How Much Halloween Candy Should You Buy This Year?
Do you have a Halloween candy budget? If not, then you should. It’s important to account for all annual expenses, even the little ones. That said, your usual Halloween candy budget might differ this year. After all, Halloween doesn’t look the same during a pandemic.
What is a Halloween Candy Budget?
If you really want to stay on top of all of your finances, then you need to budget. Of course, you probably already know to budget for the big things like rent and groceries. But it’s also important to budget for the little things.
When you have certain expenses that come up year after year, budgeting can help you a lot. So, instead of just folding your Halloween candy purchases into your grocery budget or budget for miscellaneous shopping, you should have it as a separate budget item. That way, you always know what you’re likely to spend throughout the year, even during unusual times like the holidays.
How Much Halloween Candy Should You Buy This Year?
Whether or not you have a Halloween candy budget, you should think carefully before buying those big bags of candy this year. Halloween isn’t going to be the same in 2020 as it has been in years past. The pandemic has changed things.
Most likely, you buy Halloween candy to give to trick-or-treaters. But are you going to have any trick-or-treaters this year? Some cities have banned trick-or-treating entirely during the pandemic. Other cities are legally allowing it but have cautioned people against going out.
It’s going to be hard to social distance and wear masks during Halloween. Moreover, many people don’t feel safe handling and eating candy that’s been in a bowl that so many other people are digging into. Therefore, it’s unlikely that you’ll have many trick-or-treaters.
Things to Consider for Trick-or-Treaters
You might opt not to turn on your light for trick-or-treaters at all this year. Therefore, you don’t need to buy any candy. If you do decide to allow trick-or-treating at your house, here are some things to take into consideration:
- How can you package candy in the safest way for trick-or-treaters? You may want to prepare individual treat bags rather than putting all of the candy into a big bowl.
- What candy options are safest for trick-or-treating? As a parent, would you want your child eating a homemade caramel apple right now or would you feel safer with prepackaged Halloween candy?
- Very few people are likely to come to your house. Do you want extra candy sitting around? If not, then you might want to purchase a single bag to hand out then turn off the house light when that bag is gone.
Fun Fact: About 62% of people plan to hand out candy this year but only about 23% of people plan to take their kids trick-or-treating. Therefore, buy less than you think you should!
Other Reasons People Buy Halloween Candy
Most people buy Halloween candy for trick-or-treaters. However, there are other reasons we purchase this stuff. In fact, about 95% of those surveyed (see fun fact link above) expect to spend money on candy this year. Some of the other reasons we buy Halloween candy include:
- To put out in bowls at a Halloween party
- For classroom parties for children
- As extra special treats in children’s lunches during Halloween week
- To snack on at home
Again, many of these are canceled during the pandemic. You don’t need a Halloween candy budget for your kids’ school if they’re learning from home. Where schools are open, they might not allow candy sharing right now. Check with your child’s teacher before sending any to share with other kids.
As for snacking at home, that’s the one thing that you can keep consistent in this year’s Halloween candy budget. Just because you’re home more now doesn’t mean that you want to snack more on candy. Instead, treat yourself to the usual amount but not more.
Budgeting Quick Tip: Most people plan to spend between $80 and $100 on Halloween this year, including, but not limited to, their candy purchase.
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