Are You Spending Too Much on Halloween This Year?
Halloween spending is soaring to record highs—discover if you're overspending on candy, costumes, and decorations, and learn smart ways to cut costs without skimping on the fun.
Halloween has evolved from a simple trick-or-treat night into a multi-billion-dollar extravaganza, with total U.S. spending projected to reach a record $13.1 billion in 2025, up nearly 13% from prior years, and an average of $114.45 per person. This marks a significant jump from earlier averages like $82.93, driven by inflated prices on candy (up 11% to $3.9 billion), costumes, and decorations. While 73% of Americans plan to celebrate, many are feeling the pinch from rising costs, with 59% forgoing purchases due to inflation. If your budget is creeping toward $172 or more like some splurgers, it’s time to check for hidden spending gremlins in decorations, candy, costumes, greeting cards, and parties.
Decorations: $2.4 Billion and Counting
About 70% of Halloween shoppers plan to buy decorations, contributing to $2.4 billion in spending, with 49% decorating homes or yards. In 2025, this category sees an 11% price hike amid tariffs, pushing consumers to discount stores (42%, up 5 points). Overspending happens when buying new full-price items yearly instead of reusing or DIYing. LendingTree notes 30% cut decorations due to inflation, yet 16% of splurgers prioritize them to impress neighbors.
To curb costs:
- Reuse and repurpose: Dig out last year’s skeletons, pumpkins, and lights—store properly post-holiday to avoid damage.
- DIY decor: Craft spiders from pipe cleaners, ghosts from cheesecloth, or luminaries from Dollar Tree jars for pennies.
- Thrift and sales: Hit post-Halloween clearances (50-75% off) for next year; check Facebook Marketplace or garage sales now.
- Natural elements: Free leaves, acorns, and branches create spooky vibes without spending.
Pro tip: Set a $20-30 decoration cap. One family transformed $15 in thrift finds into a viral yard display, proving creativity trumps cash.
Greeting Cards: An Unnecessary $390 Million
Surprisingly, 35.4% of shoppers drop $390 million on Halloween cards, averaging $5 each, often driven by guilt for distant nieces, nephews, or grandkids. This ‘greeting card guilt’ adds up fast, especially with premium Hallmark options. In a digital age, this category feels outdated, yet it persists among family-focused celebrants.
Smarter alternatives:
- Digital greetings: Free apps like Canva or Snapchat filters send spooky e-cards instantly.
- Handmade notes: Kids draw cards on construction paper—personal and free.
- Skip or bundle: Buy bulk cheap cards post-season or opt for group video calls.
Redirect those funds: $20 in cards buys a candy bag instead. Families report kids loving homemade versions more than store-bought.
Candy: The $3.9 Billion Sweet Trap
Candy claims the largest slice at $24.43 per person, totaling $3.9 billion in 2025 (up 11%), with 59% of Americans stocking up on Hershey’s, Reese’s, and M&M’s at $10-12 per large bag ($5-7/lb). Full-sized bars tempt 13% of splurgers, while ‘ghost spending’—small unchecked buys—adds 34% to overspending. Premium chocolates inflate bills, but kids expect them.
| Category | 2024 Spend | 2025 Projected | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Candy | $3.5B | $3.9B | 11% |
| Costumes | ~3.1B | ~3.5B+ | 13% |
| Decorations | ~2.2B | ~2.4B | 11% |
Savings strategies:
- Buy in bulk early: Warehouse clubs like Costco offer deals under $4/lb; stockpile in September.
- Mix cheap and premium: Pair dollar-store generics with fun-size name brands.
- Non-candy options: Glow sticks, stickers, or dental floss (yes, really) from $0.10/piece reduce sugar spend.
- Portion control: Use snack-size bags; buy only what you’ll use based on past trick-or-treaters.
NRF data shows candy dominates (35% of spend), but mindful buying keeps you under $20.
Costumes: $3.1 Billion in Fancy Dress
Costumes gobble $3.1 billion (13% up in 2025), the biggest pie slice, with 35% shopping online and 29% in stores like Spirit Halloween. Prices soar: Disney’s Sally costume from $35 to $45 (+28%), kids’ outfits up 5.6%. Pet costumes add $350M yearly, with 13-21% buying for fur babies. FOMO and neighbor pressure lead 40% to overspend.
Beat the budget busters:
- DIY magic: Transform old clothes—black pants + cape = witch; $10 total.
- Swaps and thrifts: Parent groups or apps like OfferUp yield free/cheap hand-me-downs.
- Rentals: Services like Rent the Runway offer costumes for $20-50.
- Group themes: Coordinate with friends for shared pieces.
35% find deals online via emails/coupons; aim for under $30/person.
Parties and Events: Hidden Extras
Beyond basics, parties rack up costs: 23% on supplies (cut by inflation-squeezed shoppers), food/beverages (10-7%), arts/crafts (16%), and themed outings (14%). Streaming subs for spooky movies hit 52%, pumpkins average $5.11 (up from $4.86). 28% have gone into debt before, 17% may again, regretting 49% of cases.
Party-smart tips:
- Potluck style: Assign snacks; BYOB cuts hosting bills.
- Free venues: Parks or backyards over rented halls.
- DIY games: Bobbing for apples, mummy wraps with TP—zero cost.
- Budget apps: Track via Mint; spread buys over months.
Parents with kids under 18 average $260; set firm limits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average Halloween spend per person in 2025?
A: $114.45, up ~$11 from last year, totaling $13.1B nationwide.
How can I save on Halloween candy?
A: Buy bulk early, mix cheap/premium, offer non-edibles like stickers.
Are pet costumes worth it?
A: $350M category, but DIY or skip—focus on kid fun first.
Why are Halloween prices rising?
A: Tariffs, inflation; 79% expect hikes, turning to discounts.
Have people gone into debt for Halloween?
A: 28% yes, often for decorations to impress; 49% regret it.
Final Thoughts: Reclaim Your Halloween Budget
With spending at record highs, audit receipts: decorations, cards, candy, costumes, parties. Use DIY, swaps, sales, and caps to enjoy without debt. Past averages like $82.93 balloon easily—stay vigilant for frightful finances. Track trends: Gen Z cuts most (74%), parents splurge ($260).
References
- Are You Spending Too Much on Halloween This Year? — Wise Bread. Pre-2024. https://www.wisebread.com/are-you-spending-too-much-on-halloween-this-year
- 2024 Halloween Spending Report — LendingTree. 2024. https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/study/halloween-spending-report/
- Expected Halloween spending rises in tandem with inflated prices — Retail Brew. 2025-10-09. https://www.retailbrew.com/stories/2025/10/09/expected-halloween-spending-rises-in-tandem-with-inflated-prices
- Halloween spending to hit record $13 billion — NRF via YouTube (Fox News clip). 2025. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOaKHFlkIqQ
- Halloween spending expected to hit record $13.1 billion amid rising costs — MyNews4 (NRF). 2025. https://mynews4.com/news/local/story/halloween-spending-expected-to-hit-record-131-billion-amid-rising-costs
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
