Halloween Spending Slumps as Shoppers Cut Candy, Costumes
Halloween spending drops 16% as 61% of shoppers skip candy, costumes, and decorations, averaging $162 per person this year.
A new LendingTree survey reveals that 61% of shoppers plan to skip certain Halloween purchases this year, including candy (35%), decorations (31%), and costumes (29%). Americans will spend an average of $162 on Halloween, a 16% decrease from $192 in 2025.
The share of shoppers making Halloween purchases has dropped from 90% last year to 80% this year. Among those shopping, 24% expect to rely on debt to cover their expenses.
Younger generations are more likely to take on debt, with 43% of Gen Zers and 35% of millennials indicating they will do so. In contrast, only 14% of Gen Xers and 2% of baby boomers reported similar plans.
Among those who’ve taken on debt for Halloween, 51% express regret, citing pressure to maintain appearances and higher prices as key factors.
Prices for holiday essentials like children’s toys have risen. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes a 4.2% increase in toy prices between August and September, with a 6.6% rise compared to last year.
Many shoppers are turning to discounts and early shopping to save money. An Ibotta survey found that 45% of respondents feel financially insecure, with over 70% prioritizing savings this year.
Despite these concerns, 70% of shoppers say they can afford their Halloween purchases. However, a Deloitte survey of 1,500 U.S. shoppers indicates that 42% expect the economy to worsen next year. More than half of shoppers are buying their Halloween items at grocery stores and 40% are shopping at discount stores for the holiday.
This trend aligns with findings from the National Retail Federation, which reports that 39% of consumers now prefer discount stores for Halloween shopping.
