Halloween on a Budget

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The scariest night of the year is upon us, but that doesn’t mean that the bill should haunt you until payday. For more budgeting ideas, explore our budgeting tips. Halloween can be extremely cost effective, and this blog post will explore some of those options.

Below are practical, low-cost ideas for candy, costumes, decorations, and parties so you can enjoy Halloween without overspending.

Candy

Did you know that across Canada, approximately $400 MILLION is spent on Halloween candy alone? While that bill may be higher this year due to tariffs and inflation, it’s still hard to resist the urge to buy a box or two of bite-sized treats. Instead of closing the curtains and turning off the lights, there are budget-friendly options to satisfy those with a serious sweet tooth. Planning ahead helps keep candy costs in check—browse our money management  guides.

Dollar stores are a good place to source out sugary snacks for any trick or treaters who may be knocking on your door. Many stores will sell name-brand treats for a fraction of the cost of what you’d find in a regular grocery store.

If you prefer not to hand out candy, novelties such as pencils, stickers, and temporary tattoos are excellent options as well. Online retailers such as Amazon carry bulk packs of seasonal stationery for relatively inexpensive costs, so it is a great place to start looking.

Affordable DIY Costume Ideas

Did you know that on average, Canadians spend $52 on a single Halloween costume? For a family of four, that’s over $200 spent on something worth for only a few hours one per year. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect costume without going overboard on spending.

Do-it-yourself is a great way to save money on a costume, and you don’t necessarily have to be skilled at sewing either! For example, you could purchase a plain, coloured t-shirt and some fabric paint from a craft store such as Michaels, and create a variety of different looks, from ladybugs to bumblebees. Pair that with whatever bottoms suit your comfort level, and you’re good to go. Thrift and swap: host a costume-swap with neighbours or friends to trade last year’s outfits for a fresh look at no extra cost.

Of course, we mustn’t forget the all-mighty thrift store when it comes to bargains on costumes! The Salvation Army and Value Village are excellent locations to hunt for that perfect piece to finish off your Halloween ensemble. Some even have complete costumes ready to go for stress-free shopping!

Decorations

It’s no secret that some households go all out for Halloween, decorating with elaborate haunted houses, spooky air-filled inflatables, and the like. While these homes certainly have the “Wow” factor, young trick or treaters often just look for a simple carved pumpkin and a porch light that’s turned on. Set a small décor budget and stick to it—paper cut-outs, string lights, and repurposed jars can go a long way.

Again, dollar stores often have a wide variety of decorations that are comparable to the seasonal pop-up stores, and for a fraction of the cost! Everything from lawn ornaments to window decals can be found, so be sure to check it out if you’re looking for that extra “something” for your home or yard.

Do-it-yourself is again, another great option to save on expenses, plus you can get your kids involved for the fun! Pinterest hosts thousands of simple and easy ideas for creating fun decorations perfect for Halloween. New to budgeting terms? Visit our glossary.

Low-Cost Halloween Activities for Families

If you are trying to keep Halloween costs low, a small get-together can actually work in your favour. Fewer invitees means less food and fewer drinks to buy, which helps you save cash. You still get to celebrate without overspending on a big party.

To stretch your savings even more, ask guests to bring their favourite snacks or drinks to share. This keeps costs down for the host and helps make sure the food that shows up is food people actually want to eat, so less ends up going to waste.

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to still enjoy Halloween on a budget! There’s absolutely no need to shut off the porch lights and close the curtains;

Of course, if you’re really wanting to go above and beyond when it comes time to scare your neighbours, Speedy Cash is here to help! Visit us in-store or online and apply for a payday loan – there’s nothing spooky about it! We’re available 24/7, apply for a payday loan.

If a surprise expense creeps in this season, Speedy Cash is here to help. Apply for payday loans online or visit a store near you.  Have your valid ID, proof of income, and bank details ready for a smoother application. Most decisions are quick, and approved funds are often sent by e-Transfer. Borrow responsibly and only what you need for short-term costs.