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Halloween is one of Ohio’s favorite fall traditions, and throwing a party is a great way to enjoy it with friends, family, and neighbors. But between costumes, decorations, and snacks, costs can creep up fast.

Luckily, you don’t need a big budget to host a memorable Halloween bash. Here are five smart ways to keep your party festive and affordable, complete with local store suggestions and free planning tools to get you started.

1. Decorate with Dollar Finds & DIY Touches

Skip the pricey decor and head to budget-friendly stores like Dollar Tree, Walmart, or Party Place Superstores (locations in Avon, Findlay, Mansfield, and more). You’ll find everything from spooky tableware to string lights and window clings, all for just a few dollars.

Easy DIY Ideas:

• Cut out bats and ghosts from black construction paper
• Use mason jars with orange tissue paper and LED tealights for glowing lanterns
• Repurpose old sheets as ghostly drapes or table covers

2. Serve Simple, Crowd-Pleasing Snacks

You don’t need gourmet catering to impress your guests. Stick to easy, affordable treats that can be made in bulk.

Budget-Friendly Snack Ideas:

• Monster Mix: Popcorn, candy corn, and pretzels
• Spider Deviled Eggs: Topped with sliced black olives
• Halloween Cupcakes: Try Walmart’s Freshness Guaranteed mini cupcakes — under $4!)

Tip: Choose store-brand ingredients to save even more, most taste just as great as the name brands.

3. Plan Free or Low-Cost Games

Games are a great way to keep guests entertained without spending much. You can even download free printable games like Halloween Bingo or Pin the Spider on the Web from Catch My Party.

Other Fun Ideas:

• Costume contest with small prizes (think candy or dollar store trinkets)
• Mummy wrap race using toilet paper
• Pumpkin bowling with mini pumpkins and plastic bottles

4. Use a Free Printable Party Planner

Stay organized and avoid overspending with a printable Halloween party planner. These tools help you track your guest list, budget, shopping list, and schedule.

Free Printable Options:

• World of Printables Halloween Planner
• Free Kids Printables Halloween Menu & Planner

Print what you need, hang it on the fridge, and check off tasks as you go.

5. Shop Local for Last-Minute Supplies

Ohio has plenty of great stores for Halloween essentials. Here are a few worth checking out:

• Spirit Halloween – Seasonal pop-ups across Ohio (including Marion)
• Cappel’s – A Cincinnati favorite for costumes, decorations, and party supplies
• Party City – Stores throughout Ohio with seasonal deals and in-store pickup

Ordering online and using in-store pickup can also help you save time and avoid impulse buys.

Celebrate Smart & Spooky

Throwing a Halloween party doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and local know-how, you can host a fun, festive gathering your guests will remember, all while staying on budget.

Middlefield Bank is here to support your financial wellness all year long. For more tips on saving, budgeting, and planning seasonal events, visit our blog or stop by your local branch.

Visit Your Local Middlefield Bank Today