Cost forces people to skip Halloween costumes

Millions of us will be looking forward to our Halloween celebrations this weekend - but for many of us, it’s going to be expensive.

So it’s perhaps no surprise that many of us are planning to make compromises so we can save money.

According to research by TopCashback, one in seven (14%) Brits will celebrate Halloween this year but without dressing up.

And that’s largely because of the cost.

In fact, 59% of those who are skipping Halloween costumes said they’re doing so to save money.

That compares with just 20% who said they’re not dressing up simply to save time.

Parents looking to save money on kids’ costumes

Parents, in particular, are keen to to save money on Halloween costumes for their kids.

Even though more than half (55%) of parents with children under 18 say their children will dress up for Halloween, 11% plan to reuse an old costume.

Meanwhile, 9% will partly make their outfit and 3% will either hire or borrow something to wear.

And of those who are buying a costume for their child, more than two in five (42%) say it costs more this year.

How can I put together a cheap Halloween costume?

If you’re struggling to find a last-minute costume for your Halloween night out, raid your wardrobe.

An old shirt, some fake blood from Poundland, and a bit of eyeliner can easily turn you into a zombie or vampire. 

And if you’ve got time, head to charity shops like Oxfam, British Heart Foundation or Cancer Research UK.

They’ll be bursting with clothes you can repurpose in minutes, or even fancy dress items for just a few quid.

For cheap accessories, supermarkets all stock affordable Halloween ranges, from witch hats to face paint. 

And if you’re really crafty, YouTube and Pinterest are full of easy DIY costume tutorials.