Halloween is around the corner, and shoppers aren’t ghosting it. According to new data from 1,000 adult shoppers, 82% of consumers plan to make Halloween-related purchases this year. This holiday is still a favorite, even as people get more intentional with their spending.
Turns out, nothing comes between people and their candy – not even a tighter budget.
What’s on the Halloween shopping list?
- Halloween candy and treats still lead the way — with 70% of shoppers planning to stock up.
- Halloween home decor is having a moment, too — with 40% buying interior decorations and 39% investing in exterior setups to create festive atmospheres inside and out.
- Halloween costumes are close behind — with 36% of adults and 35% of children expected to dress up.
- Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) plan to buy tickets for Halloween events like parties and haunted houses.
When are people shopping for Halloween?
Timing tells its own story. 62% of shoppers are getting a head start on Halloween shopping in September — or even have started this summer (hello, Summerween!). Meanwhile, 38% will wait until October for last-minute Halloween buys.
And if you’ve ever tried to find a kid’s Halloween costume on October 29th, you know why that early group is winning.
Halloween Costumes: Tradition vs. Trend
This year’s Halloween costume choices are split between the timeless and the topical.
- 47% are leaning into pop culture inspirations like viral TikTok moments, blockbuster movie characters and trending TV series.
- 53% are sticking with traditional Halloween themes like witches, vampires, ghosts and pumpkins.
Spending Outlook
On average, Americans are planning to spend $92 on Halloween-related purchases – about $12 less than what the NRF projected in 2024. It’s a sign that shoppers are still eager to celebrate but are approaching spending with a little more caution.
Halloween Shopping Tips to Stretch Your Budget
1. Shop early for the best selection (and prices)
With 62% of shoppers already buying in September, the most popular costumes and décor can sell out quickly. Early birds not only snag the best choices but also avoid last-minute markups.
2. Bundle and buy in bulk
Candy and décor are often cheaper in larger packs, especially at warehouse clubs or during supermarket promotions. Team up with friends or neighbors to split bulk buys and lower your costs.
3. Look for cash back and coupon stacking
Many retailers roll out seasonal promotions on costumes, candy and party supplies. Stack store coupons with cash back apps or credit card rewards to maximize savings.
Halloween 2025 is shaping up to be a season where budget-conscious shoppers balance fun with a little frugality. They’re splurging on candy, keeping décor festive, and choosing costumes that are equal parts nostalgic and culturally relevant.
The spirit is still strong — it’s just smarter this year.
Methodology:
Ziff Davis Shopping Q4 2025 consumer shopper survey, fielded in August 2025. N = 1136
The post Halloween 2025: Spending Slips, Spirit Stays High: 82% of Americans Plan Halloween Purchases appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
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