Halloween is almost upon us.  It’s tons of fun for kids -- but the cost of all the treats, decorations, and costumes can be downright frightening for parents.  In fact, the National Retail Federation reports that Americans spend nearly $3 billion at Halloween. Here are some ways to enjoy Halloween without breaking your budget.

1) Give Non-Candy Treats

This year, fight tooth decay and save money at the same time by giving trick-or-treaters some non-candy alternatives.  Think you’re letting the kids down by not offering sugary treats?  Think again.  In a study published in the Society for Nutrition Education Journal, kids ages 3 to 14 were just as likely to choose a Halloween toy as they were candy.  

Little trinkets and toys often cost much less than candy.  Inexpensive school supplies are great to give to trick-or-treaters.  Shop for them in July and August when they’re sold as loss leaders at major discount chains.  Or, better yet – hit the back to school clearance racks in September and October.  Packs of markers can be opened, divided and given away, as well as pencils, pens, and erasers.  

Other things like bouncy balls, rubber snakes, jelly bracelets, temporary tattoos, stickers (cut sheets into individual sizes), and spider rings can also be a big hit.  Look for them at party supply stores or your local dollar store. 

If you still want to provide edible treats, consider granola bars or fruit snacks. Coupons for these products are available online at sites like Coupons.com, or from the manufacturers’ Websites and can be less costly, healthier alternative ‘treats’ to hand out to kids.

2) Save on Candy

If you do opt for candy, get it for less. Buy in bulk to save money.  Check warehouse stores like Sam’s Club, Costco, and BJs for large bags.  Chocolate is a Halloween favorite; look for it in bags of miniature sizes instead of bigger bars.  Choosing hard candy (like suckers) can also help pinch pennies. 

If you’re not a member of a warehouse club, or there is not one near where you live, you can still save money on Halloween candy.  Coupons for candy and other treats can be found online. Nestle for example has a coupon for $1 off any Nestle bag of candy.  Click on the link or you can go here: http://www.verybestkids.com/CelebrationCorner to find this coupon.  You can also find coupons like this in Sunday circulars, but online printable coupons like the one above often have a higher discount value on them.  Additionally, you can combine coupons with in-stores sales to save even more.

3) Make Your Costumes

When you consider the cost and quality of costumes on the market today, it makes a lot of sense to make your own.  You don’t have to know how to sew or even be very crafty to put a fun ensemble together.  Consider what you have at home already and what can easily be found at your neighborhood thrift store. 

Some popular homemade costumes include: nerd, farmer, rock star, hippie, princess or queen, athlete, hunter or sportsman. 

4) Decorate Naturally

Instead of buying a lot of factory-made decorations, go with a fall harvest theme.  Things like Indian corn, gourds, squash, and pumpkins can be arranged on your front step or in your yard or on your tabletops inside.  Not only do things like that typically cost less, but they look great and add a touch of sophistication to your decorating and they can be kept up until Thanksgiving extending your decorating budget an extra month.  Shop for the best deals at roadside stands and farmer’s markets. 

Make use of pumpkins and squash after you’re done using them as decorations.  Search for recipes online that use them as ingredients.  Pumpkin can even be used as a natural facial mask and pumpkin seeds can be roasted and eaten.

5) Think Ahead to Next Year

Don’t forget to hit the after-Halloween sales for rock-bottom prices on spider rings, rubber snakes, and other holiday trinkets to give to trick-or-treaters next year.  While candy won’t last until next year, those things will!  While you’re there, search for bargains on decorations and party goods too.

Shop clearance racks for next years’ costumes when they are 75% or more off.  Younger children love costumes for imaginary play. Even if they don’t wear them next Halloween, they’re fun to have around.

These tips can help take some of the fright out of Halloween costs; so don’t be spooked, use these tricks to make Halloween a real treat without breaking your budget.