Amanda Amanda is a married 30-something with three kids. She previously worked full-time as a clinical social worker in a homeless shelter for young mothers. She earned her masters degree while commuting to school and learned to share parenting and conflicting parenting styles with her husband. Now she is learning to manage her career, marriage, kids, and personal time. Amanda is also a writer, a continuously-trying-to-start-again runner, reader, cook, novice pianist, terrible housekeeper, and amateur juggler. She hates laundry. Contact Amanda by emailing [email protected].

Looking for easy Halloween ideas? They could be in your closets, or backyard.

Sometimes we cut back on spending on principle or to simplify, but things really have been tight this year for my family. This year I believe my family has enjoyed the season leading up to the big day – Halloween – without spending a ton of money. We looked for easy Halloween ideas, both in costumes and events, to enjoy the day but not spend a lot.

Our Easy Halloween Savings

One of the first things we did was hit the Dollar Tree. I set a limit of $20 and we loaded up our cart; the kids and I were THRILLED with the items we got and they’ve lasted since September!

We also double dipped this season as often as possible and shopped at discount stores and on Facebook mom-to-mom sites. My costume was used for a Rosie the Riveter Guinness World Record event at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Mich. The total cost of my costume was $25. My oldest daughter’s costume was given as a birthday present; she wants to be an astronaut when she grows up. The total cost of her NEW WITH TAGS astronaut costume was $15. We also recycled an old costume for my youngest. It’s a prairie girl dress my mom made for me 25 years ago. Due to the material and mom’s excellent sewing skills, it looks brand new.

easy Halloween

easy Halloween

easy Halloween

Finally, we found inexpensive events, activities, and other ways to enjoy and celebrate the season. We went with our scouting troops on field trips and campouts. The kids spent a weekend at Grandma and Grandpa’s, where they got their pumpkins for the season as a treat. Grandma graciously gifted us with tickets to the Detroit Zoo Boo. We attended a free trick or treat trail in the city park with friends. To wrap up Halloween, we’ll be trick or treating with friends at a Halloween party.

easy Halloween

All told, this season we’ve spent far, far less than we ever have before, and because we focused on family and friends, we had the best time yet.

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Category: Saving Money

Tags: Amanda