A savings expert has revealed how to beat high prices and spending pressure this Halloween with five simple tips
Halloween is no longer just a night of trick-or-treating. It’s grown into one of the biggest dates on the UK calendar, and 2026 could be set to be its busiest year yet. From gory get-ups to overflowing treat bowls, households up and down the country are getting ready to celebrate.
But, while spooky season continues to grow in popularity, it’s also becoming more expensive – with 41% of shoppers saying Halloween spending now rivals Christmas. For families already watching their budgets, the scariest part of Halloween this year could be the cost of celebrating it.
To help the nation enjoy Halloween without the terrifying price tag, Clair Hughes, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, has shared five spook-tacular money-saving tricks to keep family celebrations budget-friendly this year.
1. Set a realistic budget
Before the celebrations begin, Clair says the first step to a stress-free Halloween is to decide what you can comfortably spend:
“Halloween doesn’t need to be expensive – you can even celebrate for free if you get creative. But – the reality is you may want to spend a little bit, so before anything else, set a realistic budget that won’t impact your essentials (or savings). Every household has different disposable income, so while some may go all out, others might want to keep costs lower.
“A simple guide is the 50:30:20 rule – 50% of monthly income goes on essentials, 30% on fun, and 20% on savings or debt repayments – which you can adjust to suit your needs.
“Once you’ve set your limit, prioritise what matters most. If trick-or-treating is the highlight, focus on costumes, or if you’re hosting, put more towards treats or decorations. The key is making your money work where it counts.”
2. Shop smart for sweets
With food inflation pushing up the price of confectionery, sweets for trick-or-treaters are noticeably more expensive this year. Clair suggests simple ways to avoid overspending:
“We’ve seen the price of Halloween sweets creep up each year, so it’s more important than ever to shop smart when it comes to trick or treat supplies.
“The most cost-effective way is to look out for multi-buy deals that offer variety, without overspending. Choose individually wrapped treats – they last longer, stay hygienic, and reduce waste if they’re not all handed out. A smart tip is to only buy sweets your household enjoys – that way, any leftovers won’t go to waste.
“And don’t get tricked by packaging. Always compare cost per kilogram to get the best value for money! Bigger tubs usually work out cheaper – the Swizzels Big Party Mix at Home Bargains is currently £3.99 for 900g, which is around 85 sweets at under 5p each. That’s much cheaper per kilo than a lot of smaller tubs and multipacks on the shelves!”
3. Decorate for less
Decorating your home is another seasonal expense that can add up quickly, but Clair says creating a spooky atmosphere doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
“The great thing about Halloween is that it doesn’t have to take much to decorate. With October half-term right before Halloween, it’s the perfect time to keep kids busy with do-it-yourself decorations that also double as fun (and sometimes free!) activities.
“Carving pumpkins is a classic, low-cost activity for all ages – just don’t buy them too early, or they may start to rot before the big night.
“If you’re aiming for a no-spend Halloween, get creative with materials you already have at home. Cotton wool makes for easy cobwebs, while black bin bags can make effective window displays, ghosts, or ghouls – with just a pair of scissors and a pinch of creativity.
“Decorating doesn’t have to be expensive – an afternoon of crafts can involve the whole family, and turn your home into a haunted masterpiece.”
4. Swap, borrow and resell
Most Halloween buys only see the light of day once a year, and kids can outgrow a costume before next October. Clair says passing things around is one of the easiest ways to cut costs.
“Before you buy anything new, speak to your network. Friends, family and neighbours often have costumes, decorations and party bits tucked away from last year, so organising a quick swap with other parents or the school WhatsApp group means everyone gets something ‘new’ for free.
“Online marketplaces like Vinted and eBay are great for pre-loved costumes and decorations, and don’t forget to have a look in your local charity shop too. And once Halloween is over, don’t let it all gather dust. Store reusable decorations carefully for next year, and list anything you won’t use again while demand is still there, so that money can go towards next year’s celebrations.
“It’s a win-win. You save money, cut down on waste, and someone else gets to enjoy it too.”
5. Time your shopping
As with all seasonal shopping, time is of the essence. Clair advises that when you buy your Halloween supplies can make all the difference to your budget.
“Start early to avoid last-minute price hikes – as no one wants to pay double for sweets or costumes the weekend before.
“If you’re a long-term planner, the cheapest time to buy is November 1st – when everything is reduced to clear. But, if you’re shopping for this year, aim for early October to get ahead of the price rises, and avoid low stock.
“Don’t just rely on the supermarket aisles either – check out discount stores like Home Bargains, B&M, and Poundland, or check out discount sites to see how you can purchase similar products for a fraction of the supermarket price.
“Smart shopping doesn’t mean cutting corners – it means planning ahead, shopping around, and using offers and discounts to your advantage.”
For more information on VoucherCodes.co.uk, visit the website.
Image: Depositphotos
