trick or treat

Halloween is one of my very favourite holidays and I usually tend to go a little overboard when it arrives. From an annual costume party the weekend before with some good friends to elaborate outdoor decorations to fun costumes for the boys, I just can’t resist getting into the spooky spirit.

zazzle halloween bags This year, Zazzle contacted me about some of its fabulous customizable Halloween items. Personalized party invitations, adult and children’s costumes…there are just so many fun Halloween items to choose from! I was lucky enough to get to pick out two personalized trick-or-treat bags for my boys and I couldn’t wait to see how they would look.

The hardest thing about shopping at Zazzle is choosing a design from the thousands that are available but fortunately, the handy search feature made it easy to find just the images I wanted. My boys tend to be a bit competitive if they receive different items so I was thrilled to find two identical canvas bags featuring different monsters. While my boys would still each have the chance to be original, the bags were similar enough that I wouldn’t have to worry about them arguing over them! [Read more…]

There’s a chill in the air and the leaves are starting to change in many parts of the country. You can almost hear the witches cackling, ghosts wailing and skeleton bones rattling…Halloween is just around the corner!

Because Halloween is only the beginning of the holiday season, it’s easy to go overboard on spending – a costume here, a few bags of candy there…it can add up quickly.

It’s important to remember that the holidays really start to ramp up on the heels of Halloween. There is the cost of travelling, hosting guests, large holiday meals, decorating, parties, and gifts that come along with Thanksgiving and Christmas or Hanukkah.

I certainly don’t bring this up to stress you out, but just to remind you to keep a close eye on your holiday budget, starting with Halloween.

Here are a few ways to have a low-cost Halloween without skipping any of the fun!

Save on Costumes

A popular money-saving tip for a low-cost Halloween is to make your own costume. I think this is a great idea but I don’t suggest immediately heading to the fabric store. My talented friends who sew costumes for their children tend to spend more than those who grab something at the local superstore.

Of course, the homemade outfits are often works of art that are lovingly created and last for years in the dress-up box, so if you love to sew, then go for it! Just don’t force yourself to wrestle with fabric and thread because you think it’s the cheapest way to go.

For a truly inexpensive costume, head to your closet. You can likely make your own costume using mainly items you already have. Look for inspiration on Pinterest, Etsy and online costume stores, then create your own version at home.

My daughter wants to be a witch this year, and I found some great ideas online. A black shirt, black and white striped leggings, purple boots and a purple tutu she already has will be the base of the costume. I’ll add a witch hat tied with a purple ribbon and some black tulle to the tutu. Just like that, I’ll have a great costume for well under $10! [Read more…]

Add Extra Frightning Fun to Halloween with Customized Items from Zazzle-Giveaway

Anna’s Budget Tips-Have a Super Spooky Halloween on a Budget

Save on Costumes