Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
5 shrewd ways to slash Halloween spending for Christmas
By itself, that amount may not sound like much. But think about what else you could do with that money, imagine if you could cut that by half, or even 75%. Instead of spending nearly $83 on one day, you could spend just over $21.Then, consider that at an average of $15-20 per person (without even being all that saving savvy) for a Christmas gift – that $60+ savings represent at least 3 gifts. And if you are saving savvy when it comes to gift-giving – it could represent at least 6 gifts! To me, the Christmas gifts are, by far, a better use of my money.
That's why I came up with these 5 shrewd ways to slash Halloween spending for Christmas:
(1) Don't buy a full or new costume:
To really save, pick something that is easily and inexpensively portrayed, with just a few elements. A simple example would be a mummy, made easily by tearing an old white bed sheet into strips. If you don't have one lying around, hit a secondhand store – around $2. Done. For inspiration, peruse YouTube.com and Pinterest.com.
(2) Think outside the commercial Halloween costume box.
The streets will be flooded with princesses and superheroes. In fact, the National Retail Federation noted that princess costumes were just swept off their 11-year #1 costume throne by superhero costumes. So why even try to do what everyone else is doing? Stand out, while saving money!
To make unique (and inexpensive) costumes happen, hit secondhand stores and the dollar store first, and then get creative. Make a goal to pull together looks for $5 or less. Think witty, old-fashioned, and homemade. Focus on costume ideas where you won't need every piece of clothing to be specific.
(3) Don't think you have to treat the whole city:
Overbuying candy is a Halloween standard. After all, no one wants to be the house that runs out, right? Get over that fear for the sake of your budget. Just buy an estimated amount, and stick to one piece per person. If you run out, you run out. The incredible amount of sugar and fat trick or treaters will go home with is plenty, without your one more piece. Besides, if people come later in the evening and miss out… it's usually because they've already been elsewhere, dumped out their bags, and started again. They aren't hurting for treats.
(4) Go as cheap as possible on the handouts:
I know some people really take pride in being the house that hands out whole candy bars – don't let that pressure you. As I already mentioned, kids (and adults) will get loads of sugar. Consider buying smaller pieces of candy, or even going with a non-candy idea, which can sometimes be less expensive per piece.
(5) Use coupons and shop deals for everything you need:
Right now, there are lots of coupons and store deals for candy. Candy is on sale at every store, so compare prices and search for coupons. You can use our free coupon database at SavingsAngel.com.
For other Halloween needs, search for coupons on Retailmenot.com for retail stores and more. You'll find coupons for places like Spirit Halloween, Michael's, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Party City, and more.
If you do any online shopping, be sure to click through SavingsAngel.com/ebates before you buy to save even more.
And, finally, before you even hit the secondhand stores, find out if there are coupons out in local coupon books or newspapers, or if they have certain days things are on sale. You'll be supporting a local business while saving even more for your Christmas gift-giving budget.
