As holidays go, Halloween usually isn’t at the top of the list for most expensive. But with buying bags of candy to hand out, visiting the popular haunted attractions, or securing the latest must-have costume, the costs can definitely turn terrifying quickly. Here are some ways to keep your All Hallow’s Eve expenses at decidedly un-frightening levels.
Get creative
Many kids absolutely insist on having the latest Iron Man or Hunger Games costume. But many of those same kids can be convinced to get excited about making their own costume, either from items around the house or from those purchased cheaply at a thrift store. Making it a collaborative effort can help your child feel like they have a fun, creative adventure instead of being put to work on a money-saving project. If your child truly will be devastated by not having a particular kind of store-bought costume, check out eBay or Craigslist before paying full-price.
Be pumpkin savvy
Odds are there’s a roadside pumpkin patch a short drive away from you. But you’ll generally get a better deal by buying your jack-o’-lantern at the supermarket. Try to do it the day before Halloween, when better deals are usually available. Or better still, grow your own.
Decorate frugally and frightfully
Younger children will get a kick out of making their own Halloween decorations. You can print coloring pages or stencil outlines from the internet to give your child started on some Halloween-themed subject matter. Older kids can have fun making papier-mâché witches, ghosts or goblins.
Save on candy
You might think dollar stores are your best bargain for stocking up on Halloween treats to distribute. However, because the bag sizes tend to be much smaller, you are more likely to get a better deal at a big box outlet. On Halloween night, limit yourself to giving out one piece of candy per visiting child. Think of it as making a contribution to the child’s health and well-being and to their parent’s sanity in dealing with a sugared-up little terror.
It’s also smart to buy candy in such a way that you aren’t tempted to gobble it up before it’s even time to start giving it out. Buy goodies as close to Halloween night as possible and get sweets you don’t like – thus reducing the likelihood you will snack away your purchase and then need to buy more to give out.
Entertain wisely
Task one in finding inexpensive activities is to search for free or low-price Halloween events in your community. If your child is hung up on going to the $25 mega-haunted house, consider hosting your own event instead. Your son or daughter can have friends over for a night of scary movies. Or bone up on scary local lore and have a “ghost stories around the campfire” night at home or in a creepy outdoors area if weather permits.
Halloween memories can be among children’s most treasured as they get older. However, keep in mind that those fond recollections tend to be based more around exciting times with friends and family and not expensive costumes, events or decorations. By using some of your creative abilities and a little financial know-how, you can make some inexpensive but truly memorable experiences for your child.
