Halloween is one of those holidays you either love or you hate. I know people who love Halloween more than any other holiday, and I know people who’d rather spend October 31 running errands or taking it easy.
If Halloween really isn’t your thing, don’t let the ghouls and goblins scare you away from saving a buck. Halloween brings plenty of opportunities to save money even if you don’t celebrate the holiday.
Pizza
Halloween brings some great deals on pizza. If you’re staying in Friday night, you can save a few bucks ordering pizza just because it’s All Hallow’s Eve. Papa Murphy’s was the first pizza joint to announce its Halloween promotion this year, but if 2014 is anything like last year, you can expect to see more pizza deals popping up this week. Last year saw great coupons and deals from places like Pizza Hut, Domino’s and Papa John’s. And if you can’t find a Halloween coupon for your pizza, find a regular coupon code online before you place your order. Two extra minutes surfing for coupon codes can save you up to 40 percent on your pizza order.
Party Supplies
After October 31, prices on Halloween décor hit rock-bottom prices. This is the case for most holidays, but we don’t usually think about the ways we can use leftover Halloween decorations. Just because the first things you think of are skeletons and ghosts doesn’t mean the leftover merchandise is limited to scary posters and statues. Halloween colors are typically the same as fall colors, so stock up on black and orange party décor to save on Thanksgiving dinner decorations.
Halloween Freebies for Kids
Many stores and restaurants offer Halloween freebies to attract customers on a night when most are busy trick-or-treating and bobbing for apples. Don’t miss out on all the free food. Kids get a free pancake at IHOP on Halloween. And the best part is, they’re finally allowed to play with their food. If you participate in IHOP’s #ScaryFacePancakes social contest, your child could also win a $50 IHOP gift card.
Outback Steakhouse is having a Halloween promotion for kiddos. Children ages 10 and under will receive a free meal for every adult meal purchased. The limit is two free kids’ meals. Call your local Outback to make sure your location is participating before you make your way to the restaurant.
Candy
Halloween candy will go on sale after October 31. And, what Halloween item doubles as a great holiday stocking stuffer? You guessed it — candy. Check out the discounted candy items that will go on sale on Nov. 1 to prepare for the stockings you’ll be stuffing come December. The Halloween leftovers are sure to cost less than those items in the bright red and white Christmas aisle.
Dining Deals
There are lots of great restaurant deals on Halloween. If you’d rather spend a night eating out than trick-or-treating, you might want to consider one of your many options for a discounted meal. Red Lobster is offering a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two adult entrees. Make sure you print the coupon before you head to the restaurant. If you’re in the mood for something a little quicker, Sonic is celebrating Halloween in a tasty way. You can get 50 cent corndogs all day on October 31.
Halloween night has several opportunities for you and your family to make a positive difference without spending much. Wendy’s is selling coupon books for a buck. The book includes coupons for free Junior Frosty desserts. The best part? A whopping 90 percent of the proceeds go to charity. Buying a few books will not only save you some money; it will put your hard-earned cash to good use. Chipotle isn’t leaving the hungry trick-or-treaters out of the saving game. You can get $3 bowls, burritos, salads and tacos at participating locations. All you have to do is show up in a costume after 5 p.m. and you’ll get an entrée on the cheap. And Chipotle is putting your money to work. Up to $1 million of the proceeds from this promotion will go to charity.
Have a very happy, safe and frugal Halloween.
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5 Ways Halloween Can Save You Money originally appeared on usnews.com
