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Are you looking for ways to stretch your dollar? 
Halloween, the time of year when ghouls and goblins come out to play, is just around the corner. While embracing the spooky spirit is a must, it doesn't mean you need to scare your wallet. You can have a haunted home without haunting your finances. We're here to guide you through the maze of budget-friendly Halloween decor, where to buy it, the best times to buy, and how to save money while keeping your Halloween spirits high.
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1. Thrift Stores: Unearth Treasures for Less
One person's trash is another's Halloween treasure. Thrift stores are gold mines for finding spooky decor at rock-bottom prices. Keep an eye out for:
- Candles and Candleholders: Old candleholders can be turned into eerie centerpieces with some black paint or a touch of cobweb.
- Costumes: Don't limit thrift store visits to decor alone. You might stumble upon a great costume at a fraction of the price.
- Framed Art: Swap out your usual wall art with creepy vintage paintings or prints.
Here are some steps to help you locate thrift stores in your area:
Search Online: Start by conducting an online search using search engines like Google or Bing. Simply type "thrift stores near me" or "secondhand stores near me" into the search bar. The search engine will typically provide a list of nearby thrift stores along with their addresses and contact information.
Use Store Locator Websites: There are websites and apps dedicated to helping you find thrift stores and other secondhand shops in your area. Websites like ThriftStores.net and TheThriftShopper.com allow you to search for thrift stores by location.
Check Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can also be useful for finding thrift stores. Many thrift stores have an online presence and may post updates about their inventory, promotions, and events.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask friends, family members, and colleagues if they know of any good thrift stores in your area. Personal recommendations can be valuable, especially if someone has had a positive shopping experience.
Use Mapping Apps: Mapping apps like Google Maps can be handy for locating thrift stores. Simply open the app, enter "thrift store" into the search bar, and enable location services to see thrift stores near you.
Check Local Directories: Physical or online local directories, such as the Yellow Pages or Yelp, may list thrift stores in your area. Look under categories like "Thrift Stores," "Secondhand Shops," or "Vintage Stores."
Visit Estate Sales and Flea Markets: Estate sales and flea markets often feature secondhand items, antiques, and vintage goods. These events can be a treasure trove for thrift shoppers. Look for announcements of estate sales and flea markets in local newspapers, online classifieds, or social media.
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2. Dollar Stores: Spooky Savings Galore
Dollar stores aren't just for picking up party favors; they're also your go-to for budget-friendly Halloween decor. From spider webs to plastic skeletons, you'll find it all. Some Dollar Stores to check out are:
Dollar Tree: Dollar Tree is a popular American discount retail store chain that specializes in selling a wide variety of products for $1 and up. The company is known for offering a broad range of items, including household goods, party supplies, cleaning products, food and snacks, health and beauty items, school and office supplies, and seasonal decorations, all priced at a dollar or more.
Family Dollar: Family Dollar is an American chain of discount retail stores that primarily focuses on providing a wide range of affordable products for everyday needs. Family Dollar stores offer a diverse selection of items, including household essentials, groceries, cleaning supplies, personal care products, clothing, seasonal items, and more. While Family Dollar's pricing structure is generally budget-friendly, it doesn't adhere to a strict "$1 or less" pricing model like some other discount stores.
Five Below: (Not a dollar but still super cheap!) Five Below is a popular American retail store chain that offers a wide variety of products, with the unique selling proposition that everything in the store is priced at $5 or below. The store's target demographic is typically tweens, teens, and young adults, although it attracts shoppers of all ages looking for affordable and trendy items.
Pro tip: Shop early because the best items tend to vanish faster than a ghost!
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3. Garage Sales: One Man's Trash...
If you're a garage sale enthusiast, you're in luck. Late summer is the perfect time to hunt for Halloween decor deals. Hosts might be looking to declutter, and you might stumble upon fantastic decorations that they're willing to part with for a bargain.
Here are several methods to help you find garage sales in your area:
Online Classifieds: Websites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor often have listings for upcoming garage sales. You can search for sales in your specific area, filter by date, and even see photos of items for sale.
