Halloween has become big business.
Back in the day, it was a time focused on kids. You know, dressing up and going out trick or treating. It was a fun time, something that involved going around the neighborhood, knocking on doors, and getting some candy. Some spooky ghost stories added to the fun. All in all, good times, and a fun part of childhood.
Today, Halloween is practically a holiday for some people. Or, at least to the extent that there has become a “Halloween Season” of sorts.
You’ll see not just kids enjoying this season – but teenagers and grown ups as well. There are parties all over the place, and even some workplaces get into the fun in some capacity. Halloween costumes have gotten more elaborate, and for the grown ups – quite expensive and even competitive. People go to great lengths to revel in the festivities.
Oh, that’s not it. There are tons of Halloween-themed products out in stores. Aside from costumes and related items, there are lots of Halloween season clothes, as well as food products out there. It’s not just candy corn, but anything and everything that can be pumpkin flavored or have some kind of monster label attached to is leveraged in attempts to monetize the season.
That brings me to the following question: How much will you spend on Halloween?
Having kids, I look at it as a time where it’s all about them. I guess I’m a bit retro that way. But really, it’s also about – you guessed it – not spending a whole lot of money! Don’t get me wrong – we have other fun fall traditions that we take part in that do cost some money, such as apple picking and visiting the pumpkin patch. So it’s a matter of choice where such spending will go.
So, how much will be spent on Halloween in this household?
Well, of course money will be spent on kids’ costumes. Aside from that, in terms of spending on grown ups, here is the amount that will be spent: ZERO.
Yes, that might seem oh so 20th Century to not be going to a Halloween party and spending tons of money on getting dressed up, eating/drinking, etc. I last did that 4 years ago, and dropped $200 or so that evening! Also, it might seem out of place to not be spending lots of money on Halloween-themed clothes, or decorations, or things of the like. Rather, I’m letting this be a kids holiday.
Admittedly, I do enjoy giving candy to kids that trick-or-treat. To me, it’s a fun part of simply being a regular part of society here in the U.S. Kind of like choosing to buy girl scout cookies – participating is just kind of wholesome and enjoying being a part of things. That being said, this year we won’t have anyone home on that day, so no candy will be bought either.
Bottom line – aside from spending on the kids, I’m spending zero on Halloween this year. And liking it!
My Questions for You
Aside from any spending on kids, how much do you spend on Halloween?
Do you think this is one of those times of the year that you just have to spend money, or not?
Even if you don’t spend much, do you still enjoy participating (as I usually do)?
Most of our money is spent on costumes, probably around $75 each. AH!
Michelle – well, that’s probably the biggest cost of Halloween. A future post idea: low cost Halloween costumes!
I was amazed at just how much they charge for candy around Halloween, it’s like roses getting jacked up around Valentine’s Day. We try to buy or candy and costumes before things start getting rev’d up, which helps keeps costs manageable.
Michael – just wait until after Halloween for that stuff, maybe that’s the time!
I don’t spend much on Halloween. If I do, it is costume related and would never, ever go over about $50. The last few years I have just thrown something together and spent less than $10 on zombie makeup.
Eric – $10 is not bad these days!
The only thing I am spending money on this year is candy for the neighborhood kids trick or treating. Other then that my son and I had the plans to dress up as Bane and Joker but when I saw the price of the costumes it was over before it started. Nothing more then $75 but I dont really think its something I have to spend money on.
Thomas – spending money on kids trick or treating makes sense, part of being a good sport right? Good job on that 🙂
I might throw $10 at an accessory to complete a costume but I do some dance and know a lot of theatre people so I can usually borrow what I need.
If’ I’m spending money it’s more around experiences related to Halloween like going to a party or having friends over, but I don’t consider that to be Halloween specific.
I live in an apartment so I don’t get any kids coming around so I don’t spend money on candy but if I lived in a house I’d probably buy candy but it would have to go into the office a day or two later as I don’t generally keep sweets in the house. Except Girl Scout Cookies.