Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

Halloween Savings

I don’t really do Halloween. Never have. But as a parent I would have buy the necessary yearly costume. However, Halloween is fun to do and there are lots of ways to save on Halloween expenses.

Here are some money saving ideas to get ya started in the right direction:

Costumes:
-Scour the internet (Coupon Shack.com, Savings.com etc) for coupons and discounts on Halloween costumes. .
-Some less popular costumes, last years favorites and standard faire costumes tend to priced lower than this years hot costumes.
-Shop thrift stores for used costumes or period pieces. You’ll still find 1980’s flashbacks and 1960s hippie wares at thrift stores. Period hats, wigs, shoes and accessories can finish your look.
-Use you imagination as you sift through your own closet. A black suit or trench coat makes a great CIA or Spy costume. A party/ holiday dress can be the start of a princess costume, etc.

Decorations:
Spooky Theme:
- Big Lots, 99 Cent Only stores have some cheaply priced items.
-Wait till just a few days before Halloween to snap up markdown on lawn decorations.
-Grave head stones can be customized by purchasing blocks of styro-foam, spray & hand painting them and customizing the the “Rest in Peace”.
- Cut up old sheets, old socks for stuffing and rubber bands make great small floating ghosts to hang from trees and fencing.

Seasonal Theme:
-Purchase a couple bales of straw, some pumpkins and gourds at Home and Garden centers or pumpkin patches. Set up around your home for seasonal decorations that will last through Thanksgiving.

Candy:
-Load up in bulk at Costco or Big Lots for less.
-Give pencils, erasers, stickers, temporary tattoos… Big Lots, Oriental Trading are both good sources

This year, I told my 14 year old that mom is done with purchasing costumes. She has to purchase it or make it herself. “The kid” is borrowing stuff from friends and coming up with very creative, cheaper alternatives to a purchased costume. Funny how they become budget minded when it’s their money.

Me, well I always put on a silly hat or wig, just to be festive as I visit with neighbors and friends.

Happy Halloween!