Have a Happy Halloween Without Scaring Your Budget

Ghosts, ghouls, witches, and goblins. It looks like Halloween is just around the corner!

Halloween may be the most fun holiday for the whole family. However, if you want to make the most of your next Halloween without busting your budget, then you may want to check out the following savings ideas.

Have a Happy Halloween Without Scaring Your Budget

1. Make DIY costumes

   Halloween costumes could cost more than you would expect. You might consider making your costumes. Creating your costumes may save you time and it could keep your kids busy doing something constructive. Here are some commonly found household items that you can use to create your own Halloween look.

• • • Old bed sheets - You can use old bed sheets to begin to create clothing for your costume
    • Old clothes - Have an old jacket or an unused hat? Those items can come in handy for your costume.
    • Jewelry - If you have some custom jewelry that you no longer use, you may want to re-purpose them for a Halloween costume.

Whatever you do, be creative – there are many ideas available on making your own costume – a simple search using your preferred browser can give you lots of ideas.

2. Find costumes at thrift stores

   If you do not have the time to create your own costumes, you can still save by purchasing your Halloween clothing at your local thrift store. Some people donate their children's Halloween costumes after the kids outgrow them. Thrift stores can sometimes beat most other stores when it comes to prices. Be sure to check out your local thrift store to see what they have to offer. If you can’t find a suitable costume, you might be able to find items that will allow you to make your own costume.
   
   

3. Make your own scary Halloween decor

   You could also save some money by creating your own Halloween decor around your home and your property. In fact, you may not have to spend any amount of money whatsoever. Here are some ideas to make your own DIY decor:

• • • Cutout Halloween pumpkins, ghosts, and bats - If you have construction paper, scissors, and glue, then you can create some creative Halloween decor that you can post around your home. Also, your kids may love creating their own Halloween decor.

    • Make use of lights - You don't have to only use your Christmas lights for December. You can use some of your Christmas lights to create some creepy lighting around your home.

    • Make everyday items scary -  Do you have old items around the home you were about to throw out? You could make use of them for Halloween. For instance, you can paint a scary face on an old tea kettle or take some old cans, put sheets over them and turn them into little ghosts. 

4. Buy candy in bulk

   If you expect lots of kids to come to your residence trick or treating and you want to celebrate with all the youngsters coming to your door, consider buying candy in bulk. Candy is expensive, you can start buying early to help spread the cost over a few weeks or months. Remember, don’t eat your candy! The goal is to save money not overspend because you ate all the candy. Generally, bulk buying costs less per piece.

    

5. Download scary songs for free
   

   Want to create a scary scene around your home and don't have the time or the money for Halloween decor? Well, you can still make a scene by playing scary sounds around the outside of your home. You can download several scary sounds or Halloween songs and simply play them through a stereo or Bluetooth speaker. Some of the ominous sounds you can use include wolves howling, ghosts, cats, witches laughing, and scary wind. Here are some sites where you could find royalty-free sounds:

   • • Epidemic Sound

     • FreeSounds.Org

     • ZapSplat

6. Download free scary movies and TV shows

   When Halloween comes, everyone may be in the mood to watch some scary movies or TV shows. The good news is that you don't need to spend money to purchase these movies or TV shows. Some free streaming services offer a variety of shows that include scary family-friendly shows. Here are some top places to get started with your search:

• • • Pluto TV
    • YouTube
    • Tubi

7. Tell scary stories

   There is a time-old tradition of telling scary stories around a fire or with a flashlight. If you don't want to watch a movie or TV show, each family member can take turns telling each other scary stories. All you need is perhaps a flashlight and maybe some snacks.

8. Play scary online games

   During Halloween, you can create some fun by playing some online games with the family. There are lots of scary online games that you can find for free or for a small fee. Here are some places where you can find some Halloween-themed games. 

• • • Roblox
    • AGame
    • Steam 

9. Attend haunted houses

   Every town tends to have a local haunted house that offers lots of scares for the whole family. While some of these haunted houses cost money, there are usually several family-friendly haunted houses that are generally available for a low price or a small donation. Be sure to do an internet search for "Family Friendly Haunted Houses."
   
   

10. Go hunting for outdoor decorations

    Many people decorate their houses and yard for Halloween. It can be great family fun to go hunting for decorations, you can each choose your favorite and maybe get ideas for your yard next year!
    
    

11. Use pillowcases as candy bags

    The chances are that your kids are going to want to go trick or treating. Usually, you can find Halloween baskets for a few dollars or more at your local grocery or big box store. However, if you want to save a few bucks, you can have your kids use old pillowcases as candy bags. If your kids want to be creative, then they can create scary drawings on the pillowcases. Just be sure that you have no use for the pillowcase if your kids plan to decorate it.

Have spooky fun on a budget

Halloween can be one of the most fun times of the year. You can make the most of the Halloween season for less than you would expect by being creative with your home and custom decor. Try some of the steps listed above. You'll not only have some fun, but you may also be able to keep yourself from spending a scary amount of money.