Spooky season is upon us! The smell of decaying leaves, the feeling of cool, crisp fall air, and the variety of Fall festivities are all indicative, Halloween is here! This year, despite inflating prices of food and goods, Americans are expected to spend a record high of $13.1 billion on Halloween items (candy, costumes, décor, etc.). How do we celebrate the fall and Halloween traditions we love without breaking the bank?
Picture from: Picture from Adobe Express.
- Explore your closets for clothing items you already own and create your own Halloween costume out of different pieces of clothing, jewelry, props, etc.
Assemble a costume you can throw together yourself using what you already own! One year, I threw together an orange-knitted turtleneck, a brown skirt, glasses and a magnifying glass and voila! My very own Velma costume from Scooby-Doo.
- Take advantage of post-season discounted Halloween items.
Following Spooky season, check out the sales leading up to holiday and seasonal promotions to see if there are any items on sale or clearance that you would like to use next year.
- Fall farms and haunted houses can be pricey. Try these inexpensive, festive fall activities!
- Bobbing for Apples
Try a healthier version of apple-bobbing by hanging the apples by strings and having guests select their apple by taking a bite without using their hands!
- Halloween Eye-Spy
Venture around your neighborhood or town on a Halloween scavenger hunt! Prompt your children to search for specific fall or Halloween decorations, flowers, etc.
- Pumpkin-Carving
The closer it is November, the more likely it is farmers have already harvested their pumpkins. If you see a field that has been harvested, there may be discounted or free pumpkins available. Check your local farms! Carve your pumpkins with your kiddos for a fun, inexpensive fall activity, then bake the pumpkin seeds for a tasty treat! Try this recipe for Spicy and Sweet Pepitas.
- Distribute healthy, inexpensive foods instead of candy during Trick-or-Treat hours.
Foods like apples, bananas, and oranges all come ready-to-go in their own natural packaging, making these fruits a healthy, delicious substitute for expensive Halloween candy. Pretzels, popcorn, and pencils are all thrifty substitutes, as well. Check out these healthy, budget-friendly alternatives to candy.
- When Trick-or-Treating, walk from house to house or share a vehicle with family or friends to reduce fuel costs.
No need to drive multiple vehicles for groups trick-or-treating together, or in the same location. Build relationships and reduce fuel costs by carpooling or walking with family and friends when trick-or-treating.
Embrace your Halloween and fall festivities, cherishing these experiences without spending an arm and a leg!
Written by: Caitlin Smith, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Guernsey County
Reviewed by: Kate Shumaker, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Holmes County