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 However, all those treats, decorations and costumes can
be a drain on the budget. So here are a few ideas to get
you started thinking creatively about ways to save this
Halloween season.
If you need a favor to take to the whole class at school,
here's a quick, easy idea that won't hurt your pocketbook
too much:
Take a round lollipop, such as a Tootsie Roll Pop, and
drape a white Kleenex over it. Tie it on with orange or
black yarn, ribbon, raffia, or if you like, use a twist tie.
Then dot 2 eyes with a black magic marker and you have
a ghost!
If you live in an area where you get lots of trick-or-treaters,
it's easy to go broke buying candy. The stores really
encourage us to buy the individually wrapped sugary stuff,
but why not do something different this year?
A box of sandwich bags costs about $1.00 for 150 or so,
and these can be filled with all kinds of things. I like to
buy the foldover kind because they are cheaper and I tie
them closed with yarn.
Try filling the bags with peanuts in the shell; sugarless gum;
small rings, pencils or other toys you can buy at your local $ Store.
If you are making treats for children you know, homemade
treats are the best! Make rice krispies treats, using store
brand krispies, of course, and add a little orange food coloring.
Then decorate with candy corn, red hots, etc.
And don't forget those gummy worms! Put them in pudding,
or on top of frosted cupcakes--they're always a hit!
Are your kids begging for a costume every time you visit
the local discount store? While these costumes are pretty
cheap sometimes, why not make your own? Your daughter
can be a gypsy, just by wearing a full skirt and a frilly blouse
with loads of jewelry. Tie a scarf around her head and she's
thrilled! Girls love to have a chance to wear Mom's makeup and
jewelry!
Or make her a cardboard crown, with gold paint and glitter, and
she's a fairy princess. Dress up your son in boots, jeans, cowboy
hat and bandanna and he's a Western cowhand! Sew some
patches on those jeans, hang some raffia out his shirt sleeves and
pants legs, add a straw hat, and he's a scarecrow!
One year I made a black cape, because my son wanted to be
Dracula. The next year, the same black cape was a witch's cape
for my daughter. Another year it was a cape for a magician, still
another time it was Zorro's cape.
You get the idea--use your imagination and you and your family
can have the best Halloween ever!
About the Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly newsletter
"1 Frugal Friend 2 Another", bringing you practical,
money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit her online at
http://www.cynroberts.com to subscribe and receive the
Free e-course, "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".
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