Halloween can be an exciting time for both kids and adults to decorate festively, dress up in costumes and eat lot of candy. If you’re looking to have fun without scaring the pants off of your wallet, consider these tips that can send smart spending chills down your spine.
1. Make a ghostly run for good deals.
Time is of the essence when it comes to getting the costume you want at a good price.
It’s best to start planning now. Not only can you snag a good price, you can insure that you will get the costume you want by giving yourself ample time. Whether you’re dead set on something specific, enjoy being inspired in the moment or just have a few ideas in mind before shopping, start now.
It’s easier for an adult to wing it a bit on a costume if it gets too close to Halloween but if you have kids that have their hearts set on being a certain character, it’s key to plan wisely. Karl Quist, president of Priceblink.com, reminds you to always do your homework. Comparison shopping is key whether you’re planning to buy in store or online. Quist explains that you never want to purchase something and then find that same item cheaper somewhere else.
When it comes to décor, try to be festive without overspending. “If it’s something that you don’t necessarily need this year, wait until November 1 and then buy everything for 75 percent off and store it away until next year,” Quist says.
Quist also adds that you should start buying candy as early as possible when you see it on sale. Take advantage of buy-one-get-one deals or the savings you can reap from a warehouse club where you buy in bulk. Check the Internet for manufacturers’ coupons, too.
2. Avoid an in-store nightmare.
Sometimes shopping in-store can be time-consuming. Driving around to a bunch of stores that may or may not have what you are looking for can make time-pressed shoppers feel like zombies. If just getting to the store and scouring racks tends to make you batty, check out online stores. You can get a reasonably priced costume sent right to your home without any hassle. You’ll know in minutes whether or not they have your size and style of the ghoul, gobblin, superhero or prince you want to impersonate. Many times you can customize options or spot something new and affordable that you never heard of. SuperflyKids.com has DIY kits which let parents and kids create their own superhero cape or tutu for a fraction of the cost.
I caught up Justin Draplin, co-founder of SuperflyKids, to gain insight about the best time to shop for costumes. He explains that if you plan to order a costume online, don’t wait until the very last minute. “Chances are you’ll spend just as much as the price of the costume having to expedite shipping to make sure it arrives on time.”
3. Consider bringing gently used costumes back to life.
Many stores sell costumes in good condition. This can be very helpful to those with tight budgets, people who have big families or for those who just want to spend less. The stores usually house trendy costumes that are still up-to-date as well as certain characters that seem to be timeless like Ninja Turtles, superheroes, princesses and traditional Halloween costumes.
4. Repurpose for an educational purpose.
If your child likes to dress in silly costumes year round, consider buying dramatic play costumes for Halloween. Police officer outfits, firefighter getups and even tutus are completely functional for kids who like to invent scenarios and use their imagination. According to Psychology Today, studies show cognitive benefits of dramatic play, like an increase in language usage. Kids love to use their imaginations all year when given the opportunity. Foster their love of play with a costume than can use after the holiday is over. These types of costumes cost about the same amount of money and tend to be more durable than regular Halloween costumes.
5. Give kids a spooky budget.
My daughter’s birthday is close to Halloween. We allocate a certain amount of dollars toward her party and gift. We make sure she knows how much she can spend for her costume as well. If she has their heart set on a certain costume that costs more than the allotted amount, I have her do extra chores to make up the difference. If you don’t have the extra cash to help out, have your child work for a grandparent or other relative.
6. Get creative and crafty.
Kelly Whalen, owner of the website CentsibleLife.com, suggests hosting a costume exchange with local friends and neighbors. She explains that everyone brings their gently used costumes and takes home something for their kids to wear this year.
Whalen also adds that making your own costume can be a fun way to save big. You can create simple costumes from items you already have around your home. She suggests making a baby costume with oversized pajamas, slippers and a baby cap or creating a robot costume with aluminum foil and a leftover cardboard box. Complete the look with silver face paint. “A simple ghost costume with a sheet works, too. It’s old-fashioned but fun and easy to make,” she says.
Don’t let the sticker shock of Halloween scare you. You also don’t want to run up any bills that will haunt you for days. Use the tips mentioned above to cut corners without cutting out any festive fun. It won’t suck the blood out of your budget or make you stay up all night afraid thinking about what you spent.
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6 Ways to Save Money on Halloween originally appeared on usnews.com
