Halloween Treats: Fill Your Trick-or-Treat Bowl for Less

Halloween treats for trick-or-treaters can be outrageously expensive. Read on for several ideas to fill your candy bowl for less.

Shop off-season- Avoid buying Halloween candy at full price by shopping the week after Halloween. This strategy requires planning a year in advance, but can easily save you 75-90 percent off retail.

Save up- There’s no rule that says you have to buy candy to full your candy bowl. Take the free approach to Halloween, and save up candy that you get all year—think parade candy, gift candy, leftover Halloween candy from last year, etc.

Halloween toys- Kids’ receive a ton of candy at Halloween, so opt for something a bit different and save. Halloween themed pencils, rings and trinkets are often much cheaper than candy. One year I purchased a bunch of plastic bugs at a yard sale and used those in place of candy—Kids loved them!

Recycle- Kids’ meal toys have a way of piling up when you have little ones at home. Clean out your kids’ closets, and you’re sure to find plenty of barely used trinkets to fill a bowl.

Rebate- Many manufacturers and stores offer rebates on candy around Halloween. Do your research, and you’re sure to find several offers that help to reduce the cost of your purchase. To maximize savings look for coupons that you can use on the same products.

Homemade treats- If you live in a neighborhood where everyone knows each other, consider making your own treats. Make a few batches of cookies, popcorn balls or another type of sweet, and you’re sure to spend considerably less than you would on candy.

School or art supplies- The back-to-school season sparks unbelievable prices on school supplies, so why not take advantage of the offerings? Load up on inexpensive boxes of crayons, pencil toppers, notepads, and other fun items; then surprise trick-or-treaters with something a bit out of the ordinary.

Glow-in-the-dark stickers- Increase the visibility of trick-or-treaters by handing out glow-in-the-dark stickers or accessories. Kids will love the stickers for their fun factor, and parents will love them for their safety appeal.

Slime- Mix up a batch of homemade slime in your kitchen, and then dispense a small bag or container to each child. Just be sure to include the recipe on the bag—the little ghouls and goblins are sure to want more.

Healthy treats- Small boxes of raisins and other individually packaged snacks are a great alternative to candy, and often cost considerably less. Head to your grocery store with coupons in hand, and you’re sure to come away with a bargain.

Whistles- If you’re looking for another safety-themed item, consider giving out inexpensive, plastic whistles. These can be purchased in bulk from businesses like the Oriental Trading Company for a very minimal price.

Give one or more of these Halloween treats a try, and you’re guaranteed to have all of the Halloween fun for half the price—maybe even less.

-Erin Huffstetler

Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less. For fun decorating and craft project ideas check out Erin's "Trash to Treasures" and "Bead Making Basics" courses at Suite101.com.