Spooked by Spending? 5 Tricks to Tame Halloween Costs
Halloween hacks to avoid overspending as some Brits spend over £100
Halloween is creeping up and for many households, the scariest part isn’t the costumes or cobwebs. It’s the cost.
A new look at UK Halloween spending habits reveals that 59% of Brits now celebrate the spooky season, and one in ten say they’re willing to part with more than £100 1. In fact, UK consumers are expected to spend £779 million on Halloween celebrations in 2025, an increase of £3 million from last year 2, highlighting why many Brits may want to plan ahead to avoid overspending.
Aseem Munshi, Our founder at Updraft, experts in helping people manage their consumer credit, explains how the countless “little extras” can sneak up, especially for parents. He provides the top 5 ways to control Halloween spending.
When small spends becomes a fright
Aseem Munshi says Halloween perfectly highlights how small, unplanned costs can quietly add up:
“Halloween looks harmless at first with a few bags of sweets, a cheap costume, a pumpkin or two. But those small spends add up faster than people realise. We often think budgeting is just for big expenses like holidays or Christmas, but it’s the everyday impulse purchases that really creep up on us.
“When you can see your spending clearly, whether it’s £5 on sweets or £50 on a costume, you can make better choices and still enjoy the fun. The trick is knowing what’s coming and planning for it in small, manageable chunks.”
Search data reveals Brits will be spending more in 2025
UK consumers are expected to spend £779 million on Halloween celebrations in 2025, up by £3 million from last year. But it’s not just wallets that are busier, as online search behaviour shows growing enthusiasm for the spooky season too.
From what we have gathered, search data reveals that in the first two weeks of October 2025, there were 73,743 Google searches for ‘Halloween decor’ across the UK – a 19% increase on the same time period in 2024. Similarly, interest for ‘Halloween costume’ has generated 100,9562 searches, up 9.4% from last year.
Aseem comments: “This sharp rise suggests that Brits are preparing for Halloween earlier and investing more time, and likely money, in creating festive displays at home. As interest continues to climb, the trend points to Halloween becoming an increasingly important retail moment in the UK calendar, one that may tempt households to spend beyond their budgets.”
Five tricks to tame your Halloween spending
1. DIY your costume
As 58% of Brits buy their costumes instead of making their own, creativity can save cash, as Aseem shares:
“Homemade costumes aren’t just cheaper, they’re often more memorable. Get the family involved and make it part of the fun. Some of the best outfits come from things you already own.”
2. Shop local for deals before Halloween
Almost half of Brits (47%) last-minute buyers turn to online stores, but prices can surge:
“Local shops and discount stores often have stock left and deals online can be overpriced when it comes to last-minute buys. A quick trip to your local shop can save money and avoid delivery delays too.”
3. Host a budget-friendly bash
When half of Brits celebrate Halloween, many will be looking to attend parties
“Instead of an expensive night out, host a small gathering at home. A movie marathon, pumpkin carving, or costume contest with friends can be fun and far cheaper, and everyone can chip in a snack or decoration.”
4. Set a treat limit
“Decide exactly how many sweets or chocolate you’ll need for trick-or-treaters. Buy just that, and resist the temptation to overstock as it will not only keep costs down but also prevent waste.”
5. Decorate smart
“Big, trendy decorations can be fun, but they’re expensive and take up space. Instead, focus on small, reusable, and sustainable items like orange LED lights, reusable props, or craft-based decorations you can store and reuse next year. Not only do smaller, sustainable decorations save money this year, but they also make storage easier and reduce the temptation to buy new every October. A few versatile pieces can be the foundation of your spooky decor for years to come.”
Aseem concludes: “A little planning, some creative thinking, and a few mindful money habits can keep your finances in check without sacrificing the fun.
Final Thought
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