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How to Keep Halloween Affordable

How to Keep Halloween Affordable

10/01/2024

By: Julie Waddle

Halloween is a time for spooky fun, creative costumes, and delightful treats, but it can also become surprisingly expensive if you're not careful. At FNB Community Bank, we believe that you can enjoy a fantastic Halloween without frightening your budget. Here are some tips to help you keep your Halloween affordable and still full of festive spirit.

1. Set a Budget

The first step to an affordable Halloween is setting a budget. Determine how much you're willing to spend on costumes, decorations, and treats. Having a clear budget in mind will help you make more informed decisions and avoid overspending.

2. Get Creative with Costumes

Costumes can be one of the biggest Halloween expenses. Instead of buying new costumes, consider these alternatives:

  • DIY Costumes: Use items you already have at home. A little creativity can turn everyday clothes into a unique costume.
  • Costume Swaps: Organize a costume swap with friends or neighbors. This way, everyone gets something new without spending a dime.
  • Thrift Stores: Check out thrift stores for affordable costume pieces. You might find hidden gems that cost a fraction of retail prices.

3. Make Your Own Decorations

Store-bought decorations can be pricey, but you can create an eerie atmosphere with some DIY projects:

  • Use Nature: Collect leaves, branches, and pinecones to create natural, spooky decor.
  • Repurpose Items: Turn old sheets into ghostly figures or use empty jars as candle holders.
  • Craft with Kids: Get the whole family involved in making decorations. It’s a fun activity that costs little and creates lasting memories.

4. Plan a Budget-Friendly Party

If you're hosting a Halloween party, you can keep it affordable without sacrificing fun:

  1. Free Entertainment: Plan games and activities that don't require expensive materials, like a costume contest or a spooky storytelling session.
  2. Potluck Style: Ask guests to bring a dish or drink. This way, you share the cost and variety of food and beverages.
  3. Simple Snacks: Focus on simple, themed snacks that are easy to make and won’t break the bank. We have a few ideas for you...

    • Monster Apple Bites

      • Ingredients: Apples, peanut butter, mini marshmallows, strawberries, candy googly eyes or chocolate chips.
      • Instructions: Cut apples into quarters and remove the core. Cut a wedge out of the skin side to create a mouth. Fill the mouth with peanut butter, place mini marshmallows along the top for teeth, add a slice of strawberry for a tongue, and stick on candy googly eyes or chocolate chips using a dab of peanut butter. These are healthy, fun, and eerie!
      • Apple Monster Teeth Recipe

    • Mummy Hot Dogs

      1. Ingredients: Hot dogs, crescent roll dough, mustard or ketchup for eyes.
      2. Instructions: Wrap hot dogs in crescent roll dough, leaving gaps for the mummy's eyes. Bake according to crescent roll package instructions until golden brown. Once cooled, dot mustard or ketchup on the exposed hot dog for eyes. These are a savory hit at any Halloween gathering!
      3. Mummy Hot Dogs

    • Ghostly Bananas

      • Ingredients: Bananas, mini chocolate chips, regular chocolate chips.
      • Instructions: Cut bananas in half and stand them upright. Use mini chocolate chips for eyes and a regular chocolate chip for the mouth. These spooky snacks are healthy, easy to make, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
      • Banana Ghost

    • Witch Hat Cookies

      • Ingredients: Fudge stripe cookies, Hershey’s Kisses, orange frosting.
      • Instructions: Place a fudge stripe cookie striped side down. Dab a bit of orange frosting in the center of the cookie and press a Hershey's Kiss on top to create a witch hat. Add more orange frosting around the base of the Kiss if desired. These no-bake treats are quick, festive, and delicious!
      • Witch Hat Cookies

5. Smart Trick-or-Treating

For those handing out treats, it’s easy to overspend on candy:

  • Buy in Bulk: Purchase candy in bulk to save money.
  • Non-Candy Alternatives: Consider non-candy treats, like stickers, pencils, or small toys, which can often be bought inexpensively in large packs.
  • Budget-Friendly Timing: Buy your candy a few days before Halloween when stores often have sales to clear out their stock.

6. Plan Ahead for Next Year

Once Halloween is over, take advantage of post-Halloween sales. Stock up on costumes, decorations, and other supplies at a fraction of the cost for next year.

Conclusion

At FNB Community Bank, we believe that financial health is just as important as having fun. By following these tips, you can enjoy a memorable Halloween without the financial fright. Remember, the best celebrations are about creativity, community, and making memories, not about how much you spend.

Happy Halloween from all of us at FNB Community Bank!

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