Weve gathered up some tips to help you save on treats, costumes, and spooky decor.
This post originally appeared onDealNews.
Thats probably crept up since, but its still likely in the $40 range.
How can you cut that down and still have happy trick-or-treaters?
First off, lets set our baseline.
One thing you’re able to do is avoid the chocolate.
You could spend only 30 cents per kid to hand out the same amount of candy by weight.
If you clip coupons early and buy last-minute, you could sometimes stack your savings.
If youd rather buy early, choose your store carefully.
Dont do that bowl-on-the-porch thing; it just takes one bad-spirited Trick-or-Treater to ruin the fun for everyone.
If youre new to your area and dont know how many trick-or-treaters to expect, ask your neighbors!
(But keep in mind that weather could throw off estimates.)
Heresy, you might say!
Plus, it might make them a little safer as they haunt your streets and sidewalks at night.
Our best decor tip wont help you this year.
Because the best time to buy Halloween decor is after the holiday.
For the past three years, weve seen stores likeHome DepotandKmartcut 75% off Halloween decorations in early November.
Make Your Own Decorations
Another good option is making the decor yourself!
Even if youre not usually interested in craft projects, you might want to consider it for Halloween.
If you want to buy craft materials, check that you check for coupons.
Fabric and craft stores frequently run excellent coupons like 40% off one item.
Beat-up clothing can be stuffed with straw and plastic grocery bags to makea fine scarecrow.
And any weatherproof material can be painted and set up as tombstones.
(Saving 75% on a costume that never gets worn is still a waste of money.)
The next best option?
Many retailers will cut 30% to 50% off costumes the week before Halloween.
If youre buying a kids costume, consider buying a size up.
(Very disappointing to spend good money on a costume only to barely see it.)
Find something the appropriate color to use as a base and get to accessorizing.
(Walmart often carries sweatpants/sweatshirt combos for around $12, if you dont have something on hand.)
Previously, she wrote for a television news station and a literary fan magazine.
Photo bySpencer Plattvia Getty.
