Halloween is surprisingly a huge holiday in the United States. The holiday, which centers around candy, jack-o-lanterns, and costumes, is celebrated by about 64 percent of the American population. Over 41 million children ages 5-14 expect to go trick-or-treating. One of the most shocking numbers is the average American will spend practically $75 on costumes, decorations, and candy for the holiday. In the U.S., consumers are expected to spend $6.9 billion on Halloween this year.
Make your costume
It doesn’t really matter if you’re not the crafty type. Halloween costumes are supposed to be a bit scary or even goofy looking, so try your hand at sewing or do the old “refrigerator box robot” costume. If making a Halloween costume to shed some of the costs of the holiday seems like a possibility for you, check out some awesome DIY costume ideas here.
Compare prices
This goes for absolutely everything! By comparing prices on groceries each week or clothing prices from store-to-store, consumers can save a ton of money. The same goes for Halloween candy prices. Picking up flyers a few days before the holiday and comparing prices at Walmart, Costco, Target and other stores before buying is a smart idea. Also, take into consideration the type of candy you purchase. Chocolate candy is always going to more expensive than gummies or hard candy.
Look for free events
Free events are some of the most fun because, while you get to enjoy an event, you don’t have to spend any money. Free fun is the best type of fun. The week of Halloween is when the freest events are happening. Sometimes local places have a free haunted house, a festival or parade. Some events require a donation like perishable goods or “pay in blood” (a blood donation, of course).
Wait it out
Many people buy a pumpkin weeks before Halloween. However, the best prices on pumpkins are going to be the day before the holiday (Oct. 30). Spend Halloween eve carving and decorating pumpkins for the front porch. You’ll feel better about saving money on the pumpkin and you’ll be able to create a new Halloween tradition of decorating the night before.
Get cheap decorations
Decorations for Halloween can get pricey. However, no one walking up to a house is going to know whether you got your decorations at the dollar store or at the Halloween party store. Get them at the dollar store. You’ll love the decorations simply because of the money you’ll save by buying them for a dollar (or less).
There are tons of ways to save on celebrating Halloween (and many of the major holidays). Consider trying a few of these ways to save on celebrating this year. Your bank account will thank you!
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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. With a BA in journalism from Wingate University, she frequently writes for a handful of websites and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
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