According to research done through polls, the average family is going to spend $79 on the costs associated with Halloween. This includes candy, costumes, decorations and entertaining. Keep in mind that this is an average figure, and some families will spend less and more – but it got me to thinking about the amount that local families spend on Halloween.
What are your Halloween costs? Do you budget? We are done spending for Halloween this year – and interestingly enough, we are right at the average.
Costume Swap
There is one advantage of having multiple children around Halloween. Chances are that you have a costume from a previous year that the younger children will wear. If you don’t have multiple children consider heading a local costume swap with people in your group of friends, moms and other community.
There is one advantage of having multiple children around Halloween. Chances are that you have a costume from a previous year that the younger children will wear. If you don’t have multiple children consider heading a local costume swap with people in your group of friends, moms and other community.
Shop Sales
We are going to two events this year. We needed a costume for that, and a costume for the toddler that was more suited to outside. Her Jake and the Neverland Pirate costume just wasn’t going to cut it for trick or treating. Last year, her little friend was a lion, and she has been obsessed with that ever since learning Halloween was soon. So, I picked up a second costume. However, we picked the first up during a Superstore 40% off of costumessale. There are lots of sales right before Halloween so you don’t have to pay full price.
We are going to two events this year. We needed a costume for that, and a costume for the toddler that was more suited to outside. Her Jake and the Neverland Pirate costume just wasn’t going to cut it for trick or treating. Last year, her little friend was a lion, and she has been obsessed with that ever since learning Halloween was soon. So, I picked up a second costume. However, we picked the first up during a Superstore 40% off of costumessale. There are lots of sales right before Halloween so you don’t have to pay full price.
Don’t Overbuy Candy
Stop buying too much candy. Last year it was our first year living in our neighborhood and we overestimated the amount of candy to purchase. We had more candy leftover than the little on snagged trick or treating. Who knew that in a neighborhood filled with young families there would be so few kids trick or treating? This year, we took it down a notch and picked up one box.
Stop buying too much candy. Last year it was our first year living in our neighborhood and we overestimated the amount of candy to purchase. We had more candy leftover than the little on snagged trick or treating. Who knew that in a neighborhood filled with young families there would be so few kids trick or treating? This year, we took it down a notch and picked up one box.
Choose Décor that is Going to Last
I am big on choosing décor that I know is going to last from season to season. This means that our décor budget was a little higher this year, buying pieces that would store away well, and high quality ornaments and scary pieces. I skip the fake webs and streamers and go for pieces that I can bring out from year to year. In five year, the costs of decorating for Halloween goes down to zero!
I am big on choosing décor that I know is going to last from season to season. This means that our décor budget was a little higher this year, buying pieces that would store away well, and high quality ornaments and scary pieces. I skip the fake webs and streamers and go for pieces that I can bring out from year to year. In five year, the costs of decorating for Halloween goes down to zero!
Shop Clearance for Next Year
The day after Halloween I am going to start hitting up Michaels, Homesense, Shoppers Drug Mart and Hallmark. Finding Halloween items for 75% off is going to give me a head start for next year and reduce the costs of decorating. This is also a great time to buy costumes for next year (if the little ones are still young enough to let you choose) and Halloween related baking items.
The day after Halloween I am going to start hitting up Michaels, Homesense, Shoppers Drug Mart and Hallmark. Finding Halloween items for 75% off is going to give me a head start for next year and reduce the costs of decorating. This is also a great time to buy costumes for next year (if the little ones are still young enough to let you choose) and Halloween related baking items.
What We Spent on Halloween this Year
Halloween Costume No. 1 is $14 for accessories, $15 for the costume (the baby’s costume was the toddler’s previous costume. The second costume that was more outdoor suited was an extra $22. Give outs, $7.99 for a box of chocolate bars + leftover Halloween play dough we had from last year from Costco. Décor was the big portion of our budget with $36 on decor and baking accessories.
We are right about average, just a little over. Using the tips above, I was able to reduce the costs – but this year after the holiday I will begin the prep for next year, storing it away in a Holiday Rubbermaid container.
