Save Money on Fall Holidays

OCTOBER

Halloween

There are numerous ways to avoid buying expensive new costumes from the pop-up store. For starters, there’s no shortage of gently used costumes galore at thrift shops. If that’s not your thing, consider trading older costumes with other families since many of us keep a bin of them. Simple, creative costumes that play on words are low cost, too, like “Smarty Pants” with Smarties candy pinned all over a pair of jeans. An old sheet can be ripped to shreds and wound around to make a zombie outfit. All it takes is some imagination and maybe a little Googling.

Eat that pumpkin

Pumpkins can be more than seasonal decor. As long as you buy the edible variety, you can use them for carving and a snack by rocut in half, scoop out the seeds and drizzle with oil and a bit of salt. Bake at 375 degrees until tender for a delicious side dish. Trick or treat away that collection Have you inherited a collection of Beanie Babies or baseball cards, or some other appealing item for kids? Give them away at Halloween! Kids will be delighted, and your space will be cleared out.

Trick or treat away that collection

Have you inherited a collection of Beanie Babies or baseball cards, or some other appealing item for kids? Give them away at Halloween! Kids will be delighted, and your space will be cleared out.

Hay now

Using a bale of hay (technically it will be straw) for porch decor? Reuse it in your garden for mulch. It’s best to use unsprayed or organic straw for this.

NOVEMBER

Thanksgiving Day leftovers

So many leftovers, and so many ways to enjoy them. Send some home with your guests, freeze them or consider delivering a plate to a lonely elder in your life. When cooking a turkey, you can also freeze the giblets and bones for making gravy or soup stock later, when you’ve recovered from all the holiday cooking.

Harvest basket or herb bouquet

If you’re a gardener, share the bounty! A perfect gift for a host is a basket loaded with fall vegetables. A vase or planter of rosemary, thyme and sage is also a thoughtful present.

Table coverings

Need to cover a big table? Try a queen flat sheet. You can cut it to size and sew the edges. No sewing machine? Get hemming tape that can be ironed to make a clean hem.

A real spice girl

Making something special that calls for a rarely-used spice? No need to buy a whole bottle of it. Places where bulk spices are available are perfect for getting just enough of what you might need (we’re looking at you, star anise).

Check it out

Need to sharpen your kitchen knives? Use a pasta maker? The Library of Things at your local library is the place to check them out — for free! They often have loads of baking pans in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

DECEMBER

Sustainable decoration

Think organic and available locally for beautiful holiday decor, such as cedar greens and holly sprigs. Mixed greens can be bound together in swags and wreaths, or simply put into a vase. A snippet of holly tucked into a ribbon on a gift brings it to life.

Reusable candles

Battery-operated or rechargeable candles are an investment, and with proper care, you’ll use them for years to come. Plus, they are safer with kids in the house. Do watch out for button batteries, though — get the new Duracell coin batteries coated with a bitter taste to deter children from swallowing them.

Curated gifts

Antique stores, thrifting, craft fairs and flea markets can be a haven for out-of-the-big-box gifts that don’t cost a fortune. Think of a curated set of books for a gal pal, or a set of vintage napkins for your sister-in-law or a thoughtfully chosen vinyl record selection for your favorite audiophile.

Custom wrapping paper

Get a long butcher roll of paper, spread it on the table and have the kids draw and decorate it. Imagine how much the grandparents will love seeing their gifts wrapped in charming pictures and notes from the grandkids.

“Borrow a pan” trick gift

This one is fun: ask a friend if she can loan you a casserole dish. Make her and her family a home made recipe, package it up with cooking directions and return it to her. She will delight in a night off from cooking. You could do this with muffins or cakes as well.