Halloween Costs Are Scaring Me. How Can I Save?
Q: Money is tight, so the thought of shopping for Halloween costumes and the party I’ll be hosting are scaring me silly. Is there any way I can save on Halloween costs, or am I doomed to send my budget down a deep, dark hole?
A: Halloween costs can be frightful, but you can send those debt goblins packing and get your budget back on track without compromising on your costume or decor. Here’s how.
1. Swap costumes with friends
Scare everyone silly by digging up your Halloween costumes of years gone by and organizing a costume swap with friends or neighbors. You’ll get that creepy costume without spending a penny!
2. Turn your college clothing into a costume
If you’re old enough for the clothing you wore in college to be hopelessly out of date, you can repurpose some of your stranger college outfits as a Halloween costume. Go as your college self, complete with the hairstyle and accessories you wore back then, or just dress up as that decade for a trip down memory lane that is sure to get you loads of laughs.
3. Do a group costume
Another great way to save on a costume is to team up with a group of friends. You can have a frightfully fabulous Halloween getup without spending a ton of money when you theme your costume as a group. Some ideas for group costumes include Disney villains, classic movie monsters and Pacman/ghosts.
4. Repurpose household items for Halloween decor
There’s no need to drain your wallet when turning your yard into the spookiest on the block. Scour your home for stuff you can use at no cost. Old white sheets and a permanent marker can make the best ghosts, pool noodles can be outfitted in striped leggings to look like witch legs and you can fashion a bunch of creepy bats out of black construction paper. You can also turn old milk cartons into countertop ghosts with some plastic eyes and LED lights and hang all your wall photos on a slant for a chilling vibe.
5. Turn it into a potluck
Instead of getting stuck with all the cooking and prep, make your Halloween party a potluck and ask all your guests to bring something. This will keep things easy and inexpensive for you, while also making your menu more varied and fun. Of course, specify that only Halloween-themed dishes, like spider cupcakes and blood-red punch, will be allowed into your home.
6. Recycle decorations
Instead of buying new decorations each year, invest in a few high-quality pieces you can reuse. Classic items like pumpkins, spider webs and skeletons never go out of style and can be stored for next year. You can also upcycle old decorations to make them seem fresh. For example, spray-paint last year’s plastic pumpkins in metallic colors for a modern twist, or add a creepy-crawly spider to an old wreath for a whole new look.
7. Plan a neighborhood trick-or-treat trail
If your neighborhood is on board, consider organizing a community trick-or-treat trail. Instead of every house handing out candy, designate a few spots where kids can collect treats. Families can contribute to a shared candy stash, which is then distributed at these select spots. This way, you can reduce the amount of candy you need to buy while still ensuring everyone gets plenty of treats.
8. Get crafty with pumpkin carving
Pumpkins are a Halloween staple, but buying several pumpkins for carving can get expensive. Instead of going overboard, buy one or two large pumpkins and use every part of them. Roast the seeds for a healthy snack, and use the flesh for soups or pies. You can also get creative with how you carve them — try using stencils, or paint your pumpkins instead of carving to make them last longer.
9. Use strategic lighting to set the mood
A change in lighting can really transform your home. Set some half-melted candles on your window sills, black out the windows to keep all light out and change some lightbulbs to colored bulbs to set an eerie tone over your party.
Halloween doesn’t have to be a budget-buster! With a bit of creativity and some strategic planning, you can enjoy all the fun of the holiday without the scary price tag.