What do you get when you mix costumes, decorations, and candy? A Happy Halloween!!
Those that have children, probably feel the sting a little more while at the check-out. But Halloween doesn’t need to break the bank.
A few tips to keep in mind to help you save money
- Buy bulk candy to get the most for your money.
- Ration out how much you will give each Trick-or-Treater.
- Buy pumpkins close to Halloween to get the best deal.
- Make your own decorations – use leaves for stuffing in outside decorations, spray paint cardboard or cereal boxes for DIY headstones, or use cotton balls as cobwebs.
- Make your own costumes or only buy what you have to.
Halloween Safety Tips
In addition to saving money, your family’s safety is extremely important. Costumes, trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving are all Halloween traditions. But there are also dangers associated with each of those activities.
Costume Precautions
- Do not let children wear baggy or long costumes, as they are difficult to walk in and can be tripping hazards.
- Purchase wigs, costumes and accessories that are fire-retardant.
- Select face makeup and paint that is labeled as “FDA Approved” or “Non-toxic” to prevent allergic reactions.
- Place reflective tape on your children’s costumes and candy buckets if they are going trick-or-treating at night.
Trick-or-Treat Safety
- Remind children to walk only on the sidewalk and look both ways before crossing the street.
- Do not allow children under 12 years old to go trick-or-treating by themselves.
- Remind children to never approach or get into a car with a stranger offering them candy.
- Once your children get home, inspect their candy.
Pumpkin Carving Tips
- Only carve pumpkins on a flat surface with good lighting, such as a kitchen table.
- Use a pumpkin-carving kit that includes tools appropriate for the task.
- Place lit jack-o’-lanterns away from flammable objects such as sheets and curtains.
Having a good time does not mean spending a lot of money. Even on a budget you can have a spooky Happy Halloween!