Best Ways to Save Money on Halloween This Year
Halloween is just around the corner—a season of spooky fun, creative costumes, and candy-filled nights. But let’s be honest: between costumes, decorations, pumpkins, and treats, the price tag can creep up scarier than any haunted house. With food and household costs already rising in 2025, many Albertans are wondering how to celebrate without giving their wallet a fright.
The good news? You don’t need to overspend to enjoy the magic of Halloween. Whether you’re excited to welcome trick-or-treaters or you’d prefer a quieter night, there are plenty of ways to keep the fun high and the costs low. Below, we’ve rounded up simple, thrifty tips for costumes, candy, and decorations—so you can soak up the spirit of the season without terrifying your budget.
Save on Halloween Costumes
- Homemade Costumes
- Second Hand Costumes
- Costume Swap
- Split Candy Costs with a Neighbour
- Limit Your Candy Outpour
- Set Boundaries Around Trick-or-Treat Time
- DIY Halloween Decor
- Re-use Halloween Decorations
- Buy Halloween Decorations after Halloween for Next Year
- Skip the decorations
There’s something special about homemade Halloween costumes—they’re crafted with love, imagination, and a touch of resourcefulness. Using materials found around the house or repurposing old clothes, anyone can create a unique ensemble that stands out in the sea of store-bought outfits. Making your own costume not only saves money but also offers a chance to show off your creativity. Whether it’s a classic ghost made from an old sheet or a more intricate design, a DIY approach ensures that your Halloween look is one-of-a-kind. Plus, the process of crafting becomes a cherished memory in itself, making the celebration even more memorable.
Try to find ideas online using sites, such as Pinterest, before going out and spending a ton of money on a project. Oh, and speaking of Pinterest, while you’re there consider following Money Mentors.
Second hand clothing is very much “in” right now, or should we say “it’s a vibe”. So why should Halloween costumes be any different? They shouldn’t! Head over to Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace and search for “used halloween costumes” to find some killer deals. Buying second hand costumes is an easy way to stay thrifty and it’s also eco-friendly.
Consider trading costumes with family and friends. Last year’s outfit can find a new life with someone else, and you can get a fresh look without spending extra. Just like buying second hand, swapping costumes isn’t just budget-friendly, it’s also a sustainable choice. Before buying new, think about swapping.
Spend Less on Halloween Candy
Just like it’s a good option to buy bulk groceries and split the bill with friends or family, buying Halloween candy can be the same. Why not buy wholesale and divide the overall costs? Shopping at bulk stores like Costco gives you more treats for your buck. By splitting the purchase, you can ensure a well-stocked candy bowl without straining your wallets. It’s a win-win: more candy, less cost. Plus, shopping together with your neighbour could be a fun pre-Halloween outing!
Halloween can also be a moment to teach and learn about moderation. Instead of handing out handfuls of candy, consider giving out one or two pieces per trick-or-treater. This not only helps in stretching your candy supply but also provides a subtle lesson in moderation. By limiting the candy outpour, we can promote healthier choices and remind ourselves and our neighbourhood kids that sometimes, less truly is more. Plus, it’s a practical approach to enjoying the holiday without overindulging.
While it’s tempting to be the house that hands out candy all night, there’s no harm in setting boundaries. Choose to distribute treats for just an hour or two, or decide on a set amount to give away. When the candy’s gone or the time’s up, simply turn off your front light. It’s not always about doing the most, but in finding a happy medium that works for you. Remember, it’s okay to set limits and still fully enjoy the spirit of the holiday!
Halloween Decorations on a Budget
Using everyday items, a sprinkle of creativity, and a dash of craftiness, you can transform your space into a haunted haven. From homemade lanterns crafted out of old jars and tea lights to ghostly drapes made from old white sheets, the possibilities are endless. Not only does DIY Halloween decor save you money, but it also allows you to put a unique stamp on your celebrations. Plus, involving the whole family can turn decor-making into a cherished seasonal tradition. So, before buying store-made decorations, consider crafting your own and adding a heartwarming, handmade touch to the festivities!
Once again, Pinterest is your friend, check out these great posts on homemade Halloween decorations.
Reusing Halloween decorations is both eco-friendly and budget-conscious. By storing Halloween decor carefully after the festivities are past, you ensure they remain in great shape for the following years. Plus, with each passing year, these decorations gain sentimental value, turning your Halloween setup into a collection of cherished memories. So, after the candy’s been handed out and the costumes stored away, pack up your decor and rest easy knowing they’ll be ready to scare again next Halloween!
Once Halloween wraps up, many stores slash prices on decorations, often by up to 50%. This is your golden opportunity to snag some fantastic deals for next year’s festivities. By planning ahead and shopping the post-Halloween sales, you can refresh your decor collection without breaking the bank. So, mark your calendar and get ready to hunt for some spooky bargains for the future!
Halloween is as much about the spirit of the season as it is about the decorations. If budget constraints are a concern, it’s perfectly okay to opt out of decking your home in spooky attire. Celebrating Halloween isn’t about the grandeur of decorations but the joy and memories created with loved ones. Embracing a simpler approach can be just as meaningful, and often, the absence of decor can be a reminder that the heart of the holiday lies in shared moments, stories, and laughter. Remember, it’s not about how much you display, but how much you enjoy and cherish the occasion.
Halloween Savings Infographic
Samhain Spirit: Budget-Free and Back to Basics
If Halloween expenses feel overwhelming, it may help to remember that October 31st wasn’t always about costumes and candy. Long before today’s traditions, the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain marked the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. It was a time for reflection, honoring ancestors, and gathering with loved ones—no shopping lists required.
Revisiting this spirit can be a refreshing, cost-free way to mark the season. You might:
- Light a candle in memory of loved ones who have passed.
- Take a mindful autumn walk, collecting natural objects like leaves or stones for a simple seasonal display.
- Journal about what you’d like to leave behind from the past year and what new beginnings you want to welcome.
- Share stories, meals, or quiet moments with family and friends.
These small rituals reconnect Halloween with its deeper roots, reminding us that the holiday is ultimately about meaning, memory, and togetherness—not how much we spend.
Have questions?
Need more information or want to talk to a certified financial counsellor for peace of mind? Let us help.
Call 1-888-294-0076 or book an appointment. It’s free for all Albertans.