Garage Sale Apps: There are mobile apps designed specifically for finding garage sales. Apps like "Garage Sale Finder," "Yard Sale Treasure Map," and "GSALR" allow you to search for sales by location and date, view maps of sale routes, and get detailed descriptions of what's available.
Local Newspapers: Many local newspapers still publish classified ads for garage sales in their print editions as well as online. Check the classifieds section, usually in the weekend edition, for listings.
Community Bulletin Boards: Check out community bulletin boards in local stores, libraries, and community centers. Many people post flyers for their garage sales in these public spaces.
Word of Mouth: Ask friends, neighbors, and coworkers if they know of any upcoming garage sales in the area. They may have seen signs or heard about sales through their own networks.
Drive Around: Take a drive or walk around your neighborhood, particularly on weekends. Keep an eye out for signs with handwritten or printed garage sale notices. These signs often include dates, times, and addresses.
Online Garage Sale Directories: Some websites, like GarageSaleHunter.com and YardSaleSearch.com, offer directories of garage sales by city or region. You can search for sales, view details, and plan your route.
Garage Sale Groups on Social Media: Look for local garage sale groups or pages on social media platforms like Facebook. Many communities have dedicated groups where residents post about their upcoming sales.
Check Online Event Calendars: Some community event calendars or local websites list garage sales along with other community events. Search for these calendars and look for garage sale listings.
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4. Craft Stores: Get Creative
Craft stores often have sales on Halloween decor, especially as the season approaches. Plus, you can tap into your inner artist and DIY your decor. Buy plain pumpkins, skulls, or lanterns and get crafty with paints, glitter, or even fabric to create unique decorations that scream "you."
Some craft stores you can check out are:
Michaels: Michaels is a well-known retail chain in the United States and Canada that specializes in arts and crafts supplies. The company operates a wide network of stores where customers can purchase a diverse range of art and craft materials.
Cratejoy: Cratejoy is an online subscription box marketplace and platform that connects consumers with a wide variety of subscription box services. Subscription boxes are packages filled with curated products that cater to specific interests, hobbies, or needs. Cratejoy serves as a marketplace where both subscription box creators and customers can interact.
Bee Bee Craft: BeeBeeCraft is an online retailer that specializes in selling various craft and jewelry-making supplies. They offer a wide range of crafting materials, tools, and accessories for individuals interested in creating handmade jewelry, DIY crafts, and other creative projects. Some of the items you might find on BeeBeeCraft's website include beads, wires, cords, findings, gemstones, and more.
A Cherry On Top Crafts: A Cherry on Top Crafts is an online retailer specializing in scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies. They offer a wide range of products for individuals who enjoy scrapbooking, card-making, and other paper-based crafts.
Globle Land: Globle Land is a leading provider of cutting dies, silicone stamps, and other high-quality papercraft supplies.
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5. Online Marketplaces: Secondhand Scare
Websites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist can yield some spooky surprises. People often sell their used Halloween decor at a fraction of the original cost. Just make sure to meet in a safe, public place when picking up your finds. Here are some online second-hand stores you can check for Halloween deals:
Thredup: ThredUp is an online fashion resale marketplace that specializes in secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories. It was founded in 2009 and has since grown to become one of the largest online thrift stores in the United States. ThredUp offers a wide range of clothing items for women, men, and children, including popular brands, designer labels, and everyday wear.
eBay: eBay is one of the world's largest and most popular online marketplaces, providing a platform for buying and selling a wide variety of goods and services. Founded in 1995, eBay has grown into a global e-commerce powerhouse, connecting millions of buyers and sellers from around the world.
Housing Works eShop: An online shopping platform associated with Housing Works. Housing Works is a nonprofit organization based in the United States, primarily in New York City, dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, advocacy, job training, and other vital services to individuals affected by homelessness and HIV/AIDS. Their store website likely serves as an online store where Housing Works sells various products, which may include donated items, vintage goods, books, clothing, and more. The proceeds from these sales often go to support Housing Works' mission and the services they provide to their clients.
