16 Frighteningly Frugal Halloween Hacks
Halloween sets the stage for lasting memories, but between the costumes, candy, and creepy decorations, it's easy to overspend.
From 2022 to 2023, Halloween retail spending increased by $1.60 billion (15.1%).
Between the $50+ costumes, oversized candy bags, and pricey decorations, your expenses might look scarier than the holiday itself.
But with a little creativity, you can keep your Halloween budget in check while still making the night unforgettable.
Costume hacks that save big
Halloween costumes can be one of the priciest parts of the holiday, but you don't have to spend a fortune to stand out. Here are some clever ways to create memorable, affordable looks that can be reused for years to come.
Fun fact: Spiderman is consistently the most popular costume for kids, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Hack #1: Costume swap parties
Instead of buying a full costume, organize a costume swap with friends, neighbors, or coworkers. Everyone brings gently used costumes or accessories to trade at no cost. It’s an eco-friendly and budget-friendly way to refresh your look without spending extra.
👻 Tip: Plan the swap 3-4 weeks before Halloween so you’ll still have time to shop for items you can’t find for free.
Hack #2: Makeup-forward costumes
Brush up on your makeup skills. A basic theatrical or special effects (SFX) makeup kit is a must for the popular sugar skull look, but you can also transform into a mime, clown, or zombie — no special costume required!
Hack #3: Peer-to-peer costume rentals
Why buy a costume you’ll only wear once? Peer-to-peer rental platforms like Pickle or Tulerie let you borrow creative, high-quality garments, often for 70–80% less than retail. It’s an affordable way to get a standout look without cluttering your closet.
Hack #4: Strategic costume investments
If you prefer to own, focus on one staple piece like a cape, mask, or jumpsuit. With a few tweaks and accessories, that single item can become the foundation for many different costumes year after year.
➢RELATED: The Spooktacular Guide to Halloween Thrifting
Decoration hacks for a spooky home
Transforming your space for Halloween doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Clever tricks can turn everyday items into chilling décor that wows guests and trick-or-treaters alike.
Fun fact: Around 70% of Americans budget $100 or less for Halloween decorations.
Hack #5: Black light magic
A basic black light ($10-15) transforms ordinary items into eerie glowing displays. Create spooky designs with laundry detergent on dark fabric, or hang white sheets painted with invisible highlighters for ghostly reveals when the lights go out.
Hack #6: Digital atmosphere loops
Skip the costly animatronics or fog machine. Use your TV or tablet to play free YouTube atmosphere videos of haunted forests, ghostly apparitions, or flickering candles. Instant mood at zero cost!
Hack #7: Silhouette storytelling
Cut spooky shapes — like witches, bats, or monsters — out of black construction paper and tape them to windows. Backlight them with a lamp so they’re visible from the street and you’ve got a dramatic, striking effect that costs less than $5.
Hack #8: Décor swap meet
Trade Halloween decorations with the neighbors each year. Everyone gets “new” items without spending a dime, plus you’ll build community connections.
Hack #9: Sound design focus
Place a Bluetooth speaker by your door playing free ambient sounds, like creaking doors, eerie winds, or distant screams. Sound creates atmosphere faster than visuals and costs nothing.
Treat & party hacks
From party refreshments to candy for trick-or-treaters, Halloween extras add up quickly. These simple hacks help you celebrate while keeping costs down.
Fun fact: Most households spend about $30 on Halloween candy.
Hack #10: Candy co-ops
Team up with neighbors to buy Halloween candy in bulk. Warehouse stores offer significant discounts on large quantities, and splitting both the cost and haul means everyone saves 20-30% while still having plenty to hand out.
Hack #11: Non-candy alternatives
Glow sticks, temporary tattoos, LED bracelets, or stickers often cost less per unit than premium candy brands, and kids love the novelty. For example, a pack of 100-count Halloween stickers costs about $5. Compare that to a $20 bag of assorted mini candy bars, and you can really see the difference.
Hack #12: Dry ice drink effects
For a few bucks, you can buy dry ice to create bubbling cauldrons and other foggy displays. It’s cheaper and safer than investing in a full fog machine but makes just as big of an impression at parties.
🧙♀️ Tip: Before using dry ice, be sure to brush up on safe handling practices.
Hack #13: QR code scavenger hunts
Generate free QR codes linking to Halloween riddles, spooky videos, or hidden clues. Place them around your home or yard for an interactive experience that costs nothing but entertains for hours!
➢RELATED: 5 Holiday Appetizers Your Guests (and Wallet) Will Love
Smart shopping strategies
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to Halloween spending. With the right timing and shopping tricks, you can score major savings on costumes, candy, and décor.
Fun fact: Most people start Halloween shopping in September; only about 16% wait until the last minute.
Hack #14: Time it right
Halloween items follow predictable pricing patterns:
- Late summer/Labor Day: Stores start stocking merchandise at full retail price.
- Late September – mid-October: Small promos (like buy one get one 50%); keep an eye on weekly store ads!
- October 25-30 (markdown phase): Retailers try to move bulk candy or excess décor; discounts deepen as the holiday approaches.
- November 1: Prices typically drop 50% immediately after Halloween; any remaining stock goes on clearance (70-80% off) in the days that follow.
⏰ Tip: Many Halloween candies have surprisingly long shelf lives, so check expiration dates on clearance items to start prepping for next year.
Hack #15: Leverage digital savings tools
Install free browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten that automatically scan for promo codes and cashback offers at checkout. And leading up to Halloween season, follow DIY and costume creators on social media — many partner with retailers to offer exclusive discount codes (typically 15-25% off) that won't appear in regular searches or email promotions.
Hack #16: Score professional-grade displays
Stores invest thousands in eye-catching Halloween displays they'll dismantle on November 1st. Just before Halloween, approach a store manager (preferably during a less busy time) and express interest in purchasing display items after the holiday. Many retailers would rather sell these props at 70-90% off than pay to store them for another year.
🎃 Tip: Big-box stores often have corporate policies preventing display sales, so this strategy works best with specialty Halloween shops and local retailers.
Budgeting for Halloween
Even with hacks, it helps to set limits. Create a Halloween budget that fits your finances and stick to it. Prioritize what matters most (maybe it’s a great costume or candy for trick-or-treaters) and adjust other areas accordingly. A little planning helps you avoid overspending.
Fun fact: According to the NRF, the pumpkin is the top-ranked Halloween costume for pets! Hot dog and bat are close behind.
If you need a little flexibility during the spooky season, we may be able to help. Explore your options, apply online, or visit your local Advance America today.
Happy Halloween! 🎃
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Notice: Information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Consult your attorney or financial advisor about your financial circumstances.
About the author
Ashley Masiello is an experienced copywriter and editor who has crafted engaging content for numerous websites and continues to do so with Advance America. She likes to combine her creative personality with clarity to make concepts easy and fun to read.
