Halloween can be expensive if you let it. Costumes, decorations, candy and party supplies can all add up before you know it. The surprising thing about Halloween is that it doesn't actually require a big budget to be fun. A little creativity goes a long way. Check out these tips for having a fun Halloween without spending much.
Use What You Have
Look around your own home first before going shopping. Does your closet have anything wearable? A sheet, old clothes, or a couple basic pieces can make for a great costume with minimal purchases. Get creative and use some common objects as accessories.
See if you have any decorations lying around that you can use again. That old skeleton or pumpkin from last year is still good. Just put it somewhere else or give it a silly new name!
Can you make things with common materials? Jars, cardboard, and paper can all be made into decorations with a little time and effort. You may have more supplies than you think!
Be Smart About Purchases
If your closet and garage aren't giving up any supplies, maybe you can find something cheap. A thrift store can be a great place to pick up old costumes or accessories for a fraction of what you'd pay at a costume shop. You'll also find weird things that can be made into great costumes.
Buy a good accessory instead of a whole costume. Something like a wig or a cape can be used with different outfits, while a costume will only get worn once. Buy things on sale instead of at the end of the month. Prices drop as October goes on, while last minute shoppers tend to pay more.
Simplify Decorations
As far as decorations go, less is more. Pick one place to decorate: either the porch or the yard, but not both. Make your own tombstones or decorations. A foam board, some paint, and a marker can make a silly tombstone for under $5. It'll only take an hour to make.
Use lighting to make things look more haunted. Simple decorations and dim lights can be much scarier than a bunch of cheap fake skeletons and ghosts.
Simplify Foods and Treats
Plain old treats can be just as fun as store bought Halloween candy. Make treats with common ingredients. Popcorn balls, rice crispy tombstones, and decorated cookies are all way cheaper and tastier than store bought Halloween candy.
Make a candy board. Instead of buying Halloween themed candies, lay out what you have on a plate. It looks nice and it doesn't cost anything!
Make a simple drink instead of buying Halloween themed soda or juice. Nothing says Halloween like hot cocoa or cider, and it's much cheaper than buying special Halloween drinks.
Focus on Free Activities
There are plenty of fun Halloween activities that don't cost anything! Take a tour of haunted Halloween displays. Going for a drive (or walking!) and seeing what your neighbors have to offer is free and way more exciting than most Halloween "haunts" put on for money.
Tell ghost stories. All you'll need is a dark room and maybe a candle. It's as cheap as candles are. Host a movie night instead of a big party. Popcorn, blankets, and a scary movie is all you need for a fun, spooky night.
Halloween Doesn't Need a Big Budget
The best Halloweens are made with creativity and fun, not expensive purchases. Make sure to use what you have and have a little fun. It'll all feel like a bigger budget without the big bill.
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