It’s hard to believe Halloween is almost here! Last year, consumers spent a whopping $9 billion dollars on the holiday. That dollar amount breaks down to approximately $86/person. If you’re like me, you want to know how to save where you can so you can spend where you want. Here are my favorite strategies to enjoy a fun holiday without spending too much.
Candy
1. Go Bulk
Whether at a Warehouse store like Costco or Sam’s Club or an online retailer like Amazon, you may be able to save money by buying candy in bulk. As always pay attention to price per unit or price per ounce. And be sure that shopping one of these stores doesn’t lead to unnecessary purchases. It’s not a deal if you also come home with a big screen TV and a diamond ring.
2. Skip the Candy
No you don’t have to be a complete Grinch and hide in the recesses of your house with all of the lights out. Instead, consider giving non-perishable items like toys or stickers. Shop online at places like Oriental Trading or Indiana owned Kipp Toys. You can buy all sorts of seasonal items, toys, bracelets, and more in bulk numbers. Personally, I would stick with non-Halloweeny items so that if you have leftovers, you can use them throughout the year in birthday gifts or to celebrate fun moments with the kids in your life. Before you shop at either of these places though, do a quick online search with the name of the store and the word coupon to save money.
3. Fast Food Coupon Booklets
You might also consider handing out coupons to your trick-or-treaters. Wendy’s offers a 5 Jr. Frosty Vouchers for just $1 right now. Select McDonald’s also have treat coupon booklets. This year, 7-11 has even got in on the action in the past offering coupons good for 20 small Slurpees for just $5.
4. Don’t Forget Your Coupons
Before you even leave your house, you need to be sure your coupon game is on point. Check for printable coupons from Coupons.com, Red Plum, Smart Source, and Target. Quick reminder: use grayscale to save on ink and recycled paper if you can. You’ll also want to check Meijer’s mPerks and Target’s Cartwheel for extra savings. And if you shop Walmart, don’t forget to use Savings Catcher. You can also use ibotta and Checkout51 to further your savings. Don’t forget to snag candy on clearance in the days after Halloween. If it doesn’t have seasonal wrappers you can use it throughout the holidays and even if it does, it can be used in baking or even frozen to extend its freshness.
5. Go Generic
You certainly don’t have to buy Scheemes Pieces or a Baby Suth bar. But when you’re haunting the aisles for candy be a savvy shopper. You may discover that the plain dressed name brand candy costs less per item than the orange and black variety. Skip the overcrowded aisle and check out the regular candy aisle instead.
Costumes
These 7 quick costume ideas can all be made from items you have at home already!
Senior Photo: Recreate a senior photo (yours or someone else’s) with clothes you already have. Bonus points if you smile brightly with your hand under your chin and make a cardboard frame to attach around you.
Someone with the Sniffles: Crack out your favorite PJs and robe. Stuff the pockets with tissues and cough drops. Use makeup to put dark circles under your eyes. Pop a thermometer in your mouth. Don’t forget messy hair and maybe a heating pad or an ice pack, too.
Laundry: Feel like there’s always laundry in piles all through your home? You have an instant costume. Cut a hole in the bottom of a laundry basket and use yarn, ribbon, or a belt to create suspenders to hold your basket up. Add towels or whatever laundry you have to the basket and you’re ready for some Halloween fun.
Cowboy or Cowgirl: Yeehaw! Dig out your books and a western styled shirt. If you have one, don’t forget a stick horse. Toss on a cowgirl hat and your look is complete.
Identity Theft: Have some of those “Hello My Name Is” tags leftover from an event? Write names on them and then peel and stick them all over a your shirt. No one will be quite sure who you are, but you’ll steal the show.
Tourist: Hang a camera around your neck and bust out a Hawaiian shirt. Have a fanny pack? You definitely need to wear that. Don’t forget your socks with sandals and khaki shorts. And complete the look a dab of sunblock on your nose.
Rock the 80s: Leg warmers, peg rolled jeans, teased out hair? Like totally awesome, trick-or-treater, rock your 80s vibe. Bonus points for a NKOTB t-shirt, neon scrunchie, or a Tab to carry in your hands.
Halloween can be fun without breaking the bank! I’d love to know your creative costume ideas and money saving candy tips, too. Leave them in the comments.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional on Kindle.
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
[…] 5 Halloween Candy Money Saving Tips PLUS 7 FREE Costumes […]