Growing up, Halloween was one of the most exciting days of the year. In the weeks rolling up to Halloween we would have a grand time planning out our fabulous costumes. My mother never bought us those commercialized, plastic (in more ways than one) costumes that everyone had to have. We made ours. It was our tradition and we loved it. Although buying one might have been nice, it would have taken the fun out of Halloween. I still practice this tradition with my kids today and they absolutely love it. About a month prior, we talk about what they want to be for Halloween, and then we start to gather whatever we can find around the house and from friends and family. We do the same for our treats and décor. The kids love all of the crafts. It is so much fun. I couldn’t imagine Halloween any other way.
These days Halloween has become so commercialized with cheap costumes that cost a fortune and last two hours, gobs of tooth decaying candy, and expensive décor to keep up with the Jones’. It doesn’t have to be. We can have a very fabulous and frugal Halloween that is more fun and exciting than anything money can buy.
With kids, costumes are the number one priority at Halloween time. So, start early enough to plan them out and gather your parts. (No pun intended). An easy costume is a uniform from you, your husband, or another family member. Wouldn’t your son love to go in a real police uniform, fire fighter’s gear, or doctor’s scrubs? I would have if I were a kid!
There are plenty of other costumes you can find around your house with things you use everyday. My son once went as a chef. He used my apron, a chef hat, an oven mitt, a dish cloth, and a wooden spoon. He was so proud of it. My daughter gets princess dress-up costumes every birthday and uses those as her Halloween costumes. I add a little make-up and glitter to make it complete. When I was a little girl my favorite costumes were the costumes from dancing. I kept every costume from every dance recital and wore them out with high heals from my mom’s closet. I once turned my brother into Fat Albert. We took one of my dad’s large t-shirts, wrote ‘Fat Albert’ across the front, then put it on and stuffed it with a pillow. We had to tuck it into his pants and use a belt to make the pillow stay put. Then I painted his face brown with my mom’s make-up. It was great. Even the mail man laughed at his outfit. Then there is always the infamous ghost costume, white sheet, two holes, very easy. Use whatever you have, paint, make-up, hair products, to dress costumes up. The more creative you get, the more exciting the costumes become, so have fun with it! Your kids will love you for it.
Treats can be another big expense for Halloween. Have you seen the prices of candy these days? It’s unreal. Well, there are many options for treats that won’t break the bank. The first is very simple, wait until candy goes on sale and use your coupons to double your savings. You can get the cost down to next to nothing if you plan accordingly. Secondly, you could get bulk candy from a warehouse store like Sam’s Club. You can find great deals if you choose the right candy. 320 Dum-Dum suckers cost $7.08 at our local Sam’s Club. That will feed the whole neighborhood, plus some. If you are not into adding to our nation’s dental issues you could opt for a treat that doesn’t cause cavities, like Halloween pencils, erasers, stickers or trinkets. Check your local dollar stores for some inexpensive ideas. Lastly, and most exciting, you and your children could make your own. You can get recipes online. Popcorn balls are very popular this time of year, and if you know your neighbors well enough, they won’t mind getting something you made yourself.
Popcorn is cheapest when you buy kernels plain, not in the microwave bags. To make it a little easier make your own microwave bag by using a small brown paper bag, put one cup of kernels in the bag, use spray oil and spray butter to coat all of the kernels, fold the bag shut and put it in the microwave on high until the popping starts to slow down. It may take some trial and error to get this just right. (Please use your discretion and don’t leave kid’s alone with this project. I don’t want anyone’s kitchen to catch on fire!) Other frugal options are homemade cookies or crispy rice treats. Be creative and let the kids decorate then wrap in clear plastic wrap.
Lastly, the cost of Halloween décor can drastically be reduced if you and your children make them yourselves. Trash bags are great for Halloween décor! In October our front tree is decorated with ghosts made from white trash bags. I use old newspapers crumpled into sphere for a head, stuff it in the very bottom of the trash bag, then tie a twisty tie under the head to keep the newspaper in. We use permanent markers to draw on a face then hang them from the tree with string. Black trash bags can be used for walls to make a haunted house. Make one in your garage or front porch. Use strobe lights, fog, and spider webs and decorate the walls with homemade monsters. Get creative and crafty with your kids and come up with ideas for a truly spooky halloween. For more ideas, search for Halloween crafts online or in magazines like FamilyFun.
A final note: at the end of Halloween season stock up on things when they are on clearance for next to nothing. Then you will have everything you need for next year’s festivities.
Enjoy your Halloween and make it truly unforgettable for you and your children. Don’t spend tons of money on costumes and candy that are meaningless to them. Make it personal by letting them get involved and they will be so proud of their creations. Make Halloween tradition that they will love. You will enjoy spending quality time with them and you will make memories that last a lifetime.
Have a Frugal Halloween!
Teresa Theriot is a stay at home mother of three children. She is an expert on saving money and founder of thebudgetqueen.com.
