Americans to Spend Record $13.1 Billion on Halloween 2025: Here's Where the Money Goes

Americans to Spend Record $13.1 Billion on Halloween 2025: Here's Where the Money Goes Halloween has officially become big business. Americans are expected to spend a staggering $13.1 billion on Halloween in 2025—shattering last year's $11.6 billion and eclipsing the previous record of $12.2 billion set in 2023. That's a 13% increase in just one year, making Halloween one of the fastest-growing retail holidays in the country. Despite concerns about inflation, tariffs, and rising prices across the board, nearly three-quarters of Americans (73%) plan to celebrate the spookiest night of the year. And they're not holding back—from elaborate costumes and inflatable yard displays to mountains of candy and even outfits for pets, Halloween spending has reached unprecedented levels. ## The Numbers Behind the Spending Spree According to the National Retail Federation's annual consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, Halloween 2025 marks a watershed moment for the holiday's commercial significance. ### Record Per-Person Spending Average per-person spending has reached an all-time high of $114.45—nearly $11 more than last year and surpassing the previous record of $108.24 set in 2023. This means the typical Halloween celebrator is spending: - **$37.62 on costumes** - **$36.85 on decorations** - **$34.24 on candy** - **$5.74 on greeting cards** ### Where the $13.1 Billion Goes The spending breaks down across four major categories: **Costumes: $4.3 Billion** Americans will spend more on costumes than anything else this Halloween. This includes $2 billion on adult costumes, $1.4 billion on children's costumes, and a whopping $860 million on pet costumes. Yes, you read that right—nearly a billion dollars just to dress up dogs and cats. **Decorations: $4.2 Billion** From giant inflatable ghosts to intricate graveyard displays, decoration spending is at an all-time high. A remarkable 78% of consumers plan to purchase decorations this year, up from 75% last year, indicating that Americans are increasingly turning their homes into Halloween showcases. **Candy: $3.9 Billion** Despite candy prices climbing 78% since 2020, Americans aren't skimping on treats. Candy remains the most popular Halloween purchase, with 66% of consumers planning to hand out sweets to trick-or-treaters. **Greeting Cards: $700 Million** Even greeting cards are seeing a renaissance, with 38% of shoppers planning to buy them—up from 33% in 2024. This represents a $100 million increase in card spending year-over-year. ## The Tariff Effect: Higher Prices Don't Deter Shoppers One of the most surprising findings in this year's survey is that consumers are celebrating Halloween with gusto despite widespread concerns about rising costs. ### Consumers Expect Higher Prices A staggering 79% of Halloween shoppers anticipate prices will be higher this year specifically because of tariffs. Supply chain experts confirm these concerns are well-founded. "We're seeing probably anywhere from a 10% to 15% increase on costumes, decorations, and candy," said Dr. Patrick Penfield, a Syracuse University supply chain professor. "There'll be some sticker shock, but people are still going to buy it—because your child wants it or it's a great costume." ### The Candy Crisis Candy has been hit particularly hard by price inflation. A Finance Buzz study found that candy prices have climbed 78% since 2020. A 100-piece bag now averages around $16—up from just over $9 five years ago, with the cost jumping more than $2 per year over the last two Halloweens. The latest Consumer Price Index shows candy and chewing gum prices are up 8.1% compared to just last year, adding insult to injury for families trying to stock up for trick-or-treaters. ### Costume Costs Soaring Children's costumes could cost up to 25% more this year, according to ABC News. Much of this increase stems from tariffs on imports, as many costumes are manufactured in China or other countries facing significant import tariffs. "We may see prices going up," consumer experts warn. "That's when buying used really makes sense." ## How Americans Are Shopping Smarter Despite the price increases, savvy consumers are finding ways to make Halloween more affordable without sacrificing the fun. ### Early Shopping Trend Continues Nearly half of consumers (49%) began shopping in September or earlier—a slight increase from 47% last year. This early shopping strategy helps families spread out purchases and catch better deals before inventory dwindles closer to October 31st. ### Discount Stores See Surge Discount stores have become the top destination for Halloween shopping, with 42% of consumers heading there first—a five-percentage point increase from 37% in 2024. Specialty Halloween and costume stores follow at 31%, tied with online retailers at 31%. "For consumers looking to balance their budgets, strategies such as