With just over a week until Halloween, I thought I’d better address the subject in some way. It amazes me the lengths people go and how much they will spend now. I remember (you know, way back in the old days) when you didn’t worry about drugs in the food, razor blades in apples, and whatever else has been reported. Mom used to let us help her make caramel apples, or home-made popcorn balls. It was great. Now, your kids get candy bars which leads to issues with teeth and too much sugar! And don’t get me started on costumes! You pay for a costume that will not fit your child next year, so what do you do?

Here’s an idea for those of you who have a neighborhood group of friends. Why not plan a little get-together prior to Halloween. At this gathering, discuss what you want to give the little tykes. With juvenile diabetes more prevalent now, do you know if any of the children in your neighborhood are diabetic? Or allergies – is anyone allergic to peanuts or peanut butter? By discussing these items as a group, everyone can be aware of possible issues.

And costumes? Why not bring your old costumes to the meeting and trade or give them to someone who has a child that size? I mean, come on, do you ever really use the costume again if you don’t have a younger child? Or brainstorm on costumes you can make and do it as a group. Here’s a site that lists some fast and simple costumes you can make - http://familycrafts.about.com/od/costumeideas/tp/fastcostume.htm. And kids can have fun helping!

Now for ideas on treats. I went to one of the dollar stores in the area to see what they have. One store had individual packages of animal crackers – 8 small bags for $1.00, they also had Halloween pencils – 12 for $1.00. Other items, depending on what you want to spend, can be found without breaking the budget. If you go after the name brand candy bars, you’re going to be paying more and the other moms will be the villains when they don’t let their children eat all that candy! So make the treats fun, but think about what you would prefer your children to have!

There are lots of tips online. Just do a search for – Halloween, money, saving, tips – and you get quite a selection!