Have a spooky celebration without hurting your wallet

It's relatively easy to get wrapped up and spend a lot of money on party preparations. This year, reduce expenses by being creative.

1. For the costume

• Buying a costume during the sales, just after Halloween, is definitely a good idea. Plan ahead for next year!
• Make it yourself.
• Use homemade make-up (food products and dyes).
• Borrow, exchange or rent.
• Check out resale sites.
• Visit thrift stores and dollar stores for bargains.

2. For decorations

• Make them yourselves as a family activity.
• Use fallen leaves (e.g., make a scarecrow out of old clothes or pumpkin bags).
• Use old clothes and sheets to create characters and ghosts.
• Choose reusable decorations.
• Play music to set the right mood.
• Decorate with squashes and pumpkins that you can cook afterwards.

3. For candy

There are 2 completely different strategies:

• Stock up throughout the year by taking advantage of sales.
• Wait until the last minute to buy candy, because it's usually less expensive. However, your choice may be more limited.

4. Other actions to consider

• Compare candy sizes and quantities to get more for your money.
• Check discount coupons.
• Compare house brands with popular brands.
• Calculate the taxes. Candy is a taxed product, because it's considered a snack.
• Offer other types of candy purchased in bulk.
• If you've chosen to buy candy in advance to save money, keep it out of sight to avoid eating it and having to buy more.
• Give out the candy yourself on Halloween night, rather than letting visitors in costume help themselves.

Remember that planning ahead often helps reduce stress and avoid many last-minute costs. And having a dedicated budget for the holidays is an excellent strategy, especially if you stick to it! That way, you can avoid overspending or being surprised by the bills.

5. Reduce your ecological footprint

Be a superhero. In addition to being economical, you can also be eco-friendly!

• Avoid plastic decorations and light-up accessories.
• Encourage a local producer by picking your own pumpkin from their field.
• Avoid over-packaging by not making small candy bags.
• Give friends and family baked goods rather than purchased items.
• Make your own bag for storing candy.
• Go trick-or-treating on foot as opposed to by car.
• Wait outside or on your balcony for children in costumes to come, which can reduce your energy bill because you'll avoid having to open and close the door.
• Cook pumpkins and squashes.
• Compost the pumpkin and squash leftovers.
• Use straw from hay bales as mulch for flower beds or compost.
• Use dead leaves to protect plants in the winter.

If you and your child think creatively, you're sure to find other ways to save, too!