Etsy: Etsy is an online marketplace that specializes in handmade, vintage, and unique factory-manufactured items. It provides a platform for artisans, crafters, and collectors to sell their handmade or vintage goods, craft supplies, and one-of-a-kind items to a global audience. Etsy has gained popularity as a go-to destination for people seeking unique and creative products.
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6. Don't Miss Out on Halloween Clearance Sales!
Finding Halloween items on clearance can be an exciting way to save money on decorations, costumes, and accessories. Here are some tips on how to find Halloween clearance items:
Visit Retail Stores After Halloween: The days immediately following Halloween are when most retailers mark down their Halloween merchandise. Stores like Walmart, Target, Party City, Spirit Halloween, and home goods stores will often have clearance sections or aisles dedicated to Halloween items. Visit these stores as soon as possible after October 31st to find the best selection.
Check Online Retailers: Many online retailers, including Amazon and eBay, offer post-Halloween clearance sales. You can find a wide range of Halloween items at discounted prices on these websites. Be sure to check the clearance or sale sections of these online stores. Some online stores you should check out are:
TIP: See how you can save money shopping at Spirit Halloween in 2023!
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Best Times to Buy Halloween Decor: Timing Is Everything
The best time to buy Halloween items at the lowest prices is typically after Halloween, during the post-Halloween clearance sales. Retailers are eager to clear out their remaining Halloween inventory to make room for upcoming holiday merchandise, so they offer significant discounts on Halloween decorations, costumes, and other related items. Here's a general timeline for finding the best deals:
Early November: Starting immediately after Halloween, many stores begin discounting their remaining Halloween merchandise. You can find substantial discounts, often ranging from 50% to 90% off.
First Week of November: The discounts may continue into the first week of November, but the selection of items may become more limited as the days go by.
Early November to Mid-November: During this period, you can still find clearance deals on Halloween items, but the selection may vary from store to store.
Late November and Beyond: By late November, most Halloween items will have been cleared out to make way for holiday merchandise. If you're looking for specific items, it's best to shop early in the clearance season.
Keep in mind that while you can find great deals on decorations, costumes, and candy during post-Halloween sales, the selection may be limited, and popular items may sell out quickly. If you're planning for next year's Halloween, this is an excellent time to stock up on discounted items for future use.
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Saving Money While Decorating: Tricks and Treats
Now that you know where and when to shop, let's dive into some money-saving tricks:
Buy in Bulk: Purchase decorations in bundles or multipacks. You'll save more per item, and you'll have enough decor to haunt your whole home.
Reuse and Repurpose: Don't feel like you have to buy new decor every year. Invest in timeless pieces that you can reuse, and get creative by repurposing items for different themes.
DIY: As mentioned earlier, unleash your inner artist and craft your own decor. It's not only cost-effective but also incredibly satisfying.
Swap with Friends: Host a Halloween decor swap with friends or neighbors. You might find someone who's ready for a change, and you can trade decorations.
Shop Sales and Coupons: Keep an eye on sales, discounts, and coupons from your favorite stores. Sign up for their newsletters to get the inside scoop on deals.
TIP: Check out the latest Halloween deals currently available while you are here and save some money!
Set a Budget: Before you shop, decide how much you're willing to spend. This will help you resist the temptation to overspend.
PRO TIP: Grab my Income and Expense Tracking Excel spreadsheet to help you stay on track and keep up with your finances!
Off-Peak Purchases: Buy Halloween decor during the off-season. Prices drop significantly after October 31st.
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In Conclusion: Spooktacular Savings Await
Decorating for Halloween on a budget is not only possible but also rewarding. Thrift stores, dollar stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces are your treasure troves. Shop strategically during post-Halloween sales, September, and mid-October to catch the best deals. Remember to reuse, DIY, and keep an eye out for coupons to maximize savings. Your budget-friendly Halloween decor will be the talk of the town, and you'll have more treats left in your wallet for the candy stash. Happy haunting!
