Don’t let Halloween costs creep up on you!

September 26th, 2009

It’s almost Halloween and once again we scurry to find the best costumes for ourselves and the kids. Kids go trick or treating and the adults go off to late-night parties. While Halloween is always fun, prep can be costly and just a little bit stressful. Below are some tips to help you save money and have a freaky good time.

Halloween fun on a budget

One of my favorite Halloween treats are caramel apples, but don’t buy those pre-made apples, save money and make them yourself instead with this recipe from Kaboose. The site is also chock-full of clip-art, games to play, crafts that you and the kids can do together and even holiday printables you can have the kids color and hang up on the wall and fridge. Not enough? Check out this Buxr discussion for even more great ideas.

Pumpkins are a big part of the Halloween tradition, whether you use them to make delicious pumpkin pies, as decoration or as a craft that everyone in the family can enjoy doing together. You can of course buy pumpkins at your supermarket, but I’ve found them to be cheaper at a local farm or pumpkin patch. Once you get your discount pumpkins, you can carve them with these free pumpkin stencil downloads.

Scary Halloween Coupons

Haven’t got your costume yet?! The last thing you want to do is shop in-store where selection is low and prices are high. Here are some deals to save your sanity and keep some money in your pocket as well.

• Save 20% off any single item at Spirit Halloween

• 90% off Halloween Costumes + $5 off $30 at Shindigz

• Amazon is offering $10 Off Select Costume Orders over $50

• Costume Hub is offering 15% off site wide coupon

• Anytime costumes – $10 off $50, $20 Off $100

With such a wide variety and available coupons, making the perfect costume should be a breeze!

Throwing Halloween Parties Cheap

Parties are big on Halloween and of course you need the perfect decorations, effects and party supplies to make that Halloween Bash a night that everyone will remember! We’ve found a few deals that can cut some of the decorating and entertaining cost.

• Oriental Trading Company is offering 20% off any single item!

• Get a discount piñatas or treat bags at Candy.com!

• Need more drama? Get a cheap fog machine!

If you must shop in-store, try this Party City coupon which will allow you to save $3 off $10 or $10 off $30 purchase.

Stay in, stay safe, and save money

Now I know that everyone won’t be out door to door Trick-or-Treating, so I also have a couple fun alternatives that you and the family, as well as friends and neighbors can do together to have a safer and more affordable Halloween.

1) Host a scavenger hunt for the kids with fun foods and lots of candy! Pool the expenses with other families and save.

2) Check out your local mall. Many malls have a trick-or-treat night where stores participate by handing out goodies to kids dressed for the holiday. This is a safe alternative, especially for young children.

3) Have a spooky sleepover. Get the kids together to watch scary or Halloween themed movies and provide enough snacks and hot chocolate to keep everyone happy.

4) Trunk-or-Treat. People get together in a large parking lot and decorate the trunks of their cars just like they would their front porch and fill the trunk with goodies. Kids then dress up and walk from trunk to trunk instead of door to door. Parents can keep a close eye on their kids and extra fun is added with a costume contest and baked goods served afterward. (Of course this activity will require community participation).

Don’t forget to have fun!

With all these great ideas and resources, your Halloween will be extra special and a night filled with fun and excitement that doesn’t have to be costly.

Do you save on Halloween? What’s your best tip?

Entry Filed under: General