7 Spooktacular Ways to Save Money on Halloween Candy

It was October 31st, 1991 in Minnesota. I was so excited for halloween candy and to “trick or treat”. It had been snowing all day and the darkness of the clouds indicated that it wasn’t ready to stop anytime soon. My sister was running a fever, so for the first time I had to get candy myself. My parent’s tried to convince me to stay home, but I insisted on trudging through the snow. Trying to squeeze my costume on over my snow pants, boots, gloves, and winter coat was challenging, but I was persistent. My Dad was patient and drove me around each block because the snow had already completely covered the sidewalks. That year, since most people stayed home, I collected the most candy I had ever seen! People were dumping their entire bowls into my bag, and the bag I had brought for my sister (since she couldn’t make it).  When I got home, I was excited to give my sister her loot. In Halloween tradition we dumped the candy on the floor and counted all the pieces.

Now that I am older, I love handing out Halloween candy to excited children dressed in spectacular costumes. Since I am on a budget, and don’t want to over spend, I discovered seven ways to save money on Halloween Candy!

Tip 1: Figure Out How Much you Need

One challenging aspect when purchasing Halloween candy is figuring out how much you ACTUALLY need. Having a good estimate about how many trick or treaters you can expect can be important. I have lived in both apartments and houses my suggestions in estimating the amount of children that will come differs where you live.

If You Live in an Apartment

If you are renting or living in an apartment you may not have very many trick or treaters. I have lived in many apartments scattered over several cities and states. The most trick or treaters I got on Halloween living in an apartment was 6. Of course this may differ if the apartment complex is more family oriented. If you are not sure, I would suggest you talk with other residents, or your landlord. Ask if they had seen many trick or treaters in the past, or about how many to expect.

If you still want to hand out candy, even though you aren’t expecting many people, just buy a small amount. If you run out, just turn out your light. Chances are if you live in an apartment, you aren’t likely to have many trick or treaters.

If You Live in a House

The first year we bought our house, we ran out of candy. We had lived in apartments over the past 9 years and had very few trick or treaters. We counted over 200 the night we ran out. I ended up rummaging through my cupboard and handing out fruit snacks, candy bars, granola bars, and little bags of chips.

I learned from my mistake, and was well prepared the next year. Unfortunately, Halloween was on a Saturday, so most kids were at parties. There simply were not as many children out getting candy. I ended up using most the candy by giving each child a huge scoop.

It’s Difficult to Figure Out the Exact Amount to Buy

As you can see from the last two scenarios it can be difficult to calculate the exact amount of candy you need. Here are some tips in getting rough estimations.

1. Talk with neighbors. If they have lived in your area many years they will have a general idea how many trick or treaters you should expect.
2. Keep track yourself. The first couple years may be hit or miss, but keep track of how many people come to your door every year. After several years you will be able to have a good idea on how many people to expect. Remember weekends may have less trick or treaters than week days.
3. Turn the lights out. If you run out, it’s ok. It is better to run out than have too much left over. I know your money is important, so don’t feel the need to overly stock up.

I used this tip first because it is important to only buy the amount you need. You will save money if you are careful about not going overboard and purchasing too much. Planning how much you need is the first important step in saving money on Halloween candy.

Tip 2: Set a Budget

This year, according to National Retail Federation, Americans are projected to spend 2.5 Billion dollars on Halloween candy alone! That is a lot of money on Halloween candy! The spending for Americans on Halloween in general (costumes, greeting cards, toys, and decorations) is 8.4 Billion dollars, which averages $82.93 per consumer.

If you are working towards meeting financial goals, you may be struggling with finding a balance between enjoying holidays, and saving money. This article will teach you some ways you can save money on candy, but first you have to set a budget.

Based on how many children you expect at your door, and your monthly income, figure out what works with you. You do not want Halloween candy purchases to impact your finances. So if you are living paycheck to paycheck and struggling to get by, you may want to consider not purchasing anything.

I want you to be able to participate in holidays and enjoy yourself. Unfortunately, if you are spending more than you make every month, you can’t afford anything extra. Take some time to get your financial life together, than you will have more freedom, and life will be more enjoyable.

If you can manage to spare a few dollars, and really enjoy handing out candy, do it! Before you purchase Halloween candy, set a budget and stick with it. If you want to spend $20 on candy, that’s ok. Figure out an amount that works for you and stick with it.

