Tips for Scary Cheap Halloween Candy and Decor

When it comes to spending money during Halloween, it’s no surprise that candy is where it’s at.

Do you know that Americans spend around $6 billion on Halloween each year?

Forget Halloween costumes, $2 billion of that amount is on the candy alone, which averages out to around $20 per person.

But not every person or household can afford to spend this much money on candy and décor for one night, especially in this economy.

To help you save some cash without sacrificing the spirit of Halloween, we’ve come up with a few helpful tips that are easy to carry out.

Off the Spooky Path

Halloween is the greatest holiday for the U.S. candy industry, out pacing Christmas, Easter and even Valentine’s Day. If you’d like to save a few bucks on Halloween candy, consider buying the store brand or an off-brand bag of mixed confections.

There are around 1,600 candy manufacturers in the United States, with the two largest, Hersheys Co. and Mars Snackfoods, making 15 of the top 20 best-selling candy items. These candy giants seem to have the market cornered and often price their products accordingly.

Buying generic brands from the remaining 1,598 manufactures will give the trick-or-treaters the sugary rush they crave, but help you save a few extra bucks.

Scary Deals with Coupons

Coupons and in-store deals also run rampant during Halloween season. Be sure to monitor the newspaper for local deals at dollar and discount stores.

Giant Savings Tactic

Also, buying in bulks is a great way to save as well. 26 percent of household give out full-sized candy bars on Halloween. This can get expensive fast, especially if every kid in town hears you’ve got the best treats around.

Instead, head to a bulk store, like Costco or Sams Club, and stock up on the giant bags of mixed candy to split with a neighbor or relative. You’ll save money and still have a great variety for picky kids. Here are some bulk deals from Amazon.com:

• Hershey’s Halloween Snack Size Candy Assortment, 130-Pieces
• Kirkland Signature Sunshine Candy Halloween Candy Mix Bag – 7 Pounds Value Bag
• Hershey’s Halloween Snack Size Candy Assortment, 125-Piece

Dr. Frankenstein’s Cookies

You could also consider making your own Halloween treats. Although most parents I know want to see manufacturers wrapping on the candy for safety reasons, you may have a more trusting community. Or you may be planning a Halloween party. In that case, searching for a nice Halloween treat recipe would be ideal.

The Day of the Deal

For saving on Halloween decorations, consider purchasing your items on Halloween day. Many stores might start discounting their goods in hopes of making quick sales. Also, the days following Halloween are great for finding the best deals.

Purchase your garlands, lanterns, lights, and other essentials after the holiday to save anywhere from 25 to 75 percent off the retail price. Simply store the decorations in a large plastic bin until next year and the savings will be worth the wait.

Preparing for Halloween doesn’t have to break the bank. With these tips in mind, it can be a fun and festive holiday enjoyed by all, especially your wallet.

Data source: Adage