Looking for ways to save this Halloween? You’re not alone. The country’s second-most expensive holiday (after Christmas) falls on October 31st, with Americans spending an estimated $6 billion annually.
Why do Americans spend so much money on Halloween?
Whether it’s on candy, costumes, decorations, or experiences like haunted houses and hay rides, we always seem to find a way to part with our hard-earned cash. While some may see this as a waste, we see it as an investment.
After all, what’s the point of havingmoney if you can’t spend it on the things that you enjoy?
Now that Halloween is just around the corner, that means it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to save money.
So here are our best last-minute Halloween savings tips and tricks:
No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of ways to save money on your Halloween party.
Here are a few tips:
- Stick to a theme: A great way to save money on decorations is to choose one theme and stick to it. This way, you won’t have to buy a bunch of different items that you’ll only use once.
- Make your own decorations: If you’re crafty, put your skills to use and make your own decorations. This is a great way to personalize your party and save money at the same time.
- Include a co-host. Share the financial burden while delegating some of the hosting duties.
- Have a potluck: Instead of buying all the food for your party, have your guests bring their favorite dishes. This is a great way to save money and get everyone involved in the festivities.
- Plan ahead: The key to saving money on any party is to plan ahead. By doing this, you’ll be able to find the best deals and avoid any last-minute expenses
Halloween Candy Saving Hacks
The cost of candy is up 13.1% over last year – the largest jump in candy prices that the Consumer Price Index has ever recorded, so here are some tips for saving:
- Buy in bulk. This is one of the easiest ways to save money on candy. If you can find a good bulk deal on candy, you’ll be able to save a lot of money.
- Shop around. Don’t just buy the first bag of candy you see. Take the time to compare prices and find the best deal.
- Use coupons. Many stores offer coupons for Halloween candy. If you can find some coupons, you’ll be able to save even more money.
- Think outside the box. For example, you could make your own candy or shop online.
Here are some tips for how to save money on your Halloween costume this year:
- Look around your home. Is there a way to fashion the lamp shade into a hat, and go as a lamp? Bonus points if it
- Check out thrift stores or consignment shops for costume ideas. You can usually find great costumes at a fraction of the cost of buying new.
- Get creative with what you already have in your closet. A little bit of creativity can go a long way in putting together a costume on a budget.
- Look for coupons or sales when buying Halloween supplies. Many stores offer discounts on Halloween items leading up to the holiday.
- Make your own costume. This can be a great way to save money and get exactly the look you want.
List of last-minute costume ideas for people on a budget:
1) Wordle
Whether you decide to wear a painted cardboard with black, green and yellow X’s, or you decide to paint a t-shirt, pay homage with your Halloween costume that took the internet by storm.
Wordle 484 3/6
2) An NFT
While you could model your look after a famous Ape, this costume could just be as simple as an ironic “This is my NFT Costume.”
3) Speaking of NFTs, you could go as a scammer.
No, we’re not talking about the massive amounts of crypto and NFT scams… We’re talking about the
Anna Delvey – Need an excuse to look super chic? (Or… the super opposite?) Be inspired by a look fashioned after the main character of Inventing Anna, but pull it from your own closet.
The Tinder Swindler – Grease back your hair, put on a pair of glasses and a fancy (or sorta fancy) looking watch. And remind people, they’re more likely to be swindled than they think.
4) Usher
Watch this. I mean, need we say more once you watch the video from NPR’s Tiny Desk?
4) Alien-tracking air dancers from Nope
Though you might be tempted to don some cowboy boots and a hat, get a little creative by turning yourself into one of the scary features of Jordan Peele’s film.
5) Jobu Tupaki or Evelyn Wang from Everything Everywhere All at Once
Fuzzy green accessories or extra long fingers or a googly eye, there’s so many creative ideas with this one.
6) Barbie and Ken…
Because there are just too many easy options. 👉
7) Serena Williams🎾
The icon, retired from sports. Grab an athletic dress and a performance head band. We’ll leave it up to you if you think the tennis racket is necessary. Bonus points if you bedazzle your dress.
8) Pick a character, any character from, Stranger Things
While you could be a Chrissie or 001, there might be easier and more enjoyable options, especially if you plan on getting into character.
Max– Grab yourself an 80’s sports jacket and over-ear headphones. It’s the perfect opportunity to tune out any vecnas in your life.
Eddie Munson – Have a jean vest and tennis t? Paint a Hell Fire Club t-shirt or just order one online. Bonus points if you have the rings and mullet to match.
9) Grown up Arthur
Ready for a throw-back? Fast forward to see how the kids from Arthur have grown-up and how you can turn your nostalgia into a cheap costume.
10) Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk
Jennifer Walters is a superhero with the ability to transform into the She-Hulk. She is a member of the Avengers and the Fantastic Four.
If you want to dress up as Jennifer Walters/She-Hulk for Halloween or cosplay, here’s what you’ll need:
- A green bodysuit or leotard
- A green skirt or pants
To transform into the She-Hulk, simply put on your green costume and apply the green makeup or face paint.
11) Obi Wan
Mandolorian required a lot of work, and who could be baby Yoda, but the babies. This one is for the grown-ups with a brown robe: Obi Wan. Trained by Master Yoda, Obi-Wan served as a general in the Clone Wars and was responsible for defeating the Sith Lord Darth Maul. After the war, he hid on the planet Tatooine with his apprentice, Luke Skywalker.
To make an Obi-Wan Kenobi costume, you will need a tunic, pants, boots, and a belt. A brown robe with a hoodie works too.
12) Space
Don’t let Elon Musks and other really rich guys take up space. Get down with Nasa with your very-ownded space themed, budget-friendly costume.
1. Start with a basic black bodysuit. This will be your foundation for the rest of your costume.
2. Add some silver or white accents. This can be anything from face paint to sequins on your bodysuit.
3. Accessorize with space-themed props. Think alien masks, ray guns, and glow-in-the-dark necklaces.
Our last and best tip for saving on Halloween
Don’t let the cost of the holiday stress you out. Focus on having fun and making memories.
