After Halloween Saving

November 1st Sale Costumes 

My favorite part of Halloween is the after holiday sales.  I don't do after Christmas sales because I'm usually WAY too tired from the holiday to bother.  After Halloween is another matter entirely!

Here's why after Halloween Sales are so great:

- Most people don't think to bother with after Halloween Sales, so the crowds are usually light
- Deed discounts on costumes
- It's the fastest cheapest way to restock the dress up drawer
- Lots of Christmas crossover.  Yes friends, there are lot of Halloween decorations that can be used for Christmas.  More on that in a minute
- Lots of everyday items at deep discounts (I'll elaborate below)

Here's what you need to know:


PRICING

-  NAME YOUR PRICE!  If you shop at or before Halloween prices are usually clearly marked.  After Halloween many or most costumes are out of their original packaging and/or missing pieces, tags and labels.  Commonly the cashier will ask me "how much is this?"  As there is OFTEN no way to tell, I tell him what I want to pay.  If a manager is present there is sometimes haggling involved.  If no manager is present they give me the price I name.  Now let's be realistic, I'm not saying "I'll pay .10 cents each, but I've NEVER had a reasonable price refused.  

-  USE THE IN STORE SCANNER.  Some costumes will have a bar code on the size label or somewhere inside the item.  Use the in store scanning station to scan these costumes.  If there is no size tag bar code expect to name your price.  This is especially true at Walmart.


HOLIDAY CROSS OVER

So much of bargain shopping is thinking outside the box.  The BEST way to save money is to purchase an item designed for one purpose and use it for something else entirely.

 Here are a few examples:

Halloween Lights become Christmas Lights

Green Halloween lights can also be used for Christmas.  These lights were in the 50% off Halloween aisle.  So for $1.74 you've got 70 mini Christmas lights.

Skeleton Cookies become Ginger Bread Men

This spooky Wilton cookie kit could easily become Gingerbread Men.  Add your own (brightly colored) frosting to create a festive Christmas treat!  Store the cookies in the freezer until Christmas to keep them fresh!

Cupcake liners can be used at any time of year

 Skip the pumpkin and spider cupcake liners and go for the solid colors or stripes.  These liners can be used for just about any holiday!  And at .97 cents for 100 you can't go wrong!

Dual Duty Skull Cookie Cutter

This skull cookie cutter can do dual duty.  Turned right side up it's a skull.

Christmas Ball Cookie Cutter

Turned upside down it's the shape of a Christmas tree ball!


KIDS DRESS UP BIN
Seasoned parents already know that leftover Halloween costumes are the BEST source of dress up clothes for the kids.

Princess Dress for the play closet!

If you can find them on the cheap, buy as many costumes as you can afford for hours of imaginative play.  Don't forget the accessories!

Mario/Luigi mustaches .49 cents each

Butterfly/Fairy Wings $2.25/each

Petticoat at half price!

EVERYDAY USE ITEMS
There are always everyday items hiding in the Halloween aisle.  There's no reason in the world not to pinch a penny by snapping up these items.

Shopping Lists

Who cares if your grocery list is on Halloween themed paper.  At .49/pad this is a great bargain!

Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are great for trick or treating, but they also make a great party favor for birthday's or other kid-centric events.  Or if you happen to be stopping by a rave!  Again, at .49/each you can't go wrong!  These keep well over long periods of time as long as you keep them in the package and don't bend or squash them.


COSTUMES FOR NEXT YEAR
It should go without saying that the MAIN reason to shop after the holiday sale is costumes for next year.  As the kids get older this can be a tricky proposition.  As friends begin to have more influence shopping ahead can be dangerous and potentially wasteful. (Sizes might change a lot, so might what's in style)

When I shop ahead I keep the costumes generic.

Skeletons, Zombies ghosts and other generic costumes are the best way to go.  One year Duck Dynasty is all the rage.  The next year nobody cares about those guys.  Skeletons are the favorite at my house.

Skeleton from several years ago!

This skeleton costume was first worn by my teenager when he was just 6.  Now, 9 years later,  it was worn by my 7 year old to a Halloween Party.  He calls it "that boney guy".

Blog Post Courtesy of Mocha Kathy Woods