October 31st is undeniably one of the most exciting nights of the year for children, but for parents, the scariest part of Halloween is often the price tag. With UK spending on Halloween estimated to hit a staggering £779 million in 2025 (according to Finder), the pressure to spend is high. However, at MeetVoucher, we believe you shouldn't have to frighten your bank manager to create magic.
With the 2025 festivities falling during the October half-term for many, you have the perfect excuse to turn "saving money" into "family bonding." Here is our updated master guide to DIY crafts, budget costumes, and affordable events.
DIY Decor: Turning Trash into Terror
Why buy plastic decorations that end up in a landfill when you can craft unique pieces? Stock up on basics from affordable retailers like The Works or Hobbycraft, and get creative.
1. The Bin Bag Spider Web
This is perhaps the highest-impact, lowest-cost decoration in existence.
The Method: Take a standard black bin liner, fold it diagonally multiple times (similar to making a paper snowflake), and cut out "trunk and branch" shapes. When unfolded, you have a massive, intricate web.
The Upgrade: Use black yarn and a fork to create small pompom spiders to attach to the web. This not only looks great on the front door but can be used for a "closest to the bullseye" throwing game.
2. Paper Plate Weaving
For younger kids, grab white paper plates and punch holes around the rim. Have them thread white yarn back and forth through the holes to create a chaotic or symmetrical web pattern. It is excellent for fine motor skills and costs pennies.
3. Jam Jar Lanterns
Clean out empty food jars and cover them with Halloween-themed Washi tape, stickers, or orange tissue paper. Pop in an LED tea light (available for roughly £2.25 for a 6-pack at ASDA), and you have safe, atmospheric lighting for your windows.
Costume Hacks: Repurpose and Reuse
Research by YouGov suggests 42% of Brits now make their own costumes. Join the movement and save the £20+ usually spent on polyester outfits worn once.
- The Sustainable Witch: Avoid the full costume. Buy a hat for £1–£2 (or make one from black card), and pair it with an all-black outfit your child already owns.
- The Classic Skeleton: Take an old black t-shirt and cut horizontal slits along the rib cage area. Wear a white t-shirt underneath to let the "bones" show through.
- The Face Paint Solution: Often, a costume is 90% makeup. A simple black eyeliner can create a cat (nose and whiskers), a spider web on the cheek, or a zombie (smudged eyes). Brands like Snazaroo offer safe, high-quality paints that prevent post-Halloween skin irritation.
2025 Pumpkin Patch Guide: Where to Go for Less
Visiting a pumpkin patch is a day out that doubles as your vegetable shopping. MeetVoucher has curated the top value spots for 2025:
Scotland: Charleton Farm (Angus)
No booking required. Free entry. Only pay for the weight of your pumpkin. Includes a free playpark.
Wales: Gower Fresh (Swansea)
Free entry options available for PYO (Pick Your Own). Pay only for what you pick.
Midlands: Doddington Hall (Lincs)
Free entry. Pumpkins start from just £4. Open daily through October.
South West: Orway Porch Farm (Devon)
Free entry and parking. Pumpkins start from an incredible £1.
Smart Snacking: The Sweet Economy
If you are expecting trick-or-treaters, buying smart is essential.
- Calculate Cost Per Sweet: Don't just look at the bag price. A bag of Swizzels Mummy Mix (£2.50) might work out to 6p per sweet, whereas Haribo multipacks might hover around 9p–11p.
- The Tub Truth: Large festive tubs (Quality Street, Heroes) vary in count. Recent counts show Quality Street often leads with ~65 chocolates, while Roses may trail with ~52.
- Go Rogue: If chocolate prices are too high, draw scary faces on satsumas. It’s healthy, cheap, and undeniably "orange" for Halloween!
For more seasonal savings and craft discounts, check out MeetVoucher.online.