(TheDailyCurrents.com) – Enjoying Halloween with your family doesn’t need to mean spending a scary amount on costumes, candy, and party decorations.

A bit of creativity and thoughtful planning can make a great celebration even on a tight budget. These seven tips can help you get started.

1. Shop Your Closet

The most affordable way to put together a Halloween costume is to get creative with pieces already in your or your kids’ closets.

Jeans and a bandana can form the basis for a cowboy costume, or a sports uniform can represent a favorite athlete.

Buying a single accessory to go with an outfit you already have will also be less expensive than a full costume.

2. Try Thrift Shopping

If your kids have their hearts set on a costume idea that requires pieces you don’t already have, thrift stores are a great way to fill in the gaps.

This can be easier if you go in with an open mind and design a costume based on the accessories that are available rather than seating for a specific item.

If you are looking for a specific item, online resale sites like eBay or Poshmark can give you more options than your local thrift store.

3. Take Advantage of Candy Coupons

Even if you don’t get a Sunday paper anymore, there are plenty of ways to find coupons for your local grocery store online.

Most grocery stores offer online coupons you can download or add to your store account.

Some stores also have apps that give you access to even more offers.

Coupons can bring substantial savings on your Halloween candy without the need to wait for end-of-season sales.

4. Skip Seasonal Candy Variations

To keep your candy budget to a minimum, opt for the standard versions of your favorite treats instead of the Halloween-specific ones.

For example, regular Reese’s cups will usually be less expensive than Reese’s pumpkins.

5. Embrace DIY and Dollar Store Decor

Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying the holiday at home, decorating for Halloween will make your space feel fun and festive.

There are plenty of DIY options that can act as both a fun activity and a way to decorate.

Milk carton ghosts, construction paper signs, and scarecrows dressed in your old clothes can all contribute to a spooky, seasonal atmosphere without breaking the bank.

If you do go shopping for decorations, avoid Halloween specialty stores and try your local dollar store instead.

6. Make Simple but Festive Food

Halloween calls for clever twists on easy-to-make snacks to turn them into part of your holiday decor.

Mummy hot dogs, oranges carved like jack-o-lanterns, and cupcakes with spiderweb designs are all fun ways to turn affordable foods into festive treats.

If you’re hosting a party, consider choosing a time when guests won’t expect a full meal.

Lighter snacks are plenty for a late afternoon gathering or an evening movie night.

7. Skip the Pumpkin Patch

Carving pumpkins is both a classic Halloween activity and a great way to decorate.

If you’re on a budget, buy your pumpkins from the grocery store instead of picking your own at a farm.

Pumpkin picking can be a fun experience, but it’s not worth paying for if your main goal is to bring home pumpkins to carve.

Carving kits are usually pretty inexpensive at the grocery store and may be less frustrating than using improvised alternatives like kitchen knives.

A fun Halloween doesn’t need to be frightfully expensive.

Smart shopping, choosing the right stores, and crafty activities can help you and your kids enjoy the festivities while sticking to your budget.
 

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