Halloween on a Budget: Costumes, Candy, Decor & More
Halloween Deals & Frugal Money Saving Tips
The leaves are crunching, the air is crisp, and costumes are coming out of hiding. Soon you’ll spot princesses, pirates, and maybe even a glow-in-the-dark dinosaur roaming the neighborhood—that can only mean one thing. Halloween is almost here! If you’re looking to celebrate Halloween on a budget, I’ve got you covered with tips to save on costumes, candy, décor, and more.
Whether you’re in it for the candy, the costumes, or just the excuse to sip pumpkin spice everything, there’s one thing we can all agree on…..Halloween doesn’t have to break the bank. I’ve gathered restaurant deals, freebies, and family activities, plus my top tips for how to do Halloween on a budget.
Halloween Budget Planner & Savings Printables
Halloween is fun, festive, and full of treats. However, it can also get expensive. That’s where a Halloween budget planner comes in handy. My printable planner helps you stay organized and keeps you on budget for all your spooky celebrations.
The planner comes with worksheets for Costumes, Candy/Treats, Decorations, Activities, Parties, and Food, plus tools like a Budget Overview, Purchase Trackers, Sales Tracker, Budget Breakdown, and Savings Tracker. There’s even a Notes Page for jotting down reminders, ideas, or last minute plans.
For a sneak peek, try the Halloween Savings Tracker Freebie, available in my Freebie Vault. Perfect for tracking your Halloween Budget Savings.
Whether you’re planning a full-blown party or a quiet family night, these printables help you celebrate Halloween without breaking the bank.
How to Save Money on Halloween Costumes: Frugal Halloween Costumes
Costumes don’t have to drain your wallet, especially when kids usually end up wearing them once. One fun way to save is to host a costume swap with friends, neighbors, or even at school. Kids get the excitement of “new to them” costumes without you spending a dime.
You can also check thrift stores, discount retailers, or online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace for budget friendly Halloween costumes. Usually, you can score barely-worn costumes for a fraction of the price.
Feeling creative? Try a DIY costume from your closet: a black shirt and some eyeliner whiskers make an instant cat (this is my youngest’s favorite costume), or a plaid shirt and straw hat for a super cute scarecrow, easy peasy.
Another smart way to stretch your budget is to shop clearance racks after October 31st. Most retailers slash prices by 50–90%, giving you brand-new costumes, accessories, and décor at a fraction of the original cost. Buying one size up means next year’s costume is ready to go, and many basics (capes, masks, unicorns) are timeless for dress-up or future Halloweens. Store your bargains in labeled bins to stay ahead of the game.
How to Save Money on Halloween Candy & Treats
Halloween fun doesn’t have to come with a scary candy bill. Here are some of my favorite ways to stock up on treats and non-candy treats, without overspending:
Stock Up Early—or Snag Clearance the Day Before
Retailers start rolling out Halloween candy in late summer, often with sales weeks before the rush. Stocking up early lets you cherry-pick the best prices and avoid the mid-October price hikes. And if you’re a little daring, shop the day before or on Halloween. Many stores mark down candy to move inventory fast (and so they can start putting out the Christmas stuff). Just keep an eye on those expiration dates and stash your find somewhere cool and dry until the big night.
Buy in Bulk at Warehouse Clubs or Online
If you’re handing out candy to an army of superheroes and princesses, buying the tiny bags at the grocery store is a surefire way to overspend. Instead, head to warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s) or bulk buy sites online. Unit prices drop dramatically when you snag the mega bags, and you can even split the haul with a neighbor if it’s more than you need. Besides, shopping this way also means fewer last-minute trips to the store when you realize you’re almost out.
Use Coupons & Cash-Back Apps
Why pay full price when Halloween savings are just a few taps away? Before stocking up on candy, decorations, or costumes, check apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, or your grocery store’s loyalty program for holiday deals. Many offers even stack on top of in-store sales, giving you double the savings—no paper coupons required. Some apps also offer cash-back rewards when you hit spending thresholds, perfect for stretching your budget while snagging extra deals on all your Halloween essentials.
