Getting Ready for Halloween

Even though stores have had Christmas decorations out for a couple a months, we still have Halloween and Thanksgiving to celebrate first.

Pinterest is a site where you can organize ideas you see online. You can make boards of different themes. I have made a Halloween board with ideas I have found online and on Pinterest for costumes, treat ideas and decorating ideas. Sometimes it is possible to save money by making your own costumes or look for items for a costume at the thrift stores. Also, if you come up with an idea of a costume and cannot find it in the stores, you may be able to make it.

Some of the decorating ideas on the board can be used all fall and for Thanksgiving.

This is part of a 90 day series with tips to help make your holidays easier. Click here for previous posts.

Saving on Baking Supplies

During the holidays, many people tend to do more baking than they normally do. Over the next few months the grocery stores should be having sales and coupons for baking supplies such as flour, sugar, baking chips, nuts, etc. If you buy things that you will not use up in the near future it would be recommended to store them in the freezer to have them last longer.

I try to stock up on baking chips, nuts and other items when they are on sale and store them in the freezer.

Locally, Fleet Farm is known to have good prices on things such as nuts and baking chips.

One advantage of baking your own items is that you know what ingredients are in the items and you can control ingredients.

If you need a certain type of pan or other items you do not have, try looking at the thrift stores before paying full retail price. Many thrift stores have items that may be new or almost new for a fraction of the new price.

Shopping for Holiday Supplies

One of the added holiday expenses is for supplies such as wrapping paper, gift bags, tape, etc. These supplies can add up, especially since they will usually just be thrown away once the gift is opened. One thing about gift bags, they can easily be reused if they have not been damaged.

Some places to find these items for less are dollar stores and discount stores. Many dollar stores have a wide selection of wrapping paper and gift bags. You may also be able to find boxes for packing baked goods. I purchase gift boxes at after Holiday sales to use to pack the krumkake and other treats I usually make each year.

Another place to keep an eye out for deals on these supplies are major drugstores. Closer to the holidays, Walgreens and CVS usually have great deals on these supplies.

After the holidays is a great time to stock up on items you may need next year for a fraction of the original price.

If you can find ways to save money on some supplies you may have more money to spend on gifts and other expenses that come with the holidays.