Written with some help from an AI:
With Halloween just around the corner, it’s easy to get bewitched by high-priced costumes, last-minute shopping panics, and candy aisles designed to suck every extra dollar from your wallet. But with a little creativity and smart planning, you can have a ghastly good time without scary price tags. Here are my favorite ways to keep more of your hard-earned money while still making Halloween special for your family - and I’ll even share my top tips for scoring the best candy deals for your own batch of trick-or-treaters!
TIP 1: Shop Resale and Thrift Stores for Hidden Costume Gems
Before heading to the big-box costume shop, swing by your local resale, thrift, or consignment store. Places like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and smaller local chains stock lots of gently used costumes—sometimes unworn with tags! I’ve found everything from superhero outfits to princess dresses and quirky accessories, often for under $10. The best part? You’re not only saving money, but keeping costumes out of the landfill and supporting a good cause.
- Insider tip: Go early in October for the best selection, and don’t forget to check the children’s clothing and adult sections for mix-and-match inspiration. Staff are often happy to help if you ask about costumes—they might even have a special rack set aside.
TIP 2: Score Big Online (But Watch the Shipping!)
There are dozens of discount sites for Halloween costumes, but my favorites are places like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and apps like Mercari or OfferUp. Shoppers post new or barely worn costumes at bargain prices—sometimes a whole family set for what you’d pay for one new costume at the store. If you start early enough, you’ll have time to shop around and compare prices.
- Watch out: Factor in shipping costs, and always check delivery dates to avoid a last-minute fright. If you’re in a hurry, look for “local pickup” options on Facebook or other community groups—then you can inspect the costume before handing over your cash.
TIP 3: DIY: Make Your Own (No Sewing Required!)
Some of the best costumes I’ve seen were homemade—no sewing machine or craft degree required! Start with old clothes, cardboard boxes, felt, or construction paper, and browse online for simple ideas (Pinterest is full of step-by-step guides). Classic options like mummies (old sheets!), black cats (black shirt + pants, paper ears), or “tourists” (Hawaiian shirt, camera, and a map) are easy and cheap. Get your kids involved—let them help design and assemble. They’ll be prouder (and you’ll save cash).
- Turn a cardboard box into a robot, die, or LEGO brick with some paint and creativity.
- Add wings and a headband for a butterfly, bee, or fairy.
- Use makeup or face paint for zombies, animals, or skeletons—no mask needed!
TIP 4: Repurpose What You Already Own
Sometimes the best disguises are hiding right in your own closet. Flannel shirts and jeans can make a cowboy or lumberjack. An old suit jacket and hat can be a detective or vintage character. Sports jerseys become “star players” and pajamas can double as onesie costumes (hello, unicorn or dinosaur!). Pull together odds and ends—scarves, belts, hats—and see what crazy combos your family can invent.
Fun twist: Have a costume “challenge night” with your household, setting a timer and racing to see who can come up with the wildest or funniest look from stuff you already have!
TIP 5: Costume Swaps: Share the Spook!
If you have friends or neighbors with kids, organize a quick costume swap—kids outgrow outfits fast, and what’s old for one family is brand new for another. Some communities even host formal swaps at libraries or schools (ask around or check Facebook groups). Don’t forget to swap adult accessories too—hats, props, masks, and more.
Swapping saves: You can set basic rules (everyone brings clean, gently used costumes and takes home the same number). It makes for a fun, social event and costs nothing to participate.
TIP 6: Use Store Coupons, Rewards, and Post-Halloween Sales
If you do buy new, maximize your savings with store coupons, rewards points, and timing. Many stores release coupon codes or run BOGO (buy one, get one) sales—keep an eye on your email and loyalty apps. If your family is flexible, wait until the last couple days before Halloween—the deepest discounts often show up then, though the selection thins out.
Even better: Stock up AFTER Halloween! Costumes and accessories are often 75-90% off on November 1st—stash them for next year or pick up versatile basics like capes, wigs, and hats.
TIP 7: Get Creative With Dollar Store Finds
Dollar stores are gold mines for creative Halloween supplies! You can pick up wigs, masks, makeup, props, and even full costumes for just a dollar or two each. Grab basic T-shirts, face paint, and fun accessories—you’ll be amazed how much “costume” you can build for just a few bucks.
Hack: Stock up on glow sticks here for safety—and for a cheap, fun accessory.
TIP 8: Rent or Borrow for a Fraction of the Price
Party stores and independent costume shops sometimes offer rentals—perfect if your child wants to be a character just for one night or if you want a higher-end, elaborate look at a fraction of the price. Don’t be shy about asking friends or family if you can borrow a costume that’s in your child’s size (or yours). Never hurts to ask!
BONUS TIPS: Saving Money on Trick-or-Treat Candy
Halloween candy can spook your budget—especially if you get lots of visitors. Here’s how to keep your treat stash sweet without overpaying:
- Buy in Bulk: Warehouse clubs (like Costco or Sam’s) and big-box stores usually have the best unit price on large bags.
- Use Coupons & Apps: Look for manufacturer coupons and check cash-back apps (like Ibotta or Rakuten) for extra savings on candy before heading to the store.
- Mix and Match: Blend brand-name treats with less expensive options—think lollipops, chewy candies, or small toys (kids love glow sticks and stickers too!).
- Don’t Overbuy: Estimate how many trick-or-treaters you expect—when in doubt, it’s better to run out of candy at the end of the night than be stuck with pricey leftovers (unless you really like chocolate!).
- Buy Right Before Halloween: Grocery stores often mark down Halloween candy by the evening of October 31. Pop in during the afternoon for last-minute deals if you’re running low.
- Post-Halloween Sales: If your family loves candy, stock up on favorites after the big night when prices drop drastically. You can freeze chocolate or set aside hard candies for other events. Chocolate has been known to last "forever." We still have some from last Halloween that we still enjoy!
In Conclusion:
Halloween is meant to be fun and memorable—not frightening for your wallet. With a little planning, creativity, and willingness to think beyond the costume aisle, you can save a “spooky” amount of cash this fall. Whether you’re shopping resale, trading, DIY-ing, or scoring late-night candy deals, the key is to make the most of what you have and invest your savings in those sweet memories—with a piece (or three) of leftover candy as your reward.
Happy Halloween, everyone! If you have your own money-saving costume or candy tips, share them in the comments and help our whole community have a less fright!
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