Frugal Retiree: Halloween Treats that Won’t BOO your Budget
Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls are coming, oh my! Thump, thump, ding-dong, knock-knock, and “Trick or treat!” You’ll hear them running up and down the sidewalks giggling. . . but don’t panic. The frugal retiree is here to help keep treats on budget.
In the past, you and I went trick ‘n treating; now, dispensing the goodies is our treat. With a little planning and sensible prep, you’ll be treated to joyful (and grateful) princesses, pumpkins, skeletons, and robots.
Budget friendly treats you and the kids will love
Money – Giving money may sound counterintuitive, but one roll of 50 dimes is $5. Forty quarters is $10 — far less than the bags of candy costing over $12
Sticker Packs – Give out a page to each child, or a half-page. Most desired: Paw Patrol, SpongeBob, Bluey, and Spiderman.
Halloween rings – Spider, ghost, and witch rings. Just say “Here’s a spooky ring” as you drop it in treaters’ bags for extra excitement.
Animal or Halloween erasers – a bag of these will go a long way.
Chip snack bags – As low as 25 cents a bag, you could buy 20 bags for $5, 40 bags for $10.
Bubble gum – A wrapped piece of bubble gum or a large singles pack will really stretch your budget.
Mini-box of raisins – While not a favorite, you get the treat of seeing their costumes and experiencing the fun while knowing you’ve given them something healthy.
Bite size chocolates – There’s a range of variety packs of mini candy bars at supermarkets. Try to purchase them mid-October to help minimize the temptation to eat them all yourself. (Someone recently clued me that there is nothing fun about fun size candy bites lol).
A painted stone – Fun craft for you, sweet novelty for the kids. Paint with ghosts or spooky characters, and keep the stones small for little travelers.
Children of every age enjoy the scary and sweet side of Halloween. Don’t get spooked by the cost this Halloween — just be ready.
Joan B. Reid is the author of Joyful Passage: A Woman’s Path to Retirement.