The National Retail Federation (NRF) predicts Americans will spend $8.8 billion on Halloween, the third-highest in a fifteen-year history. While the average consumer will outlay just under $90 this year, you may be trying to stretch your dollar a little further.
Three tips for creating a Halloween costume on a boo-get.
1. Shop your closet for an affordable costume
You don’t have to spend a ton of money on a one-of-a-kind costume. Simplicity is the key. Some examples include Men In Black, 80s Rock Star, Pageant Queen, Mary Poppins, Sandra Dee, or a Target employee. You can create any of these costumes using everyday items you already have in your closet. Â
If your creativity is lacking, search Instagram for #diyhalloweencostumes. You’ll find a myriad of ideas for a DIY Halloween costume on a budget. @studiodiy is my favorite.
2. Choose a make-up only costume
If you have a flair for make-up, consider a make-up only costume. Animals such as a deer, cheetah, or giraffe make the best candidate for a painted face. Add some glitter and a horn, and you’ve got yourself a unicorn. Keep your clothing to a single neutral color to allow your face to stand out. Â
 If you’re looking for something scary, consider a skull face, or a zombie. One of my favorite Halloween costumes on a budget is the half skull face like this one.Â
YouTube has some fantastic tutorials. Warning – If you’re new to make-up, don’t attempt to do this the night of your event. Give yourself plenty of time to practice a few times and remember to be patient.
3. Shop second hand for your Halloween costume
Year after year, I yearned to dress up my little guy in a Pottery Barn bear costume, but I couldn’t bring myself to spend $50+ on something that would be used once. One year while looking for some pumpkin decorations at Goodwill, I stumbled on my bear costume for $5. Â
Goodwill and Salvation Army typically put costumes out as early as fall, so shop early for the best finds. If you’ve got a contact, because you’re a frequent shopper, make sure to ask towards the end of summer when the best time to check-in is. And don’t forget to go to multiple locations. One Goodwill is never the same as the next.
Consignment shops are also a great alternative to Goodwill for a Halloween costume on a budget, especially if you have children.
After Halloween Tips:
Save some of your Halloween budget for the post-holiday sales. As with all holidays, the big stores will be eager to clear their inventory fast. Particularly at Halloween – they’re desperate to create additional room for Christmas decorations.
Plan to shop within the first few days of November for some deep discounts. If you have kids, Halloween costumes make excellent play costumes throughout the year.Â
Save your pumpkin candy buckets. You can recycle them for next year. They also make excellent plant holders for the fall season. Break them out as early as August to plant your mums or other fall foliage.
Sell your Halloween costume to a consignment shop. If you splurged this year, but not interested in keeping your costume, sell it to your local consignment shop and make some of your money back.
Do you have any Halloween savings tips? Share them in the comments below.
Read more:
What Are Halloween Shoppers Buying Near You?
Use Halloween To Teach Kids About Money
Why Winter (Post-Holiday) is the Best Time to Buy a Home
Kate Fox is a former CPA, with twenty years of experience in public accounting and corporate finance. Born and raised in Alaska, Kate is currently based out of southeastern North Carolina. She loves coaching others on personal finance and spends her free time traveling with her family or relaxing by the pool with a good book, probably about money.