Sep 04 2009
How to have a frugal Halloween
Can you believe that Halloween is the third most expensive holiday in America. To me, that’s just crazy. But then again, I’d never pay $100 for a costume I’m going to wear once.
First, why would you pay top dollar for candy that some stores are practically giving away? Start looking in your local sales circulars and sunday coupon inserts in September. Stores and companies get very competitive this time of year. I always get free/almost free candy this time of year. Sometimes stores will even offer promotions such as ‘buy four bags of xx, get a free movie ticket.’ Combine this deal with a few coupons and you have cheap candy and free entertainment.
Need a costume? Look in your own closet! The ideas are limitless. How about a hobo (dirty ripped mismatched clothes)? a goth (wear all black and dark makeup)? a zombie (ripped clothes/pale makeup/fake blood)? Check out your local goodwill or thrift store. At my goodwill, they have a uniform section. I’ve seen hospital scrubs, nurse’s uniforms, gas station attendant uniforms, and maids outfits before. Pick up one of these outfits and you almost don’t have to do anything else for your costume (though I’d recommend adding a few embellishments/accessories).
If your child needs a costume you have even greater possibilities. For many inexpensive children’s costume ideas, visit familyfun.com. Does your little girl have a fancy dress (what little girl doesn’t?)? She could be a princess if you add a crown, or a fairy if you add a wand, or a flower girl if you add a basket of flower petals. Does your little boy have a pair of coveralls? Add a wrench and a little black facepaint to his hands and the coveralls and he could be a mechanic, or add a small shovel, rake, etc and he could be a farmer. Search the thrift shops or good will. I would suggest going once a week starting in September.
I never pay full price for halloween decorations. If I see something I want, I wait until after halloween is over to get it at a discounted price. I’ve even gotten holiday decorations for 90% off the regular price. Though I have to caution you that by the time it gets to 90% off, there isn’t much left. If you find something you really want, it’s probably best to get it the day after halloween when it’s only 50% off.
Speaking of decorations, why not carve a family of pumpkins? They are the most classic decoration of all (and you get to roast and eat the seeds..yum). If you aren’t very creative, look online for templates!
Halloween doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Just have fun and improvise!
