If you ask me, it’s never too early to start preparing for Halloween. Whether you’re a hardcore Halloween lover or a scaredy cat, there are plenty of chic seasonal finds that will make anyone’s home look more festive. If you also love ghosts, you might have had your eye on Pottery Barn’s viral Lit Ghosts set, which features two strikingly realistic ghosties that emit a soft light.
Still, if you’re not prepared to shell out $99 on Halloween decor, you’ve got options. In fact, I recommend stopping by your nearest Aldi store, which is selling $29.99 floating ghost decorations that are a near-perfect dupe of the set — for nearly three times less!
Hailing from Aldi’s Huntington Home line, the two-pack Large and Small LED Ghosts set features one 33” tall ghost and a tinier 22” ghost, both of which come with “warm white lights” that you can bring to life with just a few AA batteries. If you’re busy during the autumn months, you can also take advantage of the ghosts’ six hours on, 18 hours off timer setting and enjoy coming home to softly glowing ghouls all season long.
Another benefit? These low-maintenance ghosts are hardy enough for indoor or outdoor use! You could place them on your porch to greet trick-or-treaters, position them in your entryway to surprise guests, or even set them in your living room for added ambience during scary movie nights.
Aldi is full of great Halloween finds to stock up on before October officially arrives, so make sure to keep an eye out for other stand-outs, from a witch cauldron-shaped candle to LED hanging taper candles.If you don’t have time to run to Aldi in person this week, you can also order the ghost set for pickup or delivery on the brand’s website, or check its Instacart page for local delivery availability. Alternatively, you could go for the Pottery Barn ghosts. Either way, your home will be adorably spooky before you know it!
Aldi's Halloween Special Buys
While Aldi is known for its quality grocery items, its Specialbuys are what have shoppers truly hooked. These are limited-time items that are often much cheaper than their name-brand counterparts. While the floating ghosts are great for decorating your home, Aldi is also stocked with other spooky treats. For those looking to add some spooky snacks to your Halloween festivities, Aldi has a great selection of Halloween treats coming to stores on September 29th, a month before the big day.
A Spooktacular Selection
This year's Aldi Halloween Specialbuys include a variety of treats for everyone. For those looking for something sweet, the supermarket has a new milk chocolate mouse for just 49p, as well as witch wands for 59p, Scary Sweets (99p), and Flying Saucers (99p). Those looking for a more substantial treat can grab a packet of Maoams for £1.09, available in Stripes, Pin Balls and Joy Stixx varieties. For those who want a bigger bag, Haribo's super mini mix is available for £2.39.
Limited-Time Treats
However, Aldi is urging shoppers to grab these treats quickly, as they're limited edition and once they're gone, they're gone. Like all of Aldi's Specialbuys, these treats are only available for a short time, so make sure to grab them while you can.
Halloween on a Budget
Halloween doesn't have to be expensive. There are plenty of ways to celebrate without breaking the bank. From DIY decorations to using what you already have, there are creative ways to make your Halloween celebration fun and affordable.
DIY Decor and Treats
Instead of spending a fortune on decorations, get crafty and make your own. You can create spooky spider webs using old string or rope, or use old eyeliners and eyeshadows to make your own face paint. When it comes to candy, clear out your cupboards to see what you already have. If you need more, shop bulk deals and compare the price per kilo before you buy.
Shared Costs
Hosting a party? Ask your guests to each bring a delicious themed dish to keep hosting costs down. For entertainment, turn to YouTube for a frighteningly good free playlist. There are dozens of channels with hour-long music mixes. You can also hold a spooky swish, or clothes-swapping with friends, to trade costumes for kids and adults.
Free Fun
There are also many free activities you can enjoy on Halloween. Sign up for a free local Halloween event. Check your local Nextdoor or Facebook pages, or search eventbrite.co.uk for ideas. You can also make your own edible fake blood to decorate cakes and costumes.
Plan Ahead
For next year, be organised and bag the bargains for next year by hitting the shops the day after Halloween. Remember to buy your kids’ costumes a size larger to allow for growth.
Grocery Savings
Halloween isn't the only time to save money. Here are some tips for saving on your grocery shopping all year round:
Watch for Discounts
Look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they've been reduced. If the food is fresh, you'll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Make a List
Making a list should also save you money, as you'll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Go Own Brand
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too. This means ditching “finest” or “luxury” products and instead going for “own” or value” type of lines.
Wonky Veg
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they're misshapen or imperfect. For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
Take Advantage of Vouchers
If you're on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too. Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Conclusion: A Spooktacular Savings Guide
Whether you're looking to decorate your home, stock up on Halloween treats, or simply save some money on your grocery bill, there are plenty of ways to make this Halloween spooktacular. With a little planning and creativity, you can have a fun and affordable Halloween without sacrificing any of the fun.
