Halloween is a major event in Canada, with a strong tradition of community, trick-or-treating, and costumes. It’s no surprise that Halloween is one of the biggest retail-driven holidays of the year, second only to Christmas. While Canadians prepare in many different ways, there are some consistent patterns in how people spend for spooky season. Read on to make the most of Halloween 2025 while staying on track with your budget!
Planning for Halloween 2025
Halloween shopping in Canada usually happens 1-2 weeks before October 31. Most Canadian consumers will make their plans for Halloween in this time range. Halloween is also one of the holidays with high purchase intent. A recent survey found that 97% of people who intend to celebrate Halloween will buy something for the occasion.
Compared to Christmas, where about a third of shoppers will plan more than 3 months in advance, Halloween shopping tends to be more last-minute. Halloween goods are quite seasonal, with things like costumes, decorations, and candy becoming much more popular closer to the holiday. Retailers also tend to stock Halloween items in October, so there’s only so much time you get to prepare and stock up. This means that shoppers only have October to buy things, so naturally, most of the purchases are concentrated in the couple of weeks leading up to the holiday.
What do Canadians buy for Halloween?
The highest category by far is candy! A recent survey found that 82% of Halloween shoppers said they’ll buy candy. No tricks there, since candy is the cornerstone of trick-or-treating, making it essential for anyone participating in Halloween. It’s not just for families with children, but also neighbours who stock up for costumed kids, and party hosts who set up bowls of treats for guests!
Of course, another large category is food and alcohol. Next comes decor, with quite a few Canadian Halloween shoppers planning to purchase decorations. Again, an indicator of how important it is for people to create the right ambience for Halloween! Costumes and apparel round out this list, finding great appeal among families and younger generations.
Shopping destinations
Halloween purchases are spread across mass retailers, grocery stores, and online-only retailers.
Mass retailers are especially popular for costumes, decor, and candy bundles, while grocery stores dominate food and treat purchases. In addition, the popularity of online shopping can be especially useful for last-minute or specialized purchases that may be difficult to find in person. Dollar stores are also quite popular for decor and party supplies.
How much do Canadians spend on Halloween?
A recent survey found that Halloween spending for most Canadians is somewhere in the $50-$99 range. Families with multiple children or those who host larger events or groups may spend more.
If you’re on a budget, consider buying candy in bulk or from discount retailers. You could also potentially reuse or repurpose costumes you’ve already bought in previous years. Along the same lines, reusable decorations can minimize yearly costs. Many shoppers find that investing in a few key pieces, like a durable costume or reusable decorations, pays off in the long run. This is especially useful when these items can be enjoyed across multiple years.
Compare flyers and online promos, you might find discounts on something you were intending to buy anyway!
Tips for saving on Halloween 2025
- Shop early for popular items since they’re likely to sell out closer to Halloween. This can also help you avoid last-minute price hikes.
- Plan ahead to buy a few reusable decorations after Halloween 2025 so you’re prepared for 2026 at a deep discount.
- Buy in bulk when you can, like for candy or party supplies. It can really make a difference to your per unit costs.
- Compare different shops. For example, candy could be less expensive at a warehouse club. On the other hand, seasonal decor could be more affordable at dollar stores. A little planning and research can save you a chunk of change.
- DIY treats and decor, if that’s something you enjoy doing. It can cut costs and add a personal touch. Some things are better than retail therapy!
- Plan potluck parties with like-minded friends! You get interesting food and drinks, while cutting costs for everyone involved.
- Pay attention to online deals and flash sales.
- Use store loyalty programs or credit card reward points when possible.
- Create a shopping list and stick to it. This can prevent impulse spending on trendy or novelty items.
- Consider building a sinking fund for planned and expected holiday expenses.
- Keep an eye out for bundled offers, like candy multipacks or a costume and accessory set, which may offer better value.
Key takeaways
Halloween shopping in Canada typically happens within two weeks before October 31, making early budgeting and planning essential to avoid last-minute price increases and limited stock. Shoppers prioritize candy, costumes, and decorations, often balancing cost with quality by buying in bulk, reusing items, and seeking sales across multiple retail channels.
Effective money-saving strategies include making a detailed shopping list, comparing prices between in-store and online options, leveraging loyalty programs, and budgetary awareness. Keeping celebrations simple and creative with DIY elements helps you have fun while managing your debt. If you’re trying to build a healthier relationship with money and get out of debt, you can contact one of our trained credit counsellors for advice – they can help you figure out which debt solution could be the right fit for your specific situation.
