It’s a good idea to save money on Halloween candy if you plan on participating at all this year. Halloween has become big business in Canada. What was once a holiday exclusively for kids has now reached into offices, adult costume parties, and themed events at nightclubs. A recent survey reported that 69% of people will spend up to $100 on Halloween 2025. Not hard to do when contending with budget-gobbling expenses like
- Costumes
- Entertainment (performers, music, bar cover, etc.)
- Decorations
- Candy
- Food and drinks
Fifty-eight percent of Canadians say they will celebrate Halloween this year. Ninety-seven percent plan to make a Halloween-related purchase. Whatever the reason, Canadians are spending more on this one-day-a-year event. If you’re looking for ways to have a fabulous Halloween without breaking the budget, here’s where to save and where to splurge on this spooky time of year.
Where to save money on Halloween
Costumes
When looking for a costume, start at second-hand stores. Not just for creative ideas of what you can make into a costume, but for used costumes as well. Thrift stores are full of costumes worn only once that have been donated. They’re selling them at a fraction of what they would cost new.
Decorations
The decoration in front of some of the homes can be really over the top, and so are their costs. This is another place where you can save by checking the second-hand market. Try sites like Facebook Marketplace, Karrot, or local Buy Nothing group to see what Halloween decorations people are parting with. Renting decorations is another option that may save you a lot of money.
Candy
Of course, the star of Halloween 2025, really every Halloween, is Candy. Many kids get so much candy that they can’t finish eating through their haul. Why let all that sweet goodness go to waste? Don’t go overboard with the candy you hand out. The fun-size chocolates and candy are perfect. If you’re handing out full-size candy packages, you will blow your budget quickly. Buying candy at the dollar store can maximize your savings while still getting to see lots of smiles and cute costumes when you answer the door.
Items to spend a little more on
Makeup
To make your costume really pop, applying ghoulish makeup can make all the difference. Not all of us have fake blood and vampire teeth lying around. Spend the extra money on the small accessories and makeup to bring your costume to a new level. Also, from a hygienic standpoint, makeup isn’t as easily shared as other Halloween items.
Entertainment
If you’re throwing a Halloween party, spend on entertainment. It could be hiring a D.J. for the night, or maybe a magician to come in to do some scary tricks. A good entertainer can add value to any party. People aren’t likely to remember people’s costumes, but they will remember good entertainment.
General saving tips
- Buy candy in bulk
- Shop just after Halloween for deep discounts on the stuff you can use next year
- Hosting a party? Go for a potluck.
- Think clever rather than fancy. There’s a good chance you’ll save money, but your costume will still be memorable.
- Buy a reusable pumpkin instead of a new one each year.
- Reuse old decorations and costumes.
- Swap costumes with a group of friends.
- Use rewards points to help cover the cost.
- Search out coupons and deals.
Final thoughts
However you spend Halloween 2025, with your kids or at a late-night party, don’t let your spending get frighteningly out of control. There are ways to combine a spooky good time without busting your budget. If you really want to go all out for Halloween, plan by adding a Halloween section to your budget. That way, you won’t be trying to bring your bank account back to life after All Hallows’ Eve.
If debt is scaring you away from celebrating Halloween, we can help. Call one of our Credit Counsellors for a free, no-obligation consultation. They’ll go over all the debt-relief options available to get your finances back under control.
