Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Halloween tips for trick or treat on the cheap

Halloween is lurking around the corner and the costs associated with the tricks and treats of the season can be a pocketbook horror show.

Shelling out hundreds of dollars on candy, costumes, decoration and accessories? Now, that's scary.

Here are a few tips to save on fright night:

Buy candy in bulk
Head to the nearest BJ's Wholesale Club, Costco or Sam's Club and stock up on your Halloween candy stash. Buying smaller, one-pound bags of goodies at the corner drug store costs about the same as a five-pound bag at a bulk-buying warehouse. The caveat? Bigger isn't always better in regards to variety. Also, not everyone is frequented by a slew of trick-o-treaters. Team up with a friend or neighbor when buying in bulk to split the savings.

Get spooked for less
Haunted houses, spooky hayrides and Halloween-themed amusement parks are a fave in the weeks leading up to fright night. Many attractions offer discounts to patrons if they visit during the weekdays instead of the weekend. Also, some haunts, like Six Flags' "Fright Fest," extend discounts to those who purchase tickets in advance at their online store.

Reuse decorations
Like to transform your home into a full-blown haunted hotspot? Consider reusing decorations from previous years or, better yet, buy seasonal decorations that can be used throughout autumn. Uncut pumpkins on the porch can be showcased in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Also, hay bales and garland made from plastic fall leaves can be transformed from a Halloween prop into a turkey day treat with ease.

Click here for additional ways to make your Halloween more budget friendly.

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