Offer Non-Candy Treats
Not every parent is thrilled about a pillowcase full of sugar. Handing out glow sticks, stickers, slime, bubbles, or other non-candy treats is always a hit—kids enjoy the novelty, and parents love the break from all the sugar. Non-candy treats also work for households mindful of allergies, and they don’t melt or spoil, so anything left over can be used for classroom rewards, party favors, or next year’s trick-or-treat stash.
DIY Goodie Bags
Pre-packaged Halloween treats are convenient but often costly. By buying bulk packs of small toys, stickers, glow bracelets, or wrapped snacks, you can assemble personalized goodie bags at home. This approach allows you to tailor the contents to suit different ages, themes, or favorite characters, making each bag feel special and thoughtful—without spending a fortune.
Frugal Halloween Decorations
DIY Your Décor
Halloween decorations don’t have to cost a fortune. Start by raiding your recycling bin- cardboard can become tombstones, bats, or window silhouettes with a little black paint. Old sheets transform into spooky ghosts, and black trash bags can be cut into creepy drapes or spiderwebs. A few minutes with scissors and tape can turn everyday items into frightfully fun décor, all for next to nothing.
Refresh and Reuse
Instead of starting from scratch every year, pull out last year’s decorations and give them a quick makeover. A splash of black spray paint, a touch of glitter, or even a fresh ribbon on an old wreath can make familiar pieces feel new. Mixing older pieces with a couple of new accents keeps your home festive without draining your budget.
Bring the Outdoors In
Nature provides some of the best (and cheapest) Halloween décor. Corn stalks, fallen leaves, branches, and pumpkins add instant autumn charm—no crafting skills required. Arrange them on your porch or mantle for a rustic, cozy look that transitions easily into Thanksgiving.
Shop After Halloween for Next Year
Just like with costumes, one of the best tricks for a frugal Halloween is shopping clearance sales on November 1st. Most stores slash prices 50–90% overnight. Stock up on timeless items like pumpkins, string lights, and skeletons, then store them in labeled bins for next year. You’ll have décor ready to go at a fraction of the cost.
Score Deals at Dollar Tree
Don’t overlook Dollar Tree and other dollar stores for low-cost decorations. From faux spider webs and plastic cauldrons to window clings and LED candles, you can deck out an entire porch for the cost of one big-box item. Shop early, though, seasonal shelves at dollar stores empty quickly once October arrives.
Crafty Finds at Michaels (with a Coupon!)
If you enjoy the creative side of Halloween, Michaels is a treasure trove of wreath forms, paint, lights, and spooky embellishments. Always check the Michaels app or website for coupons. Discounts of 20–40% off a single item or your entire purchase are common. Pair a coupon with a sale, and you’ll stretch your decorating dollars while still getting high-quality, customizable pieces.
Budget Friendly Halloween Activities
Free Community & Library Events
Halloween fun doesn’t have to come with an expensive price tag. Many communities host free trunk or treats, park events, and church carnivals, giving kids a safe spot to show off their costumes and collect a little candy, without costing you a dime. Keep an eye on your town’s event calendar. These gatherings often pop up the weekend before Halloween.
Don’t forget libraries, community centers, and local pumpkin patches, many host free or donation-based events like pumpkin painting, story times, or mini fall festivals.
Cozy At-Home Halloween Fun
Sometimes the sweetest memories happen at home. Host a Halloween movie night with cozy blankets, homemade popcorn, and warm apple cider. You can even add a simple craft table for decorating mini pumpkins, make a quick scavenger hunt around the house, or bake a batch of “monster” cookies together. These no-stress activities keep the holiday fun, frugal, and family-centered.
Indoor Trick-or-Treating Ideas
Every so often, the weather doesn’t cooperate, a little one isn’t feeling well, or other circumstances make it tricky to get out for traditional trick-or-treating. Back in Halloween 2020, many areas didn’t allow trick-or-treating at all. I decided to create a fun indoor version for my kids, who were 11, 7, and 5 at the time. We started by putting on their costumes and watching a Halloween movie together. Then, while the movie played, I hid candy throughout the house. Once it was over, I turned off the lights, handed everyone a flashlight, and let them “trick-or-treat” from room to room. I honestly thought they might find it a bit boring compared to the real thing, but they absolutely loved it! The kids had a blast, ran around searching for treats, and even replayed it a few times.
