With more than 42 million potential trick-or-treaters knocking on 132 million doors, Halloween can become one of our most expensive holidays. But even if you don’t want to spend a lot, there is no need to turn off the lights and pretend you aren’t home or try to persuade your kids that sweets are bad news. Even cheapskates can find ways to celebrate the spookiest day of the year without spending a bundle. Here are seven tricky tips from the editors at Living On The Cheap for saving on All Hallows Eve.
- Last-minute candy buying is OK. There’s no reason you can’t wait until October 29 or later to stock up. It’s not like the stores will run out — and, if they do have a shortage of candy bars, there’s no penalty for passing out lollipops instead. Choose store-brand candies or knock-offs.
- Buying bulk = big savings. Look into buying candy in bulk quantities at warehouse stores such as at a Sam’s Club, Costco or BJ’s Warehouse.
- Use your coupons and save your receipts. Candy makers know that sweet tooth is calling so expect to find tons of manufacturers coupons in newspaper inserts and online. They can lower the price of candy at grocery stores, big box retailers and drug stores, all of whom are likely to run special promotions as well. Save receipts and open one bag at a time to dump into your serving bowl. This way, you can return any unused bags to the store for a refund.
- Find cheap costumes. You can put together a costume on the cheap by visiting a thrift shops. Goodwill, Salvation Army and other thrift shops are overflowing with bargain-priced (up to 80% off) Halloween costumes, as well as cute containers for kids to carry their candy. Want costumes free? Look for a costume swap. Last year’s costume from your neighbor can be your kid’s new costume for this year. Or try kids’ consignment stores for like-new items. Have some costumes of your own? Trade them in for credit or cash.
- Get treated to dining specials. Check local casual-dining spots and national chains for Halloween deals.
- Save on spooky decor. Like most holidays, Halloween is the time of year to check out your local dollar store. You’re likely to find decorations, party supplies, masks, and other themed paraphernalia on the cheap. Or you may be able to create scarecrows or other ghoulish scenes from items you have around the house.
- Trick-or-treat safe and cheap. Many recreation centers and shopping malls offer a controlled, safe environment for trick-or-treating. Kids walk from store to store or station to station; there are plenty of potties along the route and when they tucker out, just cart ‘em back to the car. Not only can you avoid passing out candy yourself, but if the weather is nasty, you won’t have to bundle up or waterproof your fairy princess or mini Iron Man.
This is a guest post from Laura Daily from Living on the Cheap.
About Living On The Cheap
Living on the Cheap is a consumer news website that helps readers enjoy their hard-earned money by providing useful tools and tips for living well on less. The website is owned and run by more than 20 veteran consumer journalists and frugalistas who know a good deal when they see one. Living on the Cheap features smart, original, well-researched articles filled with actionable advice, plus the latest deals and freebies from national retailers and restaurants. The website’s audience spans the United States and is made up of consumers looking for deals, discounts and overall good value. Living on the Cheap is the flagship website of a national “cheap” network of 30-plus local sites. The network attracts more than 300,000 unique visitors monthly, with a combined reach of 45,000 Twitter followers and 43,000 Facebook fans, as well as communities on Google+ and Pinterest. Living on the Cheap…because it’s about thriving, not just surviving.
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