The countdown is on for Halloween! While the holiday provides opportunities to create memories and have fun (something we probably need now more than ever), its expenses quickly add up. From costumes to candy to parties and events, we all need a little help to keep our budgets from becoming spooky. Luckily when it comes to feeding your families, 2021 Halloween freebies and affordable ideas abound. Here are some of my favorite picks for this year.
ALDI Frozen Pizzas
You probably already knew ALDI always takes the cake in my book. However, during holidays, they really knock it out of the park. This year, you can find both ghost and jack-o-lantern shaped frozen pizzas if they haven’t sold out in your store yet. A trip down the seasonal aisle will also reveal cute Halloween themed pasta and other pumpkin favorites.
IHOP Scary Face Pancakes
On October 29th, IHOP brings back its FREE Scary Face Pancake promotion. Kids 12 and under can enjoy making their own faces on their pancakes again this year. Promotion is available from 7 AM to 10 PM.
Wendy’s Boo Books
Get an affordable treat for the family or hand these special coupons out on Halloween. A Boo Book costs only $1 but has 5 coupons for a FREE Frosty Jr. These coupons are valid through the end of the year and the proceeds raised by their sale supports kids in foster care.
McDonald’s Tricks and Treats Booklets
Some (but not all) McDonald’s restaurants offer a similar promotion with a Tricks or Treats coupon booklet containing 12 coupons good for FREE items. Your local McDonald’s might not be participating, so hold this offer loosely.
Halloween Pizza Offers
Papa John’s, Papa Murphy’s, and other pizza places are offering a special pumpkin shaped pizza again this year. Check your favorite pizza place’s website or app for coupons and special offerings.
FREE Insomnia Cookies
From October 29th through October 31st, participating Insomnia Cookie locations will offer a free cookie to those in costumes. There are also special cookie flavors and kits just for the holiday.
Family Meal Deals
Many restaurants never did away with family meal offerings after the shutdown. Plus places like Cracker Barrel, Metro Dinner, and Bob Evans are already rolling out their holiday offerings for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Keep in mind you’ll want to order in advance to be sure your food is ready in time on a busy day. Here are some special family meal deals from popular restaurants:
Free Kids’ Meals
- Moe’s Southwestern Grill is offering a Kids Eat Free Sunday promotion right now so that means on both October 24th and October 31st, kids can have a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree of $6 or more.
- McAlister’s Deli is offering TWO FREE kids’ meals with the purchase of one adult entree with the code HALLOWEEN21 online or in-app.
- In the past, Bob Evan’s and others have offered a FREE meal on Halloween with adult purchase. Check back to this post this week as restaurants roll out their offerings. In addition, we’ve seen Chipotle and Qdoba offer free entrees to anyone in costume in the past. Check back to see if those offers return, too.
From free events at churches and malls to free food, you can celebrate the season without overextending yourself this year. Make some fun memories together while keeping your budget intact for the holidays ahead.
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
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.
