Savvy Halloween Tips: Save Big on Costumes and Treats

coin As Halloween approaches, many families in the UK are looking for ways to celebrate without breaking the bank. With rising prices on treats and decorations, it’s crucial to embrace creativity and resourcefulness when planning your spooky festivities. Here are some smart strategies to make your Halloween memorable while keeping costs down.

The cost of Halloween treats has seen a significant increase due to higher ingredient and production expenses. For instance, a 22-pack of Haribo Starmix from Tesco has jumped from £2.35 to £3 this year. Additionally, chocolate prices surged by 18.1% as of September, according to official statistics. To maintain a budget-friendly Halloween, consider bulk-buying and being selective with your purchases.

Zoe Morris, a savings expert from VoucherCodes, suggests, “Choose individually wrapped treats – they last longer, stay hygienic and reduce waste if they’re not all handed out.” She advises purchasing sweets that your household enjoys to avoid wasting leftovers.

When shopping, comparing the cost per kilogram can help, but remember that the number of treats in each packet matters if you’re handing them out to trick-or-treaters. For example, B&M offers a Tricky Treats Popping Candy multipack of 36 sweets for just £1. Meanwhile, Morrisons has a 16-pack of Swizzels Luscious Lollies priced at £1.25 (or £1 with a More Card), and Asda features the Haribo Share the Happy 22-bag multipack for £1.98.

One of the best ways to save on Halloween costumes is to raid your own wardrobe. By utilizing clothes you already own, you can create unique outfits. For instance, a simple black top paired with homemade ears crafted from an old headband and black card cut into triangles can easily transform into a mysterious black cat.

Savvy Halloween Tips: Save Big on Costumes and Treats In contrast to a store-bought vampire costume costing approximately £20 on Amazon, you might find a budget-friendly white shirt at a local charity shop. Add a length of black material and some makeup to complete the look, which can also be reused or repurposed for future events.

Get inventive with props: attach googly eyes to a black umbrella and hang thick strands of fabric to create a spooky spider. Alternatively, add faux blood stains (a mix of flour, water, and red food coloring) to some old, damaged clothes for a zombie costume.

According to a report from Gumtree in 2024, the average British shopper acquires around 10 Halloween decorations each year, many of which ultimately end up in landfills. Jessie Brooks, product manager at Davincified, notes, “People think impressive Halloween decorations require expensive props from specialist shops, but some of the most effective scares come from simple materials you already have.”

DaVita's Q3 2025 Earnings Call: Key Insights and Future Directions Consider cutting out spooky shapes from cardboard (available for £1 a pack at The Works) — think bats, spiders, or creepy hands — and hang them from ceilings, doors, and windows. You can create floating ghosts using white balloons or old white sheets paired with glow sticks (£1.50 for a pack of 15 from Tesco).

Transform plant pots into pumpkin jack-o'-lanterns by using a marker pen or sticking on adhesive felt shapes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. If you do decide to purchase decorations, opt for items that can be reused annually. For example, Cancer Research offers a spider doorstop for £6.99, which is perfect for display in October but also functional throughout the year.

Another effective way to save this Halloween is to organize shared activities with friends or family. This might include hosting a potluck-style Halloween party where everyone contributes a dish or dessert, thus spreading the cost and effort.

You can also think about arranging group outings, such as visiting a local haunted house or pumpkin patch, which can often come with group discounts. Sharing the experience makes it more fun and affordable for everyone involved!

This Halloween, embrace creativity and resourcefulness to celebrate without overspending. By making smart choices, such as DIY costumes, bulk-buying treats, and creating eco-friendly decorations, you can enjoy the spooky season while being mindful of your budget. Happy Halloween!