Last minute holiday celebrations can do major damage to your budget. It’s so tempting to keep adding on to the fun without realizing how much you’ve spent. And while those cute plates or specially themed toys will be fun for the day, tomorrow they’ll need to be packed away (or worse, thrown away). So if you’re feeling festive, let’s talk about last minute Halloween money saving tips AND those items you should pick up on Halloween clearance when you’re in the store next week for the following year’s celebration.
Keep Candy Simple
Don’t hear me wrong. Do not buy cheap candy that no one likes. However, you probably need fewer bags than you think. Avoid the multiple bag deals unless you really anticipate a huge crowd. Consider looking in the non-seasonal aisle and comparing candy prices of the regularly wrapped candy.
Skip the Carving Kit
The cute little knives and patterns are adorable, but you probably have what you need at home already. There are hundreds of FREE patterns linked on Queen of Free you can access and print out at home, too. From sports teams to favorite movie and book characters, you can still get your carve on without spending any extra money.
No More Decor
Odds are good the decor you have is enough for the night. Put a stop on buying anything specifically Halloween themed. Remember, that cute little jack-o-lantern will be marked down 50-90% by the end of the week. Don’t overspend on something for less than 24 hours of enjoyment.
Can’t Miss Clearance
In the weeks following Halloween, you can score a number of fantastic deals on everything from costumes to consumables. Here’s what to keep your eyes peeled for:
Costumes for Next Year
Costumes for the entire family can drop up to 90% of their original costs as stores clear out Halloween inventory to prepare for Christmas. Each time you’re at your favorite big box retailer, cruise the aisles to check to see what’s available. Consider buying 1-2 larger sizes for your kids so you’re prepared for next year or even the dress up box.
Candy
While you don’t want to save candy for next year (gross), it still tastes great and you may be able to use it for stockings or Christmas goodies or even baking. And you can consider donating it, too.
Consumables
Paper plates, napkins, paper towels – are all cute during the holiday but work just as well anytime of the year. Keep your eyes peeled for solid black and orange that you can coordinate with other items. Or put items back in a storage space where you know you can remember where they’re at next Halloween.
Cute Decor for Next Year
The key for stocking up for a subsequent year is having a place where you know you’ll come across it for next year’s celebration. If you find cute decor and your budget can afford it, put it back in a tub or holiday storage area for next fall.
Have a Happy Halloween filled with family fun! Don’t get caught up in the last minute spending of the holiday (stay out of the store if you can).
Don’t Miss These Other Halloween Posts:
- 2021 Halloween Freebies & Food Deals
- 7 FREE Costume Ideas PLUS Ways to Save on Store Bought Costumes
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.
