From homemade costumes to secondhand decorations, a little creativity and planning can help make Halloween memorable without overspending.
On this episode of Cash and Coffee, brought to you by the Radar Free Press, Quinn and Emily reflect on their favorite Halloween costumes growing up and discuss how families can stretch their dollars as the holiday season gets underway.
Homemade Costumes Create Lasting Memories
For Quinn, one of the most memorable Halloween costumes was a Creeper from Minecraft that his dad made using cardboard and glow-in-the-dark paint, with mesh material covering the eyes and mouth. The homemade costume was a standout memory, not just because of how it looked, but because of the time and effort his family put into creating it.
Emily also remembers dressing up as the Pink Power Ranger for two years in a row, along with dressing as a clown. While her family sometimes purchased costumes from Halloween stores, she now sees the value in making costumes at home.
Creating a costume together can be an affordable alternative to purchasing a pre-made outfit. It also allows parents and children to spend time together, exercise their creativity, and build memories that last long after Halloween.
Emily reflected on how she might approach costumes differently if she could do it again. For example, instead of purchasing a ready-made tutu when her daughter wanted to dress as a ballerina, she could have purchased tulle and made one together.
Although homemade projects may require extra time and planning, they can provide a meaningful experience while helping families save money.
Halloween Stores Can Come With a Scary Price Tag
Halloween stores offer a wide variety of costumes, decorations, and accessories, but the convenience can come at a high cost.
Emily recalled taking her children to Spirit Halloween, where her son wanted a blow-up dragon costume that cost nearly $70. Although she purchased it, the experience reminded her how quickly seasonal expenses can add up.
The same concern applies to elaborate outdoor decorations, including animatronics that may only be displayed for a few weeks each year. Before making a purchase, families can consider how often they will use an item and whether a less expensive alternative would work just as well.
Setting a Halloween budget ahead of time can help keep spending under control, especially as families prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas expenses in the months ahead.
Thrift Stores and Facebook Marketplace Offer Affordable Alternatives
One of Emily’s biggest recommendations is to explore secondhand shopping before paying full price for seasonal items.
Stores such as Goodwill can be excellent places to look for Halloween costumes, clothing, and decorations. Families may also find individual pieces that can be combined to create a unique costume at a fraction of the cost of a new one.
Facebook Marketplace is another resource worth exploring. Emily regularly uses the platform to find household items, curtains and decorations, along with other unexpected bargains.
She recently purchased a vehicle through Facebook Marketplace after her family began looking for a more economical way to commute. With her husband driving from Amboy to the nuclear plant in Byron, fuel expenses had become a concern. The family found a Chevrolet Cruze in Franklin Grove with approximately 150,000 miles for $4,000, giving them an affordable option for a work vehicle.
While shopping through online marketplaces requires careful consideration of an item’s condition, price, and reliability, the experience illustrates how looking beyond traditional retailers can uncover opportunities to save.
Quinn has also browsed Facebook Marketplace, including when searching for his first car. Even when a purchase is not planned, browsing can help shoppers see what is available and compare prices before making a decision.
Decorations and Candy Don’t Have to Break the Budget
Costume expenses are only one part of Halloween spending. Candy, decorations, and other seasonal purchases can quickly increase the total cost of celebrating.
Emily recommends watching for candy discounts, checking clearance sections, and considering secondhand decorations. Walmart can also be an affordable option for seasonal decorations, particularly when items go on clearance.
For shoppers who enjoy decorating their homes, buying fewer items and choosing pieces that can be reused year after year can help reduce future expenses.
The key is to be intentional about spending. Rather than buying everything at once or purchasing an item simply because it catches your eye, consider what is already available at home, what can be reused, and what can be made for less.
Small Changes Can Make Holiday Spending More Manageable
As the holiday season approaches, Emily and Quinn plan to continue exploring practical ways to save money on Cash and Coffee.
Their Halloween conversation highlights an important lesson: celebrating does not have to mean spending more. Families can create enjoyable traditions through homemade projects, secondhand shopping, affordable decorations, and thoughtful budgeting.
Sometimes, the most meaningful part of a costume is not the price tag but the time spent creating it with someone you love. By combining creativity with a little preparation, families can enjoy Halloween while keeping more money available for the holidays ahead.
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