Money Saving Mondays: Halloween

Count up all the candy, and all the costumes, all the pumpkins, and all the pretty home decorations, and you can quickly see how getting tricked out for Hallowe'en winds up being quite a treat for the nation's retailers.

The National Retail Federation predicts the average U.S. household will spend $77.52 this Hallowe’en, 3.3 percent more than last year. Across the country, the biggest categories for spending include $2.8 billion for costumes, $2.2 billion for candy, $2 billion for decorations – even a whopping $350 million for pet costumes.

“Every year, you see this big push for Halloween. It's a big spending time,’’ said consumer expert Annmarie W. Seldon of TrendyMommies.com “Kids love it, adults love it, and the costumes can get pretty pricey as well.’’

Her advice for holding down costs? For starters, don’t pay retail for getting dressed up.

“I think it's a great idea to go to a thrift store. They can have some very unique costumes, so if it's an avenue you'd like to take, certainly there are some unique costumes there.’’ Or rather than paying for new or used, settle for free or new to you. “Have a clothing costume swap. A lot of moms do that. A lot of play groups do that. You know: It's new to your child.’’

She also points out that your kid in a bedsheet or piece of cloth or all black can still make a big impression. “Another way to save on Halloween costumes is maybe just buy a hat or a wig, and that way, you can accessorize at home.’’

On the other side of Halloween, the giving, she recommends, “Buy in bulk when you're going to buy candy, because then you're getting some great savings, like a BJ’s. Or buy in bulk and share with a neighbor or friend,’’ Seldon said. And while it’s too late for this week, make a note on your August 2015 calendar: “Candy does have a shelf life, but it can last a couple of months, so I would start to think about it before school starts -- you know Hallowe'en is coming -- and maybe not wait to the last minute.’’