From the decor to the candy to parties and costumes, Halloween expenses can easily add up to a whole lot of terror for your budget. But with a little research and a few smart ideas, you can have a fun time celebrating this year without going overboard. Check out these last minute Halloween Costume & Decor Ideas (on the cheap).
“Shop” at Home
If you’re anything like us, you have a treasure trove of potential costumes hiding in your closet. From costumes from years gone by to dress up clothes to sports uniforms to old formal wear, there are limitless options without spending a dime. It simply takes the time to sort through what you have and pull together a look. You may only have to purchase a few accessories or small items to complete your ensemble, or perhaps you’ll need nothing new at all.
Accessories are Everything
Speaking of accessories, they can really make items you already have turn into a magical costume. From decades items to hats to jewelry, you can easily turn clothes you have in your own home into a great costume. Whether you tap into Dad’s tie collection or mom’s old prom dress, you can style something fun by getting on Amazon and ordering a piece or two rather than an entire costume.
Borrow or Thrift
You may also want to consider hosting an online costume exchange where you can “borrow” a costume from someone in your friend circle or family. Post photos of costumes you own and offer an even exchange. Or you could consider hitting a store like Goodwill or Once Upon a Child for costumes, too. You may end up helping someone else in your own money saving journey.
Go With Something You Can Wear Again
One-time use costumes are easy but can be wasteful in all sorts of ways. If you can, plan a costume around pieces that can be worn again. Dressing as a scarecrow is easy enough and may require a flannel shirt, but you can wear an item like that again throughout the fall. Even dressing up as a favorite character might require a wig or special shoes, but the rest of your costume might easily be something you could wear day-to-day like a themed t-shirt.
Pick Up Grocery Store Pumpkins
A pumpkin patch pumpkin is super fun, but if you’re looking to save you’ll find a better deal at the grocery store or warehouse big box retailer like Costco or Sam’s Club. By the way, I’ve really struggled with squirrels gnawing away at my pumpkins this year. If you are too, try wiping down your pumpkin with a paper towel soaked in white vinegar. It’s a safe way to deter those hungry squirrels.
Choose Neutral Fall Decor
If you’re just now shopping for Halloween decor, it would be smarter to find more generic seasonal items. Think: pumpkins, leaves, fall colors over Halloween specific items and orange and black. You’ll be able to keep those items to decorate your home through November rather than having to pack them away at the end of November. And then you can hit the clearance to purchase items for a song for next year. Just remember where you store them!
Enjoy this fun time of the year. But don’t go overboard on something fleeting. You can have lots of fun without spending lots of cash.
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