Halloween is an exciting time filled with with opportunities to get creative, dress up, and enjoy some spooky fun. But like many celebrations, it can quickly become expensive if you’re not careful. Costumes, decorations, parties and treats can all add up, making it easy to overspend. However, with a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy a fantastic Halloween without breaking the bank.
Here are some tips to help you celebrate Halloween on a budget while still having a frighteningly good time 👻 🍂
DIY costumes
Costumes are often the biggest expense during Halloween, especially for families with children. Instead of buying costly pre-made outfits, consider creating your own DIY costumes.
Get inspired by what you already have at home – old clothes, fabrics and accessories can be turned into fantastic costumes with a little imagination. For example, a white sheet can easily transform someone into a classic ghost, or an old black dress can become the foundation of a witch costume 🪄
YouTube and Pinterest are filled with ideas for homemade costumes that are cheap but still look great. Involving your kids in making their costumes can also be a fun activity that enhances the Halloween experience.
Affordable decorations
Halloween wouldn’t be the same without some spooky decorations, but that doesn’t mean you need to go overboard with store-bought items. Instead, try your hand at some DIY decorations using items you already have at home or can buy cheaply.
For example, you can create spider webs from cotton wool, cut out paper bats or ghosts to stick on your windows, or make a pumpkin display with real pumpkins that you carve at home. If you’re crafty, you could even upcycle old materials into something spooky – think painted jars as lanterns or old clothes stuffed with hay to create scarecrows.
Another great idea is to visit pound shops or charity shops for inexpensive decoration finds. Often, these places will have Halloween-themed items for a fraction of the price of larger retailers.
Plan a potluck party
If you’re hosting a Halloween party, the cost of food and drinks can escalate quickly. A great way to save money is by making it a potluck party, where each guest brings a dish. You can even theme the dishes to be Halloween-inspired, such as ‘mummy’ hotdogs, ‘witches’ fingers,’ or spooky cupcakes.
This not only saves you money, but it also adds to the fun, as everyone can get creative with their Halloween-themed contributions. You could even turn it into a competition, awarding a small prize for the best-themed dish.
Shop smart for sweets
Trick-or-treaters are a huge part of Halloween and buying sweets can add up. To avoid overspending, look out for supermarket deals and discount stores where you can buy sweets in bulk. Avoid buying branded Halloween-themed sweets, as these are often more expensive. Instead, opt for regular multipacks that are more affordable but still just as enjoyable for trick-or-treaters.
Free and low-cost activities
You don’t need to spend a fortune on entertainment for Halloween. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities that you can enjoy with family and friends. Pumpkin carving is a classic activity that’s fun for all ages and can be done at home with just a few inexpensive pumpkins and basic carving tools.
For those who enjoy a scare, consider hosting a Halloween movie night. You can rent or stream classic Halloween films and everyone can come dressed in their costumes for added fun.
Alternatively, you can organise a neighbourhood trick-or-treat walk, where a group of families goes out together. Not only is this a free activity, but it’s also a great way to bring the community together.
If you’re feeling brave, a DIY haunted house or spooky scavenger hunt can add an extra thrill to the night. You don’t need to go all out with expensive props – simply dim the lights, play some eerie music and let your imagination run wild.
Second-hand shopping
Charity shops and online marketplaces are great to find cheap costumes and decorations. Many people only use their Halloween items once, so you can often find barely-used costumes, props and decorations at a fraction of the price. Not only does this save you money, but it’s also a more sustainable way to celebrate, as you’re giving items a second life instead of buying new ones.
See below to find your nearest charity shops:
It’s also worth checking out local community groups on social media, where people may be giving away or selling their unwanted Halloween items.
Set a budget and stick to it
While Halloween is a time for fun and celebration, it’s important to remember that it’s just one day and it’s not worth going into debt for. Setting a budget beforehand can help you manage your spending and ensure you’re not left with a financial fright once Halloween is over.
Decide how much you’re willing to spend on costumes, decorations, food and activities and make sure you stick to your budget. Being mindful of your spending not only helps you avoid overspending, but it can also make you more creative in finding low-cost ways to enjoy the holiday.
MoneyPlus can help with your financial health
At MoneyPlus, we understand that managing your finances, especially around holiday seasons, can be challenging.
If you’re finding it difficult to stay on top of your finances, our team of experts is here to help. Whether it’s debt advice or budgeting tips, MoneyPlus offers guidance to help you manage your effectively and avoid financial scares in the future. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you stay financially healthy, not just at Halloween, but all year round.
