Halloween is here – porches glow with jack-o’-lanterns, bowls of candy are overflowing and a steady stream of KPop Demon Hunters, Labubu's and Elphaba's are preparing to descend upon your front door. It’s tempting to splurge, but you don’t need a scary budget for a memorable night.
With Halloween spending in the U.S. projected to hit a record $13.1 billion this year, with the average person spending more than $114 on costumes, candy, and decorations, you can still make this Halloween memorable without breaking the bank.
Check out these creative tips for a fun, budget-friendly night.
1. Make costumes yourself or trade them
DIY and thrifted costumes are in style. Use what’s already in your closet or host a costume swap with friends. For kids, repurpose old dress-up clothes. TikTok and Instagram are full of $10-or-less hacks that look runway-ready.
Once you've got your look figured out, let's talk candy.
2. Compare prices on candy
Candy prices are up again, so plan ahead. Shop around to find deals on candy. Check dollar stores, online retailers, party supply stores, and big box stores. Compare prices per ounce to see which products are less expensive by weight. You may find that store brand candy is more affordable than the name brands.
With your costume ready and your candy purchased, what about food?
3. Bake sweet treats at home
Skip the bakery markup and whip up spooky treats at home! To keep your food costs manageable, whip up some cupcakes, brownies, or other snacks in your kitchen.
Use chocolate chips to create faces on marshmallow "ghosts," or turn cookies into witch hats by placing chocolate kisses on top. Make festive frosting by mixing cream cheese, confectioner's sugar, and an orange food like shredded carrots, mango puree, or powdered turmeric.
Looks like we're ready to talk about decorations.
4. Reuse, rent, or thrift decorations
Yard displays are more elaborate than ever, but you don’t need to overspend. Shop secondhand stores or online marketplaces for reusable skeletons, LED lanterns, and animatronics. When the season ends, store décor neatly for next year or resell what you don’t use.
But what would Halloween be without pumpkins?
5. Get creative with pumpkins
Pumpkin prices rose again this year, so stretch your dollar: roast the seeds, cook the pulp into soup or bread, and compost the rest. Local farms often discount “imperfect” pumpkins that carve just as well.
With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, parties will be plentiful and could run through the whole weekend. Are you prepared?
6. Host a shared or outdoor celebration
Consumers are prioritizing experiences over stuff. Team up with neighbors for a joint trick-or-treat station or block party — you’ll split the costs of candy and décor while doubling the fun. Use free streaming playlists for spooky sounds instead of paying for entertainment.
You're almost there. What else should you know?
7. Plan photo-ready, budget-friendly fun
Create games that double as social-media moments — a costume runway, scavenger hunt, or glow-stick dance-off. Use household items for props and download free printable décor. DIY games keep guests entertained and your wallet intact.
Bonus trend: Treats for every trick-or-treater
More households are handing out non-candy or allergy-friendly goodies — like glow sticks, stickers, or temporary tattoos — and including pets in the fun. (Pet costume spending alone is expected to be $860 million, according to the National Retail Federation).
Bottom line: A little planning, creativity, and reuse go a long way. By shopping early, teaming up, and focusing on experiences, you can celebrate a memorable Halloween without haunting your budget.
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