How to Save Money on Halloween with Coupons, Creativity, and Thrift

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By jpwriter
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Halloween time.

Get ready for Halloween on a budget. Soon the little trick-or-treaters will be knocking, or it may be time for the costume parties, and decorating the yard. With money tight for many people, and Halloween being one of the most expensive holidays of the year, here are a few ways to save money.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

creativity
coupons

Step 1

Cut coupons for candy. Watch your newspaper ads for buy one, get one free coupons, and reduced price items. The junk mail is not always junk, sometimes there is a coupon book that comes. Look for manufacturer coupons inside the flyers and newspaper inserts. If the coupon says one per customer, bring a friend. A great saver is to buy in bulk. If you have a store near you that has bulk bins this is an excellent way to buy candy at a cheaper price.
Step 2

Consider giving out something different than candy. Sugar isn't the healthiest thing to eat, but nutrition bars probably wont go over well either. Be creative. What would a kid (or adult) like as a Halloween treat -- how can you be the one remembered as the cool house to come back to next year?
Step 3

As for Halloween decorations and costumes, thrift stores or second hand stores such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill typically have an excellent selection of costumes. Instead of spending a bunch of money at a costume shop, stop by your local thrift store with an outfit in mind, or just look and let the costume find you. Go as a hippie...it's not hard to find some bell bottom pants and a tie dye t-shirt. Thrift stores are great for crazy hats, outlandish clothing, or just buying something you can cut up, draw on, and make your own while saving money.
Step 4

Instead of paying money for a yard decoration like a tombstone, make your own. All it takes is a stick, some cardboard, and a marker or spray paint. If it's rainy in your area, cut the cardboard in tombstone shape, paint and create your masterpiece then tightly cover it with clear plastic fastening it in the back. This way your inexpensive decorations withstand the weather.
Step 5

Plan ahead for next year. Instead of paying high prices for pumpkins, plant your own. It will save money. All you need are a few seeds, some love, and water. Next year, you'll have your own little pumpkin patch. We used pumpkins right out of the garden this year for great recipes.
Step 6

For costumes, look in your closest! Unless you are competing for top prize at a competition, does your costume really have to be a hamburger, or a space ship, and if so, can you make it out of old items you have around your house. If you need to spend less money this year you can do it and still look great. No one has to know you shop at thrift stores or the Dollar store.

Comments

kllmomof2 said

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on 10/29/2008 Great article!

buitenstaander said

on 10/24/2008 Being thrifty is nifty! Great article!

Felicity said

on 10/20/2008 So many good ideas here - thanks!

JesaLynn said

on 10/20/2008 The tip to go thrift shopping for a costume is a great and timely reminder for me. I have a party to go to this weekend and I'm still trying to think of a good budget friendly costume. Thanks! 5!