Halloween. Who doesn't love this time of year? Costumes! Candy! Trick or Treat! It's all fun until you realize how much a perfect new costume can cost. Or how much candy you go through. Not to mention, party supplies if you host the Halloween party this year.
The National Retail Foundation estimates Americans will spend 6.9 billion on Halloween this year. That averages $74 per person.
If that doesn't sound like a number that fits into your budget, here are a few ideas we found to spend less.
1. Shop at home. When is the last time you dug through your closet or attic? You might be surprised at the fun outfits you can find.
If you're finding a costume for you kids, mommy's heels, pearls, and makeup can be oh-so exciting. Or, daddy's old cowboy hat and worn out boots.
Cardboard and paint can go a long way towards a ninja turtle, butterfly wings, or princess crown.
Costume for yourself? Try a celebrity look, pick a movie character, or a historical figure.
2. Visit a thrift store or garage sales. There are so many great costume ideas just waiting to found. Need some examples?
>>>Throwback theme -'60s, '70s, '80s- pick a decade and find an outfit!
>>>Gypsy/fortune teller. put your hair up in a scarf, practice the makeup, put on the flashy jewelry, and find a glass ball.
>>>Artist -find an 'artsy outfit', complete with hat of course, and make a palette board out of cardboard.
There are hundreds of ideas out there. Maybe these will get your creative juices flowing.
3. Next stop-dollar stores. Need one last prop for your outfit and can't find it at the thrift store or diy? Dollar stores often have
big glasses, wands, etc. for a pretty cheap price. Dollar stores are also great for candy!
4. Hosting the party? Come up with a theme and ask each guest to bring a snack that goes with your theme! Or, ask each guest to bring a snack that goes with their outfit. This is a great way to get a variety of different snacks and it's fun for everyone to get creative. Make it a game! Vote on the most creative/fitting/scariest snack and give the winner a prize!
5. Go easy on the decorations. It's amazing how far a bunch of orange and black streamers can go. Paint 50 cent mini pumpkins with spiders, ghosts, and bats. Set them all over the place or hang from the ceiling.
Have more ideas? Share with us!
