Ways To Spend Less This Halloween

Tips and Tricks to save on the costumes, candy and decor.

The National Retail Federation estimates that Americans will spend a record $8.8 billion on Halloween this year, an average of $86 per household with the top spending categories of:

• $3.2 billion on costumes
• $2.6 billion on candy
• $2.7 billion on decorations
• $390 million on greeting cards

Whoa, that’s a spooky amount of money! Here are some ways to avoid this nightmare and save some money this Halloween.

Save on the costume:

• Get creative and make a DIY Halloween costume.  This can be easier than it sounds! We suggest looking to Pinterest for inspiration. (While you’re there, make sure to check out Bank Five Nine's Pinterest page!)
• Trade or buy gently used. Go online to look for local costume swap events or shop Facebook Marketplace. 
• Check out a local thrift shop. You might be surprised at the kind of merchandise you find! Some Goodwill stores even create a separate section in their store for Halloween items during the fall season.  Since children (and adults) usually dress up as something different each year, recycled costumes can be easily found.
• Check out TJ Maxx online for some new costumes at a discounted price.
• Buy from the toy section, instead of the costume section.  Sometimes you can find “dress-up” costumes that are not branded for Halloween that are cheaper than the seasonal versions.

Save on the candy

If you live in a neighborhood that gets a lot of trick-or-treaters, the cost of candy can add up, and fast.

• Shop for generic brands.
• Shop in bulk! When buying in bulk, double check that the candy you are buying is individually wrapped.
• Hand out something other than candy. For example, online retailers like Oriental Trading or even local dollar stores sell Halloween toys in bulk.  Keep a look out for glow sticks, stickers, jumping spiders or spider rings.   
• Shop last minute. Retailers will be a lot more anxious to get rid of Halloween merchandise the closer the holiday gets.
• Use a pillowcase to collect candy versus using a pumpkin bucket. (Bonus: pillowcases hold more candy!)

Save on the décor

• Shop the dollar store: You can save a good amount of money by buying more of your accent decorations from the Dollar store. Some great Halloween items to buy at the dollar store include:

  • Black and orange paper plates

  • Cups and silverware

  • Halloween garland

  • Fake cobwebs

  • Balloons

  • Candles

  • Vases and candle holders

• Plan ahead and buy your decorations a year earlier, or buy for the next year at the end of the season!  A large number of stores slash their prices the closer the holiday gets, and especially after the holiday is over.

• Pumpkin carving is fun and also a great way turn that fun into decor for your porch!

  • After you pick and carve your pumpkins, consider roasting the seeds. This makes a cheap and fun Halloween snack that is not just pure sugar. Click here for some seed recipes.