Halloween has become the third biggest 'event' for retailers behind Christmas and Easter - and businesses are exploiting its boom in popularity with everything from ' Halloween trees' to eye-wateringly priced costumes.
But it need not cost a fortune, according to one mum of three, Amy Cooper.
"My children and I love getting in the Halloween spirit with fun costumes and a spooky tea party at home," she explained.
"But as a mum to three children, it can quickly turn pricey. Thankfully, there are ways to do it for less," Amy, from Weymouth, said.
"Firstly, you don’t always need to buy costumes from the shop. Halloween outfits cost £5 each at Aldi which, when buying for three costs me £15."
Instead, she says you should invest in a £1 glue gun from Poundland and some glitter, which can transform an old t-shirt from the back of the cupboard into a Halloween costume with some sparkly cobwebs "all for the price of a couple of pence".
And she says it's great fun making the costumes with the kids.
"Eye-liner is your best friend and can help you save. Face paint costs around £4 for a box, so for a family of three, the bill can quickly add up. Instead, I just use my own makeup.
"Use your own eye-liner and black eye shadow," she told deals community Vogo.co.uk .
"When it comes to food, I've always found its super easy to give the kids their usual snacks but with a Halloween feel with a few simple changes.
"My daughter’s favourites are my 'monster burgers'.
"These are burgers that I make at home using minced beef, an onion and an egg.
"The Halloween twist of cutting the cheese and tomatoes for eyes can turn a regular burger into a spooktacular treat they love.
"I normally get my burgers at Tesco which cost £3.00 for two. I end up buying two boxes, but making my own saves me a fiver.
"And while you're at it, adding a Halloween face to an orange or using icing pens to jazz up some biscuits takes minimal effort and expenses but can look great."
Amy says shops like Poundshop and Home Bargains are perfect for Halloween, where you can find "great little decorations".
"I quite like the pack of Creep Crawly spiders for £1. These can easily be jazzed up a little at home with some extra glitter. The vampire teeth for only 90p also go down a storm."
She says Pinterest is her "go to" for finding quick and easy crafts and activities.
"Another craft that is great for pre-schoolers is fruit/veg stamping! An apple cut in half is great for making pumpkin prints! Just draw on some eyes and a mouth and you’re good to go."
Amy also says you shouldn't be spending a penny on days out.
"Don’t spend a fortune on Halloween themed days out - a visit to your local pumpkin patch is free! You just pay for any pumpkins you choose.
"Not only is it great fun, but it gets you in the Halloween spirit and the kids love it.
"But don’t waste your carved out pumpkins, there are tons of great pumpkin recipes online from soups to muffins.
"I always try and make a soup with the leftovers , it's very simple to make (onions and chicken stock) or you can try something new."
She says it's also worth planning ahead for next year, too.
"Come the November 1, all of the Halloween costumes and decorations will be hugely reduced at the shops, so think ahead and get 2020 sorted now.
"You will find some real bargains in supermarkets which can save you all the expense for next year."