Halloween-Themed Treasure Hunts & Scavenger Games
Another low-cost option is to plan a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt either inside your house or around your yard. Hide little prizes, treats, or glow sticks for kids to find, and add riddles or clues to make it even more engaging. It’s a perfect activity for families with younger children or for small neighborhood get-togethers.
One fun idea is to turn it into a mini treasure hunt. Create a simple map or riddles that lead kids from room to room, with candy “stops” along the way. Following clues adds excitement and a sense of adventure that keeps little ones engaged.
Spooky Room Decor & Themed Challenges
Decorate each room with a different spooky theme to make the experience feel extra special. Transform the living room into a haunted library, the kitchen into a witch’s lair, or a hallway into a monster cave. Simple touches like cobwebs, printed signs, or props from around the house make each space feel like a whole new Halloween world.
Add small challenges or games at each stop to keep the energy high. Mini dance-offs, Halloween trivia questions, or “guess the spooky sound” activities are all easy ways to make the trick-or-treating journey interactive and memorable.
Finally, mix in non-candy treats for variety. Small toys, stickers, or Halloween-themed trinkets are always a hit and give kids something different to discover along the way. Combining these ideas makes indoor trick-or-treating a fun, safe, and unforgettable Halloween for the whole family.
Quick Note: I’ve verified these deals using each company’s website or social media, but promotions can change or vary by location.
A few offers are based on past Halloween traditions, so we’re expecting them to return this year.
Always double-check with the company’s site or social channels for the latest details before you head out.
Low-Cost Halloween Activities Every Parent Will Love
Not every Halloween activity has to come with a scary price tag. Many stores host free or low-cost craft and activity days that are perfect for families looking to celebrate without overspending.
Michael’s often runs Halloween-themed kids’ craft workshops for around $3 or less, giving little ones the chance to make spooky decorations or fun keepsakes.
Lowe’s offers build-and-grow workshops where kids can assemble haunted house kits, combining hands-on fun with a creative project they can take home.
Pottery Barn hosts family-friendly events such as costume parades and crafting activities that bring the magic of Halloween into a relaxed, safe setting.
Be sure to check your local store’s events page or social media for exact dates, times, and registration details so your family doesn’t miss out.
Halloween Restaurant Deals & Freebies
Halloween is the perfect time to let your kids’ costumes pay for themselves—literally! Many family friendly restaurants celebrate the holiday with special deals for kids (and sometimes adults) who come in costume. From free kids’ meals to discounted menu items, these promotions make it easy to enjoy a fun, frugal outing while letting your little ghosts, princesses, or superheroes show off their costumes.
Make dinner part of the Halloween adventure by planning your night around these specials. Some popular chains run Halloween-themed deals on burgers, tacos, or other family favorites, giving everyone a full belly before heading out to trick or treat. Keep an eye on your local locations and apps, as many of these classic offers tend to return each year, turning a simple dinner into a money saving, festive celebration.
- Applebee’s – $1 cocktails and free kids’ meals with an adult entrée
- Baskin-Robbins – Celebrate 31 deal: 31% off scoops on October 31
- Chipotle – “Boorito” deal: burritos, bowls, tacos, or salads for around $6
- Krispy Kreme – Free doughnut in costume
- Wendy’s – Boo Book: $1 for five Jr. Frosty coupons
- 99 Restaurants – Kids eat free with an adult entrée
Other participating chains include Joe’s Crab Shack, McAlister’s Deli, Chuck E. Cheese, Ruby’s, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. Check local locations for repeating deals.
Sweet Perks for Rewards Members
Download loyalty apps before Halloween—7-Eleven, Bar Louie, Auntie Anne’s, and other chains often run app-only discounts or BOGO offers, saving you money while keeping the fun rolling.
Celebrate a Fun and Frugal Halloween
Halloween can be magical without breaking the bank. With smart tips for costumes, candy, decorations, and family activities, you can enjoy the season while keeping your budget intact.
Stay organized and save with the Halloween Budget Planner or the Halloween Savings Tracker Freebie in my Freebie Vault to start saving today.
Don’t wait—plan ahead, grab your planner, and make this Halloween fun, memorable, and budget-friendly!
