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A Halloween costume and decorations for £17? Here’s how families are cutting costs

A Halloween costume and decorations for £17? Here’s how families are cutting costs

Families could spend just £17 on a children’s Halloween costume and decorations by shopping second-hand, according to new Gumtree data.

Getty/Ariel Skelley

MadeForMums

Published: October 21, 2026 at 11:53 AM

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With Halloween just around the corner, families looking to keep spooky season affordable could pick up a children’s costume and decorations for just £17 by shopping second-hand.

New data from online marketplace Gumtree found the median advertised price of a children’s Halloween costume was £5, while decorations cost a median of £12. That means parents could get the basics ready for 31 October for less than £20, without paying full price for items their children might only wear or use once.

And it’s not just little ones who can get a bargain. Adult Halloween costumes have a median advertised price of £10 on Gumtree, while selling last year’s outfits could help families make a little money back after the celebrations.

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How much does Halloween cost on Gumtree?

Gumtree’s analysis of advertised prices, covering August 2025 to September 2026, highlights how shopping pre-loved could help families keep the cost of Halloween down.

The median advertised prices were:

Children’s Halloween costume: £5
Adult Halloween costume: £10
Halloween decorations: £12

The figures are based on advertised prices, rather than confirmed sale prices, so the amount families actually spend may vary depending on the items they choose.

Four ways to save money on Halloween costumes

Whether you’re putting together a last-minute outfit for a school Halloween party or planning a family evening of trick-or-treating, there are ways to create a spooky look without stretching your budget.

Gumtree has shared the following tips for finding a bargain.

1. Look beyond traditional fancy dress

You don’t necessarily need to buy a ready-made costume. Everyday second-hand clothes can be transformed into a Halloween outfit, from a black dress and boots for a witch to an oversized blazer and sunglasses for a more retro look.

It’s also worth checking what you already have at home before buying anything new.

2. Make the most of accessories

A hat, wig, mask or spooky prop can completely change an outfit, potentially saving you from buying a whole new costume. Accessories can also be useful for refreshing a costume your child has worn before.

3. Check local listings

If Halloween is fast approaching, looking for nearby listings with local collection options could help you avoid waiting for a delivery.

Before agreeing to buy, ask for measurements where needed and check the condition of the costume, including fastenings and accessories, to make sure it’s suitable.

Halloween doesn’t have to cost a frightening amount of money. Our data shows families can pick up a children’s costume and decorations for less than £20 by choosing second-hand.

Nav Dhillon, CEO at Gumtree

4. Consider buying pre-loved decorations

Decorations can be reused year after year, making second-hand options worth considering if you’re trying to create a spooky atmosphere at home on a budget.

Check listings carefully so you know what’s included and whether the items are in good condition.

How to make money back by selling Halloween costumes

If your child has outgrown last year’s costume or you have fancy dress gathering dust in a wardrobe, selling it after Halloween could give it a second life while helping to recoup some of the cost.

Nav Dhillon, CEO at Gumtree, said: “Halloween doesn’t have to cost a frightening amount of money. Our data shows families can pick up a children’s costume and decorations for less than £20 by choosing second-hand, while those same costumes can be sold on afterwards rather than left gathering dust in the wardrobe.

“Whether you’re looking for a bargain or clearing out after Halloween, buying and selling pre-loved can be a simple way to get more for your money.”

To help your listing stand out, Gumtree recommends:

Use clear photos: Show the costume from different angles so potential buyers can see what they’re getting.
Include the details: Add the size, measurements and condition to help buyers decide whether it’s right for them.
Think beyond Halloween: Dresses, cloaks, jackets and accessories may also appeal to people looking for fancy dress or themed parties throughout the year.
Be clear about collection: Local collection could make your listing more appealing to last-minute shoppers.

Can you buy Halloween costumes online and collect them locally?

Gumtree’s Pay & Collect service allows buyers to reserve an item by paying online, with transactions processed through the marketplace. Funds are held securely and released to the seller after the buyer inspects the item in person and shares their six-digit collection code.

For shoppers who can’t find what they need nearby, Gumtree Delivery offers access to listings from across the UK. Buyers can also ask sellers to enable the “Delivery or Collection” option on eligible listings.

With Halloween approaching, shopping second-hand could be a useful way to keep costs down, find something a little different and give pre-loved costumes and decorations another outing.

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