Prepare the perfect Halloween party on a budget
Halloween can be one of the most exciting times of the year for your children and a really enjoyable occasion for families. But you don’t want to ruin it by fretting over financial worries. You may want to give your kids the biggest and best Halloween party you can, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. There are plenty of ways you can save a few cents here and there when planning your party – and those cents quickly add up to significant dollar savings.
Money is tight for so many families across America at the moment but cutting back doesn’t have to mean cutting out special occasions completely. And you know what? Some of the things which save you money can also be great fun for you and your kids. Here’s some simple tips to make this year’s Halloween party more affordable and more fun than ever:
Get hands-on
We all know our kids love to get messy and making Halloween costumes, cakes and decorations is a great way to do this. It’s also a great way to save some money and spend some quality time with the children doing something you’ll all love. You can’t put a price on smiles and you and your children will be grinning from ear to ear when you get stuck into making some gruesome party snacks. We’ve seen some of the suggestions Darcy found for Halloween food here and your creativity needs know no bounds when concocting your own tasty Halloween-themed treats. There are plenty of recipes, including some from some of your favorite TV chefs and bakers, on www.thefoodnetwork.com as well. Making costumes and decorations can be equally enjoyable and satisfying too and you can keep it nice and simple without having to spend a fortune at the party store. Martha Stewart has some great easy-to-make costume ideas on her site here. Carving a pumpkin lantern is always a favorite and you can keep the flesh to make some tasty pumpkin pie too so nothing goes to waste.
Hunt for bargains
If crafts aren’t your strong point and the idea of tackling a costume with a needle and thread fills you with dread, then you still don’t have to blow the budget on expensive party outfits from big name stores. Halloween is one of the most competitive times of the year for fancy dress outfitters and many of them offer bargains galore on eBay. You can also find some pre-loved costumes through Craigslist or maybe even pick up one for free from. These are also great places for finding those extra flourishes to decorate your home.
Coupons, coupons, coupons
You can’t have Halloween without candy, right? Unless you’re making that as well, then it’s bound to mean a trip to the grocery store, but if you’re a savvy shopper then you can make savings here too. If you plan in advance and don’t end up rushing out on the day then there’s more chance of bagging some bargains. Coupons are always a great way to save some money as well, keep an eye out for relevant ones in your local newspaper or browse online on blogs such as Darcy and Brian’s own coupons page. There is no shortage of daily deal websites as well as printable voucher sites such as www.grocerysmarts.com or www.couponnetwork.com which can help you save on big brands for all your party snacks, accessories and everyday family essentials.
__________
Money saving tips, frugal living, personal finance and Mis-Sold PPI claims are all topics that Christopher Moriarty writes about at www.PPIREFUNDS.co.uk Christopher is also passionate about topics such as investing and credit.