Halloween on a budget

As Summer starts to draw to a close, and back to school shopping wraps up in the coming weeks, expect to see more and more Halloween merch hitting the shelves of your favorite retailers.
If you are a Halloween fanatic like me, it's hard to resist buying everything you see, (or at least wanting to).
With our family having grown in the past year, and with the oldest being a teenager, there isn't much money left for frivolous spending so I always keep my eyes open for bargains all year long when adding to my Halloween collection.
Here are a few tips I have for creating a spooky home haunt, or just adding to your decor without breaking the bank. Some may seem obvious (because they are) but it never hurts to share information.

1.) Never pay full retail price, especially in huge Halloween specialty stores.

I love Spirit and other Halloween retailers as much as the next ghoul, and I realize they have to make a living but I will never buy a full priced item at one of these stores, especially the large props that run into the hundreds.  I always hunt for online coupons. My advice is to join the mailing lists of your favorite stores well in advance. They will send out "clearance" sale email alerts many times throughout the year. Buying something in May can save you big bucks.
Also, resist the urge to buy new before Halloween, and wait until the day after and plan for next year. These stores will mark almost everything in the store down each day that passes to clear their shelves.

2.) Craigslist hunt all year long.

For every person who becomes a Halloween enthusiast, there is someone else who just doesn't have the time (or the storage space) to do it anymore. I find Halloween items all year long, and the further you are out from Halloween, the better deals you can make. Many sellers just want that stuff out of their garage and will bargain with you.
I always let them know that I am an enthusiast and do not re-sell anything, which is true. Or if I do change themes and decide to let stuff go, I try to pay it forward and sell cheap to someone else like me who loves the holiday, but can't spend a weeks pay on an animated skeleton.

I also place ads throughout the year in the wanted section, explaining that our family does a large Halloween display but on a budget. I have gotten a few responses this way from very nice people.

3.) Dollar Stores and Goodwill are your friends.

Most seasoned Halloween veterans know that the dollar and 99 cent stores stock lots of cool Halloween items. Always hit these places before you go out to other shops, or check them before committing to Target or even Walmart. I find that the skulls, candle holders, even masks and accessories are often just as cool, or can be with a little imagination and crafting.
Also, don't limit yourself to just Halloween items- utilize cheap every day items and create your own spooky decor... more on this in the next tip.

4.) DIY tutorials, google, and Halloween forums are a must use!

There are so many cool ways to create your own Halloween decor these days. Thanks to pinterest and youtube, it is easy to find step by step instructions on some really awesome Halloween decor, props, and more.
Plus, if you make your own scary piece, you have bragging rights and a unique creation that almost no one else has... except the other 50 people who not only pinned it but actually made it!

5.) Recycle & Re-purpose your old (or even broken) Halloween decor, don't just trash it.

Halloween forums are full of geniuses who will be glad to suggest 1000 ways that you can re use an old prop or skull. Just get on there and start searching.

6.)See Halloween in everything.

Anytime I am thrifting or yard saling, I am on the hunt for stuff that just looks haunted or interesting. That weird doll you got for a quarter can make a great prop.

7.) Summer clearance sales items are just a coat of paint away from being Halloween items.

Never shy away from something based on it's color or pattern. A coat of gray or black paint can turn a cute pink clearanced candle stand into a creepy candle stand that will look great on your Halloween tablescape.
Michaels and Hobby Lobby always mark stuff down 80 and even 90% off in July and August to make room for Fall.

8.)For outdoor decorating, lighting is more important than having 100 props.

Ok so lighting isn't cheap- but instead of buying that $150 animatronic prop at the Halloween store, spend your dollars on awesome lighting. It will make all of the difference in setting the scene and making your spooky house look and feel cooler and more haunting than everyone elses.
There are many lighting tips on youtube from seasoned Haunters.
Besides, what good is the life size talking Witch if no one can even see her?

9.) Use what you've got!

Everyday household items can be used as accessories to your haunt. For instance, I am using shepherds hooks in my haunt this year to display some of my hanging props. I got them at Big Lots on clearance for $5 and when I am done I can still use them in my yard.
Or stuff some old clothes you never wear & boom, instant dead body. Fill an old Halloween mask for a head, or use a large rock where the head should be to create an eerie accident.... eek!
Look around your house and in your garage, you will be surprised at what you will find.

10.) You are the best Prop of all.

Sounds cheesy, but a great costume, some makeup, a little lighting and YOU sitting at the candy bowl to greet trick or treaters can be the best prop of all.
Utilize your thrift stores, estate sales, goodwill etc for old tattered rags to wear or clothes to create a costume.

Happy Haunting ghosts and goblins!