Six ways to ‘slash’ your Halloween spending this year

Halloween might be the spookiest night of the year, but the real horror story? How much it can cost. Between costumes, decorations, and sweets, it’s easy to end up spending a small fortune - and regretting it the next day.

But don’t panic. With a few clever tricks, you can enjoy all the fun without frightening your bank balance. Here’s six ways to slash your Halloween spending and still have a scream.

1. Stop wasting cash on pricey costumes

Fancy dress shops are great fun to browse, but not so kind to your wallet. Instead of forking out £30 or more for a costume you’ll wear once, get creative.

Start by raiding your wardrobe. An old shirt, some fake blood from Poundland, and a bit of eyeliner can easily turn you into a zombie or vampire. If you need something new, check out charity shops like Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, or Cancer Research UK. You’ll often find fancy dress or vintage clothes for just a few quid.

For cheap accessories, Primark, Asda, and Wilko (where stores remain open) 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.

2. Throw a Halloween party without the scary bill

A Halloween party doesn’t have to cost the earth. Instead of splashing out on venue hire or expensive bar tabs, host it at home. Ask everyone to bring a spooky snack, drink, or decoration. It spreads the cost and adds to the fun.

If you’d rather go out, search for early-bird or midweek deals on sites like Groupon, Skiddle, or DesignMyNight. Many bars and clubs offer cheaper entry or free tickets if you book ahead.

Want to decorate on a budget? Check the seasonal aisles at B&M, Poundland, and Home Bargains. You can find everything from cobwebs to pumpkin lights for a fraction of the price.

3. Beat the trick-or-treat sweet trap

It’s easy to spend a fortune on branded multipacks of fun-size sweets, especially when you’ve got a queue of little monsters knocking at your door.

Save by buying larger value bags from Aldi, Lidl, or Tesco’s own-brand range. Divide them into smaller portions yourself. It’s cheaper and no one will know the difference.

Before you shop, check comparison sites like Trolley.co.uk or LatestDeals.co.uk to find where the best deals are. And remember, it’s fine to set limits. Once you’ve handed out your last sweet, pop a note on the door saying you’ve run out – there’s no shame in that.

4. Get crafty with your decorations

Halloween décor doesn’t have to cost a penny if you get creative. Reuse what you’ve got from last year. Those fairy lights, pumpkin buckets, and fake cobwebs will still do the trick.

If you fancy adding something new, Poundland, The Range, and Home Bargains are treasure troves for budget decorations. Or try making your own. Empty jars with tealights make eerie lanterns, black paper bats look brilliant on walls, and white bedsheets can double up as spooky ghosts.

TikTok and Pinterest are packed with DIY ideas that don’t require a single power tool or artistic bone. Just a bit of imagination.

5. Watch out for sneaky spending traps

Retailers know how to tempt us. From “must-have” costume bundles to limited-edition chocolate tubs, it’s easy to get carried away. Before you tap “buy now,” ask yourself - do I really need this, or am I just being sucked in by clever marketing?

Set a Halloween budget before you start spending. Work out how much you can afford for costumes, decorations, and treats – and then stick to it.

If you’re not sure where your money’s going each month, try the free budget planner at Money Wellness. It helps you see where your cash is disappearing and find ways to make it go further - not just for Halloween, but all year round.

6. Plan ahead for next year’s Halloween bargains

The best time to save on Halloween is after Halloween.

The day after 31 October, supermarkets and high street shops slash their prices on costumes, sweets, and decorations, often by half or more. Stock up on reusable items like lights, props, and masks while they’re cheap, and stash them away for next year.

You could even start a “Halloween fund” by popping £1 or £2 a week into a jar or savings pot so you’ve got a ready-made budget when next October rolls around. It’s a simple way to stop future scares at the checkout.