Halloween 2025 is creeping up, and excitement is in the air. Costumes, makeup, candy, and decorations make the season fun — but they can also spook your budget if you’re not careful. The good news? With the right Halloween discount codes and a smart shopping plan, you can enjoy the holiday without overspending.
This guide walks you through where to find the best Halloween deals, how to time your purchases, and the little tricks that save big when shopping for costumes, makeup, decorations, and more.
Finding the Best Costume Deals
The heart of Halloween is the costume, and stores compete hard to win shoppers.
Amazon usually leads with October sales, offering promo codes that slash 20–40% off top costumes. Parents often love the convenience: you can grab everything from budget-friendly $20 outfits to premium licensed looks in one cart.
Walmart’s clearance section, meanwhile, is a treasure hunt. Previous-season costumes often appear online in early October, perfect for bargain hunters.
Target is family-friendly for another reason — their Circle app stacks extra savings on top of sale prices, which adds up fast if you’re shopping for multiple kids.
And if you want variety, Spirit Halloween is the go-to. Their flash sales and early-bird specials in September are worth grabbing before stock runs low.
Makeup and Special Effects Without the Scary Price
Costumes only go so far — makeup makes the look complete.
Ulta runs 40–50% discounts on Halloween collections throughout October, with professional face paints and fake blood at prices that won’t make you faint. Sephora follows with bundle kits, often available online only.
Sally Beauty has long been the secret weapon for makeup artists. Their clearance bins carry scar wax, liquid latex, and other professional effects supplies at bargain prices.
And if you’re planning on adding colored contacts, stick with FDA-approved retailers like Lens.com or 1-800-CONTACTS. Promotional codes can take 15–25% off, but safety always comes first.
Decorations That Stretch Your Dollar
Transforming your home for Halloween doesn’t need a huge budget.
Home Depot and Lowe’s both launch clearance events in early October, with animated figures and yard inflatables marked down week by week. Michaels is perfect for DIY fans — their weekly 40–50% coupons make custom décor projects affordable.
For the simplest savings, Dollar Tree has become a Halloween favorite. Everything from spider webs to paper lanterns costs $1.25 or less, and creative shoppers use them to build dramatic displays for under $20.
The Halloween Shopping Timeline
Timing is everything when it comes to savings.
- September: Early bird deals start, especially at Amazon and beauty retailers.
- Early October: Peak selection with flash sales, bundle offers, and competitive pricing.
- Mid-October: Clearance begins on costumes and makeup as retailers prepare to sell through inventory.
- Late October: Deep discounts appear, and savvy shoppers grab next year’s costumes and décor at 70%+ off.
Smarter Ways to Save
Beyond retailer discounts, stack your strategies. Store credit cards often unlock extra savings. Cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta return a percentage on top of coupons. Following retailers on social media can score you exclusive promo codes that vanish in hours.
Browser extensions are another secret weapon — they automatically apply the best promo code at checkout, especially on sites like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Candy and Treats on a Budget
If your neighborhood sees a steady stream of trick-or-treaters, wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club give you the lowest per-piece candy prices. For smaller households, Walmart and Target frequently run buy-one-get-one deals on name-brand bags.
And for something different, dollar stores offer toys, stickers, and temporary tattoos that often cost less per treat than premium candy.
Shopping Online vs. In-Store
Online shopping gives you access to exclusive codes, fast comparisons, and reviews — plus no crowds. But in-store shopping still matters: you can check costume fit, avoid shipping delays, and sometimes find unadvertised clearance.
Many families mix both approaches — grabbing costumes and makeup online while picking up candy and décor in-store at the last minute.
Safety First
Saving money is important, but safety comes first. Always buy FDA-approved contact lenses, test Halloween makeup on a small patch of skin, and choose costumes that are visible and flame-safe. Reflective tape and comfortable shoes go a long way on Halloween night.
DIY Options That Cost Almost Nothing
For creative families, DIY is the ultimate budget hack. Cardboard robots, classic sheet ghosts, distressed “zombie” business suits, or superhero capes made from fabric scraps all deliver high impact without high prices.
Decorations can be just as fun: mason jar lanterns, cheesecloth ghosts, or painted foam pumpkins last for years. Craft stores like Michaels make it easy to stock up on materials using their weekly discount codes.
Final Tips for 2025
Plan your Halloween shopping list early — costumes, makeup, décor, candy, and party supplies. Track deals across multiple retailers, sign up for alerts, and don’t forget that November 1st is the best day of the year for clearance shopping.
With the right strategy and promo codes, you’ll enjoy the best parts of Halloween 2025 without the scary price tag.