for the upcoming year.

Candy

Buying candy in bulk is one of the easiest ways to save – and it helps ensure you don’t run out on the big night, especially if your neighborhood gets lots of trick-or-treaters. Look for online deals and special savings at wholesale stores like Sam’s Club or Costco for the best value.

When you’re in store, compare prices between the seasonal Halloween area and the regular candy aisle. While festive packaging may grab your attention, everyday options may offer the sweeter bargain.

Costumes  

Skip the pricey store-bought costume and unleash your creativity by searching online for DIY ideas. Sites like YouTube offer endless inspiration, including makeup tutorials for everything from scary clowns to cute rag dolls and how-to videos on pulling together a costume using items you already have.

Thrift shops and local BuyNothing groups are also great places to find unique pieces without spending much. You can even swap costumes or borrow accessories from friends and family – it’s one less thing you have to buy and a frightfully easy way to save and share in the fun.

For costumes that you must shop for, be sure to comparison shop online and look for coupons. Websites like Amazon and eBay often have lower prices than retail stores, so a little searching can help you snag big savings.

Summary  

Halloween doesn’t have to be a fright for your wallet; keep it fun and affordable using the above budget-friendly tips.

Happy Halloween!

Providers and products are mentioned for educational purposes only. This in no way constitutes an endorsement or approval by A+FCU. Refer to the external organization’s site for the most up-to-date information as their products and terms are subject to change.