Halloween is almost here! And while dressing up is all part of the fun, the costs can quickly add up.
In 2025, Australians were expected to spend $500 million on Halloween festivities*. But creating a spooktacular costume doesn't have to cost a fortune.
At Kit, we're all about helping kids build smart money habits through everyday experiences. Halloween is a great opportunity to show kids a little creativity and planning can make their money go further.
Here are 7 affordable Halloween costume ideas to get started.
Forget expensive, store-bought costumes. These fun ideas use things you might already have at home.
The classic ghost
An old white sheet is all you need for this Halloween favourite. Just make sure your child can see clearly and move safely.
DIY superhero
A colourful T-shirt, leggings and a makeshift cape can transform your child into their very own superhero. Bonus points for inventing a superhero name!
Spooky skeleton
Dress in black and cut white paper into the shape of bones. Simple, spooky and easy to personalise.
Witch or wizard
Pair dark clothing with a cardboard hat and homemade wand. Add some paper stars for extra magic.
Favourite book character
Bring a beloved character to life using everyday clothes and a few recognisable accessories.
Cardboard robot
Turn an old cardboard box into a futuristic robot using leftover craft supplies. A great project for creative kids!
Costume swap
Why buy new when you can swap? Exchange last year's costumes with friends or family for a fresh look without the extra spend.
Agree on a budget with your kids before choosing a costume. Giving them a budget helps them practise making choices and deciding what's worth spending money on.
Try Kit's free monthly budget tracker to introduce planning, saving and spending in a simple, practical way.
Shop your wardrobe first
Check your wardrobe, dress-up boxes and craft supplies before heading to the shops. You might be surprised by what you can find!
Compare prices
If you need to buy something, compare a few options before making a decision. Remember to factor in accessories and delivery costs.
Explore second-hand options
Op shops, community groups and costume swaps can be great places to find affordable Halloween outfits.
Think beyond Halloween
Choose items your child can wear again, reuse for imaginative play or save for next year.
💚 Kit Money Lesson: Budgeting is about making choices. Planning ahead, comparing prices and deciding what's worth spending on can help kids build smart money habits that last beyond Halloween.
Halloween is a great opportunity to get kids thinking about money without turning it into a serious lesson.
Try asking:
These small conversations can help kids understand budgeting, recognise the difference between needs and wants, and feel more confident making everyday money decisions.
The best Halloween costumes don't need big budgets. With a little imagination, planning and creativity, your kids can have just as much fun while learning valuable money skills along the way.
Looking for more ways to build your child's financial confidence? Explore Kit's free learning resources, including the Smart Money Playbook, for practical tips and activities to make everyday money conversations easier.
Ready to put those money skills into practice? Download the Kit app and help your child build real-world money skills through everyday moments.
*Source: Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan, Halloween 2025 spending forecast.