Halloween spending to hit record $13.1B

Halloween spending to hit record $13.1B — Here’s how to save

Halloween spending is expected to hit a record $13.1 billion this year, but these tips on costumes, candy, and decorations can help you save money

Halloween spending to hit record $13.1B — Here’s how to save

Halloween spending is expected to hit a record $13.1 billion this year, but these tips on costumes, candy, and decorations can help you save money

Spooky season is officially here. Halloween costumes and displays have been in stores since summer, giving families more time to shop and more pressure to spend. Since August, stores have been selling Halloween items. There's definitely this Halloween push or Halloween creep. That creep is about more than early displays. Tariffs on imports could also push up prices. *** lot of costumes that manufactured in China or other countries that have more significant tariffs on their imports, we may see prices going up. That's when buying used really makes sense. The National Retail Federation says each person will spend about $114 for Halloween this year, with overall spending valued at *** record $13.1 billion. $4.3 billion of that will be spent on costumes. Making them one of Halloween's biggest expenses. Consumer savings expert Andrea Warrock recommends shopping secondhand. You can go to local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or go online to eBay or even *** site like Poshmark, where you can buy gently used Halloween costumes. You can also see if your community has *** buy nothing group on Facebook where locals give things away for free or try ***. To swap with your friends and neighbors. Maybe you can also trade costumes, have *** swap party with other families who have kids around the same age. Those same strategies work for Halloween decor too, which the NRF says will make up $4.2 billion in spending this year. But if you want something new, Warrock says discount stores can offer the best deals. My favorite places to shop for Halloween decor would be retail. Like HomeGoods or TJ Maxx, look for Halloween decor that will last though, so that this way, whatever you're buying this year, you know you'll have it for several years. And don't forget the candy. The NRF says we'll spend $3.9 billion on treats. The latest consumer price index also shows candy prices are up 8.1% from this time last year. Buying in bulk can't help, and splitting with neighbors stretches your dollars even further. I like to buy in bulk, especially from *** warehouse club store. This is where you're gonna get *** better bang for your buck. Another easy move check your store's weekly ad. Many grocery chains rotate candy sales, so planning your trip around those deals can score you the sweetest savings. And one last tip, if you're willing to cut it close, candy is often marked down the most on Halloween day itself. Reporting in Washington, I'm Amy Lo.

Updated: 10:49 AM CDT Sep 30, 2025

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Halloween spending to hit record $13.1B — Here’s how to save

Halloween spending is expected to hit a record $13.1 billion this year, but these tips on costumes, candy, and decorations can help you save money

Updated: 10:49 AM CDT Sep 30, 2025

Editorial Standards ⓘ

Halloween is almost here, and Americans are spending more than ever.The National Retail Federation projects consumers will shell out a record $13.1 billion this year on costumes, candy, décor and even greeting cards. Costumes remain the biggest expense, totaling about $4.3 billion. Decorations account for $4.2 billion, candy $3.9 billion and greeting cards $700 million.Average per-person spending is projected at $114.45, also a record high. Of that, people will spend $37.62 on costumes, $36.85 on decorations, $34.24 on candy, and $5.74 on greeting cards. Families don't have to let spooky season scare their budgets. Here are some strategies to save money this year. Costume savings Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch recommends shopping secondhand to save on costumes."You can go to local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or go online to eBay or even a site like Poshmark, where you can buy gently used Halloween costumes," Woroch said.She also suggests organizing a costume swap with friends or neighbors. Local "Buy Nothing" groups on Facebook, where neighbors give away items for free, can also help families cut costs.Decor deals Woroch recommends mixing secondhand finds with deals at discount retailers."My favorite places to shop for Halloween décor would be a retailer like HomeGoods or TJ Maxx," she said. "Look for Halloween décor that will last, though, so that this way, whatever you’re buying this year, you know, you’ll have it for several years."Candy costs The latest Consumer Price Index shows candy and chewing gum is up 8.1% compared to last year."We know prices on food and candy and chocolates have gone up, so it’s important to look for savings," Woroch said. "I like to buy in bulk, especially from a warehouse club store. This is where you’re going to get a better bang for your buck."Families can also stretch their dollars by splitting bulk packages with neighbors or by planning trips around store sales. Grocery chains often rotate candy promotions week to week.If you’re willing to cut it close, Woroch said Halloween Day itself is often when candy is marked down the most.

Halloween is almost here, and Americans are spending more than ever.

The projects consumers will shell out a record $13.1 billion this year on costumes, candy, décor and even greeting cards. Costumes remain the biggest expense, totaling about $4.3 billion. Decorations account for $4.2 billion, candy $3.9 billion and greeting cards $700 million.

Average per-person spending is projected at $114.45, also a record high. Of that, people will spend $37.62 on costumes, $36.85 on decorations, $34.24 on candy, and $5.74 on greeting cards.

Families don't have to let spooky season scare their budgets. Here are some strategies to save money this year.

Costume savings

Consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch recommends shopping secondhand to save on costumes.

"You can go to local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or go online to eBay or even a site like Poshmark, where you can buy gently used Halloween costumes," Woroch said.

She also suggests organizing a costume swap with friends or neighbors. Local "Buy Nothing" groups on Facebook, where neighbors give away items for free, can also help families cut costs.

Decor deals

Woroch recommends mixing secondhand finds with deals at discount retailers.

"My favorite places to shop for Halloween décor would be a retailer like HomeGoods or TJ Maxx," she said. "Look for Halloween décor that will last, though, so that this way, whatever you’re buying this year, you know, you’ll have it for several years."

Candy costs

The latest shows candy and chewing gum is up 8.1% compared to last year.

"We know prices on food and candy and chocolates have gone up, so it’s important to look for savings," Woroch said. "I like to buy in bulk, especially from a warehouse club store. This is where you’re going to get a better bang for your buck."

Families can also stretch their dollars by splitting bulk packages with neighbors or by planning trips around store sales. Grocery chains often rotate candy promotions week to week.

If you’re willing to cut it close, Woroch said Halloween Day itself is often when candy is marked down the most.

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