Shoestring Survivor: Halloween on a Budget

This time of year, most of us are thinking about Halloween. Personally, fall is one of my favorite times with all the amber hues and comfort stews that start to surface. I do love Halloween, but, if you have a family, the cost of the season can cause those amber colors to represent stress. Even if you don’t have a family, knowing how you, too, can participate without denting your wallet can be most welcome.

Let’s take a look at some strategies so fall can be embraced—without the need to add Advil to the shopping list.

If you’ve located some good sites for grocery coupons, this is the time of year candy will go on sale and coupons are frequently published.

Think back to last year. Did you really run out, or did you have leftovers? If you had left-over candy, tailor back how much you buy for this year. Exchange a not-so-necessary food item on the weekly grocery trip and use that money for the candy instead.

It used to be making a costume was cheaper than buying. These days, purchasing one can actually be cost—and time—effective. Look to the thrift stores and Big Lots, or hold an exchange with friends. Simple alterations to any costume can give it new life, and with all the sales going on at Michaels, alteration tools are even cheaper. Grown-up costumes can also benefit from the same kind of treatment.

Look around the house and gather up old rags, toys, and any autumn-colored objects. Create vignettes with the items, making them look as ragged as possible. When you are out pumpkin shopping, ask if you can take some of the straw. Use it for the vignettes. Look for items that feel like fall and spread them throughout the house. Fall scented candles—currently on sale at Big Lots and Michaels—add to the ambiance.

Many places to purchase pumpkins pop up this time of year. Don’t be afraid to negotiate price. If you want to buy several, make an offer on the bunch. Pumpkins are aplenty this time of year and vendors prefer to run out over having leftovers. Pumpkin craving is only one way to handle a Halloween pumpkin. Paint, stack or glue on funny objects. A quick search on the Internet will bring up countless sites that offer free templates for carving or painting. There are also free ideas on decorating in general. Don’t forget to save the pumpkin “innards” for fall cooking projects.

Seek out fall-themed activities. Jumping into raked leaves, watching old Peanuts cartoons, trying a new dish using a fall vegetable—these are just a few suggestions. Truly, fall should be embraced as a season and not just tied to Halloween. Fall has much to offer and it never has to be costly to enjoy.