Now that you have an idea on how much to purchase, and how much to spend, you can start looking for deals!

Tip 3: Consider Buying in Bulk

Buying Halloween candy in bulk is usually (but not always) the cheapest way to get candy. Consider purchasing candy in bulk these 2 ways.

Bulk Bins in Grocery Stores

Many grocery stores now sell individually wrapped candy in bulk, by the pound. Your purchase price is per pound, which can be great with  candy. One year I was able to buy a whole bunch of flavored Tootsie Rolls for an extremely low price. Be careful to know what bagged candy costs, because sometimes you don’t always get the best deals.

Club or Bulk Stores

If you have a Club membership, or frequently shop and bulk stores, consider purchasing candy here. They usually have great deals on Halloween candy in large bags. Again, be careful to calculate the cost. Sometimes you can get better deals at grocery or big box stores utilizing their sales.

Tip 4: Look for Sales and Coupons

During the entire month of October most stores will start having sales on their Halloween Candy. Look for manufacturer’s coupons and combine them with sales. I have gotten bags of candy for free by doing this.

If the store you shop at has a mobile app, look for deals on the app also. Some stores even offer mobile coupons that allow you to save even more money.

Remember stores want you to buy Halloween candy from them, and compete heavily for your business. They know how much Americans spend on candy, and they want to benefit from it. In the weeks leading up to Halloween the sales will get better. Pay attention to weekly circulars and pick the best deals.

Tip 5: Wait to Purchase Halloween Candy Closer to Halloween

Let’s be real, it’s exciting when Halloween candy starts showing up in stores. Cravings for specially flavored candy may tempt us into purchasing Halloween candy early. There are two major problems with trying to purchase Halloween candy for trick or treaters early.

1. The same candy will most likely be cheaper closer to Halloween. Stores will start slashing prices trying to get your business and get rid of inventory. Since stores don’t like clearancing items off, they try to have as little leftover inventory as possible. They would much rather have your business closer to retail price.
2. You will probably eat the candy, and have to purchase more anyways. If you are really craving Halloween candy, purchase a small bag for yourself. Hold off buying large quantities until later in the month.

Chances are, unless there is a major Halloween catastrophe stores will not run out of candy. Don’t feel the need to purchase candy super early.

Tip 6: Purchase Uncommon Candy

Everyone loves mini candy bars (including me), and when you go to the store it is clearly the most popular Halloween candy. Unfortunately, it is usually the most expensive Halloween candy. I have found that kids enjoy other candy just as much (like suckers, or tootsie rolls). Even though they pine after the candy bars, I promise they will enjoy almost any candy you give them.

Sometimes purchasing a bag of mini suckers, or fruity tootsie rolls allows you to get more “bang for your buck”.

If you still want to hand out candy bars, that is great. Consider mixing the cheaper candy with with more expensive candy to balance out the cost.

Remember to stick within your budget. If your budget allows you to purchase more expensive candy for the quantity you need that’s fine. Just consider purchasing different types of candy in order to save money.

Tip 7: Utilize Halloween Clearance

I can’t write an article about Halloween candy without mentioning clearance! The minute Halloween ends, stores start putting their candy on clearance. They don’t want it anymore, they want to make room for Christmas candy.

Use this to your advantage. By only purchasing the Halloween candy you need to hand out, you can buy candy for yourself the next day on clearance.

It can be tempting to purchase “extra” for yourself when you are getting Halloween candy to hand out. Luckily, if you just wait a day or two you can get the candy you love for super cheap!

Get the Best Deals on Clearance

Here are some tricks so you can get the best deals on clearance

1. Purchase the most popular candy first. If you really enjoy candy such as peanut butter cups, you may want to purchase them the next day. They will be on clearance for up to 50% discounted, usually at big box stores. These items are more likely to go quickly. Only purchase what you need.
2. Check back later. If you wait a few days, stores will further reduce their clearance amount. Stores that do not move inventory as quickly (smaller grocery stores in less populated areas) will still have a great selection at the end of the week. I have gotten bags of candy 90% discounted!
3. Check expiration dates. Whenever you purchase items on clearance (or in general) check the expiration dates. You do not want to purchase items that are already expired. It’s never a good deal if you can’t eat use it!

Enjoy Your Halloween!

Have fun and be safe this Halloween.

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What are your favorite ways to save money on Halloween candy?