Are the kids already on your case about Hallowe’en? Here’s how you can celebrate the pagan festival for less.
With the credit crunch cranking up a gear, many us don’t have much spare cash at the moment. However, many of us do have sprogs who are looking forward to celebrating Hallowe’en, recession or not.
Thankfully, spooky celebrations don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. I’ve put together a quick guide to keeping your little ones entertained for just a few pounds. And there’s also a cheap alternative solution, if ghosts and ghoulies aren’t for you.
Make or buy?
Making your kids’ Hallowe’en costumes is the traditional way forward and will probably work out cheaper than buying them all new. It’ll also ensure your child is wearing something completely unique (although maybe not in a good way!).
There are several sites that offer step-by-step guides to making various Halloween costumes, including Activity Village.
However, if you can’t sew to save your life, there is a financial case for buying the costumes and decorations new. Most fancy dress outfits can be bought pretty cheaply, with many high street and online retailers are selling entire costumes for just a few pounds. So if you’re time-poor, a quick trip to the shops could make sense.
High street bargains
I’ve rooted around for the best-value kids’ Halloween gear in the shops this year - and here’s a selection of what I found. Asda, Poundland and Wilkinson Plus are generally the ones that come up trumps.
As you can see, shop cannily and you could get costumes for several children - and decorations for your party - for well under £20.
It’s also worth pointing out that Wilkinson are selling these high-visibility Hallowe’en armbands for £1 each. They’re good for keeping kids safe and seen when they’re out tricking or treating.
And as usual, try not to make false economies. For example, very cheap fake blood tends to contain food dye which will leave your children a funny colour for days!
If you know of any good deals I’ve missed out, please help your fellow Fools by posting a comment at the end of this article.
Creative moneysaving
If you’re not a creative genius, there are still some things you can do to make your children’s Halloween go with a bang. What about…
Cobweb curtains: Slowly tease out sheets of cotton wool and suspend from the ceiling.
Atmosphere: Buy a coloured light-bulb and substitute it for your normal one to completely alter the atmosphere.
The cold hand of fear: You can make a scary ice sculpture for the price of a pair of Marigolds.
Just fill a pair of washing-up gloves with water and stick them in the freezer for ‘ice hands’. Peel off the gloves for an impressive party centrepiece. Add red food dye or rubber creepy crawlies (frozen in the ice) for an extra-sinister effect!
Spooky soundtrack: Website Halloween Horror Sounds is currently letting users download certain Halloween sound effects for free. If you’re computer-savvy, edit them together into a spooky party soundtrack.
Recipe ideas: The BBC Food website currently has a page dedicated to Halloween recipe ideas, with a full children’s party menu for you to prepare.
Finally…Tall Mouse: This oddly-named American craft website is a great resource if you’re feeling a bit uncreative.
It’s Hallowe’en section has loads of affordable ideas for making Halloween decorations, along with clear step-by-step instructions. Just be aware some of them could take a bit of time, so get started now!
Opting out
If Hallowe’en’s just not your thing - or you don’t feel comfortable with your children trick-or-treating - there may well be an alternative in your area.
Many community churches now have their own get-togethers on October 31st, where children can have fun, play games and have some treats in a safe environment.
These events, sometimes called ‘light parties’, are now seen by many as a ‘positive alternative’ to the Hallowe’en - and best of all, they’re usually free.
Happy Hallowe’en!
More: Money Talk Podcast: Hallowe’en Special - Money Superstitions And Myths
