How to Celebrate Halloween on a Budget
Minute Read
(Edited by Shauna Scarnato)
Halloween should be full of fun frights—not frightening expenses. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to make the holiday memorable. With a little creativity, you can enjoy costumes, décor, and celebrations while keeping your budget intact. Here are seven clever ways to save this spooky season.
🎃 Spooktacular DIY Decorations
Skip pricey store-bought décor and make your own. A quick online search will give you endless ideas—glitter pumpkins, puff paint spiderweb placemats, construction paper banners and streamer entryways. Not only is this cost-effective, but it’s also a great way to get the whole family involved in a night of crafting.
👻 Costume Swaps: Scary Good Savings
Think you need to spend big on a costume? Think again. You don’t have to purchase an expensive, custom-made outfit to celebrate Halloween in style. Before you buy a brand-new costume, check with friends, neighbors or family to see if you can trade. The bigger the swap circle, the more creative (and free) options you’ll have.
💀 Repurpose What You Already Own
Raid your closet. Black dresses, flannel shirts, old sheets or sports gear can be the base of a great DIY costume. Add a few dollar store accessories, and you’re set. It’s sustainable and affordable!
🍬 Treat Alternatives That Kids Love
Yes, candy is classic—but it can also be pricey. And let’s be honest, nearly everyone is giving out candy. How many peanut butter cups do kids really need? Instead of overloading on sweets, consider handing out fun alternatives like glow-in-the-dark tattoos, stickers, stamps or bubbles. Parents will thank you, and children often love these little surprises more than another piece of chocolate.
🕷️ Frightfully Free (or Almost Free) Fun
You don’t need a costly fall festival to make memories. Try:
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Driving around to see decorations
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Hosting a scary movie marathon
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Carving pumpkins
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Organizing a Halloween scavenger hunt in your backyard
These activities prove that great memories don’t require great expenses.
🕸 Host a Budget-Friendly Party
Throwing a Halloween party doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are a few ways to keep it fun—and affordable.
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Haunted Potluck: Rather than covering all the food costs yourself, host a bake-off. Ask each guest to bring a Halloween-themed dish and vote on categories like “Scariest Snack” or “Most Creative Treat.” You’ll enjoy a variety of fun dishes without footing the entire bill.
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Boo Bash Challenge: Set a spending cap for games, décor or costumes—make it part of the challenge. Guests can only use items under $10 or things they already own. This keeps costs low and sparks hilarious, creative results.
🛍️ Clearance Creeps: Shop Ahead, Save Big
The day after Halloween, decorations and costumes are drastically marked down. If you have the storage space, this is the best time to stock up for next year. A little planning now equals big savings later.
Celebrating Halloween on a budget isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about finding creative ways to enjoy the season without overspending. And if you’re looking for an extra way to stretch your dollars, our Visa credit cards can help. With these budget-friendly tips, you’ll enjoy all treats and no financial tricks.
