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The cost of Halloween can really add up and although we like to have fun, we definitely don’t like the bank account afterward!
With this in mind, I decided to come up with some ways to help the budget over Halloween this year so that we don’t have to spend too much, especially because we are looking to move house soon and that comes with its own set of expenditure! Here are some of the best ways to have Halloween on a budget and cut back on the cost this year, without cutting back on fun!
Make your own costumes
Trick or treating is the most popular activity to participate in for Halloween and all of the stores seem to be jam packed with beautifully packaged costumes and accessories. While it is obviously easier to just grab a costume that has everything you need all in one and go, these can be very expensive. Check out the charity shops instead this year for eccentric items that you can piece together for the perfect Halloween ensemble, or at least cheap clothes you can rip apart or destroy. You may also find donated complete costumes this time of year too, which means you can get one ready-made for a fraction of the price of what is in store. If you are looking for some inspiration for babies, here are 15 of the best BABY Halloween costume ideas.
Multi-purpose your pumpkin
Don’t let any of it go to waste, why not cook the insides into pumpkin pie (Recipe here) or create a pumpkin theme to a Halloween party or dinner by using them as decoration as well. Pumpkins are usually cheaper to buy than actual decorations and they are so versatile too. Here are 5 things you can do with pumpkins this fall for some Halloween inspiration.
Coupons and Vouchers
This time of year there are plenty of vouchers and coupons around that can help you save on event entry, decorations, costumes and food it is just knowing where to look and when. You can start looking now and just use google to find them but some good places to start are Groupon and Coupons.com for some great codes, discounts and offers.
“Bring your own” parties
Whether it is for the kids or yourself, bring your own parties involve all of your guests bringing a plate (or bottle) to contribute to the event itself which can be a great way of saving on food or drink. You set up the venue and decorations and let your guests bring the food. Or alternatively you could skip hosting this year and go to someone else’s Halloween party instead (who said you had to host one every year?)
Free Activities
Obviously trick or treating is a biggie and this will probably take up the evening on the day itself, why not start a little early and you can go pumpkin picking and support local farmers at the same time (technically not free but inexpensive and usually you don’t have to pay admission). You could also try these 20 Easy Halloween Crafts for kids that you can make at home or some of these 20 Spooktacular Free Halloween Printables.
Bonus Tip: Prepare for next year
While this is not going to help you now, the best time to buy Halloween costumes and decorations is actually just after Halloween. Check the discount section at the supermarket and the reduced items for all of the leftover items they are trying to get rid of for half price (or better discounts). Pop them in a box in your garage, loft or shed and next year you won’t have to share a thing.
What are your favorite ways to celebrate Halloween on a budget?
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20 comments on “5 Ways to Have Halloween on a Budget”
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Very informative article.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
What great tips!!!! I’m all about making homemade costumes! My hubby use to think it cost more, then he hit a costume shop and yeah… team homemade lol
It always amazes me how much we spend on Halloween – on candy alone! I think these are some great tips!
Some fab ideas, I reuse decs each year and make our own too.
When I was a kid, my mom used to make a lot of our costumes. I loved it because it meant my outfit was unique and not like everyone else.
Halloween is a ton of fun but it can also cost a ton of money. I am always looking for great ways to save.
I am guilty of always buying costumes that have everything. I like to be as authentic as possible. Not going to lie, I spend an embarrassing amount of money on Halloween!!!! Thanks for the tips!
I definitely think that making your own costume makes a big difference in the budget. Luckily my friend studies fashion so she can make all our outfits at the fraction of the price.
These are great tips! I like going to our local church to the trunk or treat. They are always so much fun!
These are great tips! Every holiday can get expensive if you don’t make sure you keep things under control with the spending!
Using coupon is a great way to save the budget for holidays spend. All these tips are awesome, especially making your own Halloween costume.
These are great tips for Halloween. DIY always works especially with costumes and decors.
We like to make our own dinner at home before we go out trick or treating. We make mummy dogs and a special dessert.
I am so lucky I have a MIL who loves to sew my kids’ costumes for Halloween. It’s not easy to work on a budget, but it’s worth it.
These are great ideas, Holidays on a budget are always good! I like using coupons!
I would try to make my kids costumes as they were growing up. I always enjoyed making them and it was a fun process for both my kids and me!
These ideas are so cute. Halloween is getting to be so expensive. The prices of candy are crazy. You have given some great tips to save.
Love the “multi-purposing” your pumpkin! Thats a clever way to share how to make the most out of it! I love pumpkin seeds and have to do that soon!
I am in soooo much agreement with you on budgeting for Halloween. For me, it is one of those holidays that we can easily overindulge in, and have little to show for it. I love the pumpkin recipes, perfect!
My Superhubby LOVES Halloween and we’re always raiding the costume racks the day after Halloween. My boys are stocked with cool costumes (luckily they love to wear them year round)!