By Aubrie Smith, copy editor.
When we were children, Halloween was about candy, fun costumes, and fake blood.
Now, being college students, we have an added responsibility come this spooky holiday. Being in the real world means spending real world money for things. Some of us have moved up from Snickers to adult beverages– some of us still want the Snickers– but that stuff is expensive.
If you live on your own, you’re probably thinking about trick-or-treaters, decorations, and what you’re going to dress up as.
The parties are coming, and you know you want to win that costume contest. We’re here to help you save more than pumpkin seeds this year.
DIY costume
Using things you already own, or buying some supplies at the dollar store, can be a super cheap way to create a costume. An old T-shirt and a cheap bag of fuzzy puff-balls can transform you into a gumball machine, some felt instead and you’re a Twister board. The possibilities are endless, and cheaper than the store.
Go for the cheap pumpkins
We get it, big pumpkins are tempting. Who doesn’t want a gigantic jack o’lantern on their porch? We know we do. However, smaller pumpkins are cheaper. And, let’s face it, your hard work gets eaten by squirrels in the matter of days. Save yourself the time and money, and opt for cheaper pumpkins this year.
Make your own decorations
Do not impulse buy all of the halloween decorations. Do not do it. Though we’re college students, and who doesn’t love the fall, decorations are expensive. Facing the facts, buying decorations now is not the “investment” we think it will be. When we settle into our forever homes, we’ll want different decorations. For now, make them out of craft paper. Finding templates online is a piece of cake. Save your money for lawn decorations later by making paper bats and bag pumpkins now. To Pintrest you go.
Buy your candy in bulk
Gordons Food Services and Sam’s Club are your best friend. The more you buy, the cheaper it gets. If you know your home is in the middle of Trick-or-Treaterville, stock up. Ask your neighbors how much they buy, and average yourself accordingly. It’s important not to overbuy because you’re trying to save money, but you don’t want sad kids if you run out early. Another idea is to buy cheaper candy (tootsie-rolls, suckers, etc.) and then a roll of stickers. This will be lighter on your wallet, and a nice change for the kids. Cheap glow sticks can also be found at the dollar store, and attaching one on each child’s wrist can help protect them from being hit by a car, and allow them to be more visible to their parents. Don’t be afraid to think outside the bag.
At the end of the night, switch off your porch light, and settle in with some of the candy you kept for yourself. Remember that it’s okay to turn in early, you’re still young yourself, but don’t skip out on Halloween just because your bank account is looking bare these days. Save some money and enjoy the fun–adult beverages, paper bats and all.
