Halloween is approaching quickly, and for many people the real question isn’t which costume to wear but when to buy that giant bag of candy without overspending. Retailers begin featuring seasonal merchandise as early as August, but buying too early can hit your budget harder than any haunted house. Timing your candy purchase can make a noticeable difference in how much you spend.
Prices Fall, Then Rise
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Research from Ibotta shows that candy prices typically reach their lowest point in the final week of October, with savings peaking around October 27. That period often offers the best deals before demand spikes and prices climb again right before Halloween night. Shoppers who wait until October 30 or 31 frequently pay a premium, as retailers anticipate last-minute buyers scrambling to fill their candy bowls.
The National Retail Federation reports that Americans plan to spend an average of $114 per person on Halloween this year, amounting to about $13.1 billion nationwide. That total covers candy, costumes, and decorations, but with inflation affecting many households, candy can feel like a luxury. More than half of consumers say rising chocolate prices are altering their spending habits, and a significant portion acknowledges paying more for candy this year compared with the past.
Smart Ways to Save on Candy
The best way to avoid inflated prices is to be strategic. Roughly 38% of shoppers search for coupons, store sales, or bulk discounts. Warehouse clubs and big-box stores are popular choices for bargain hunters—Costco, for example, often offers large multi-piece bags that lower the per-piece cost. Major retailers such as Target, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS frequently mark down mixed candy bags by as much as 50% during the last week of October.
Some people take a different approach: about 22% of consumers purchase candy before October to spread out their expenses, while nearly one-third admit to buying extra with the intention of snacking on it themselves. Leftover candy is common in many households, where it can stick around long after the holiday, while others still run out before the night ends. For last-minute backups, delivery options in certain areas can help—on Halloween night, some brands and local delivery services offer rapid candy refills to keep hosts stocked.
Popular Picks and Final Tips
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When it comes to what people search for and buy, premium chocolates and familiar classics lead the list. Ferrero Rocher ranked highly in searches across multiple states, and other top choices include Oreo-themed candies, Hershey’s bars, candy corn, Three Musketeers, Snickers, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
Key takeaways: if you want the best value, watch for deep discounts during the last week of October, compare bulk options at warehouse clubs, use coupons and store apps, and consider buying some candy early to spread costs if that suits your budget. Avoid last-minute purchases on Halloween night unless you’re prepared to pay extra for convenience.