How To Beat The High Cost Of Halloween

My favorite holiday is fast approaching: Halloween. In the past, I didn't hesitate to drop a wad of cash on theme-related gegaws--candy, accessories, etc. Since the economy tanked, however, I've had to spend judiciously. Here are a few ways I've tried to save money while still enjoying the night.

--Costumes. When I see a $20-50 price tag on a costume, the first thing I think is, "That could buy a lot of milk." Instead of paying for polyester material and cheap construction, I break out my Singer and start sewing. Last year my daughter (who was nine) wanted to go as a witch. When Hobby Lobby ran their "Simplicity patterns for ninety-nine cents" sale, I bought a pattern. There are usually four or five patterns in one envelope. The materials were purchased with coupons, which Hobby Lobby will email to you; coupons range from "25% off one sale item" to "40% off one regularly priced item." I started buying materials and other supplies in September.

Another way to save on costumes: let the kids use their imagination. Two years ago my daughter wanted to go as a mom. Seriously, her costume consisted of pajamas, her housecoat, pink sponge rollers and eyeliner for wrinkles. I should have lent her a small purse--think Sofia from The Golden Girls.

How to save on Make-up: want to make bruises? Use food coloring! I did this one year and had some convincing looking bruises. Want to buy instead of making your own? That's okay, if you and a friend (or pesky little sister) are going as similar creatures, try sharing makeup. For the sake of good health--because who wants to share colds or pinkeye--don't share brushes or the makeup that goes around the eyes. Throw away makeup sponges after using.

I understand not everyone has the time or skills to create a costume from scratch, and that's okay. How about a costume swap? Do you have friends, neighbors or co-workers with kids? Get together with them and let the kids shop each others' costume closets!

--Candy. I used to spend around thirty dollars on candy for the neighborhood kids. But since most kids don't trick or treat anymore (in our area they go to the mall or parties at church) I've reduced the amount of candy I buy. Instead of buying a bag each of Twix, Reeses' Peanut Butter Cups and other hip-enlarging goodies, I buy one bag of Dum Dums. Or I buy items like Rice Crispy Treats, that way they can be used as school snacks.

--Decorations. My mom knows I love to decorate for Halloween. So this year she gave me a Rubbermaid container full of Halloween decorations: a couple of witches, some skeleton parts, two small skeletons. A few years ago she gave me a rubber skeleton. My idea is this: find decorations cheap. Shop Goodwill, Salvation Army and other consignment shops, especially in September when they want Halloween items gone.

Happy Halloween!