buying early to spread out purchases or shopping at discount stores are just some ways they are being mindful of costs," said Prosper Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist. ### Money-Saving Strategies That Work Consumer savings experts recommend several strategies to keep Halloween costs under control: **1. Shop Secondhand for Costumes** "You can go to local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or go online to eBay or even a site like Poshmark, where you can buy gently used Halloween costumes," says consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch. **2. Organize Costume Swaps** Get together with friends or neighbors to swap costumes from previous years. Local "Buy Nothing" groups on Facebook, where neighbors give away items for free, can also help families cut costs significantly. **3. DIY Decorations** From indoor/outdoor décor to costumes and makeup, Halloween is tailor-made for DIY projects. Hit your local craft store or reuse materials you already own. For costume makeup, search tutorials that use everyday cosmetics instead of specialty kits. **4. Decoration Swaps** Inflatables and yard art can cost hundreds of dollars. Organize a decoration swap with neighbors so everyone's display feels "new" without new spending. **5. Smart Candy Shopping** Halloween candy is often best purchased in bulk two weeks before the holiday, when many warehouse and grocery chains discount multi-packs. Watch weekly ads and digital coupons. Be realistic about how many trick-or-treaters you usually get so you don't overspend (or overeat) on leftovers. **6. Mix Secondhand with Discount Retailers** "My favorite places to shop for Halloween décor would be a retailer like HomeGoods or TJ Maxx," Woroch recommends. "Look for Halloween décor that will last, though, so that this way, whatever you're buying this year, you know, you'll have it for several years." ## Popular Halloween Trends for 2025 ### Costume Favorites **For Adults:** The most popular adult costumes this year include: - Witch (5.6 million Americans) - Vampire (2.7 million) - Pirate (1.6 million) - Cat (1.6 million) - Batman (1.6 million) **For Children:** Pop culture continues to drive children's costume choices: - K-pop characters - Demon Hunters (from popular Netflix shows) - Ghost Face masks - Anime characters "K-pop, Demon Hunters—the kids are all over this show. We worked really hard to get them," said Leanne Andersson, President and CEO of Pop Party Supply in Amherst, New York. **For Pets:** Americans aren't leaving their furry friends out of the festivities. The most popular pet costumes include: - Pumpkin (9.8%) - Hot dog (5.4%) - Bumblebee (4%) - Ghost (3.1%) - Superhero (3.1%) Pet costume spending alone is expected to reach $860 million this year, with 23% of consumers planning to dress up their pets—up from previous years. ## Halloween Activities: Beyond Trick-or-Treating Americans are embracing the full spectrum of Halloween activities this year, with participation increasing across nearly every category compared to 2024. ### Top Halloween Activities **Handing Out Candy (66%)** Despite candy price increases, two-thirds of Americans still plan to welcome trick-or-treaters to their doors. **Dressing Up in Costume (51%)** More than half of consumers plan to wear costumes themselves, not just their children—evidence of Halloween's evolution into an adult-friendly holiday. **Decorating Homes or Yards (51%)** The same percentage plan to transform their properties into Halloween wonderlands, fueling the $4.2 billion decoration market. **Carving Pumpkins (46%)** This traditional activity remains popular, with nearly half of celebrators planning to carve jack-o'-lanterns. **Throwing or Attending Parties (32%)** Halloween parties are making a comeback, with almost one-third of consumers planning social gatherings. **Visiting Haunted Houses (24%)** Commercial haunted attractions continue to draw crowds, with nearly a quarter of consumers planning visits. **Dressing Up Pets (23%)** Pet participation is at an all-time high, explaining the $860 million pet costume market. ## The Retail Impact: Halloween Rush in Full Swing For retailers, Halloween has become a critical sales period that rivals traditional shopping holidays. ### The Store Experience At Pop Party Supply on Maple Road in Amherst, New York, the Halloween rush exemplifies the retail frenzy. "Halloween is the biggest rush all at once—you can get 100 to 150 people in line at once, so it's a little bit crazy," explains Andersson. Stores have been stocking Halloween items since August, giving consumers more time to shop but also creating more pressure to spend. ### Where Consumers Find Inspiration When looking for Halloween ideas, shoppers turn to several key sources: - **Online searches (37%)** - The leading source of inspiration - **Retail stores or costume shops (27%)** - In-person browsing remains important - **Friends and family (21%)** - Word-of-mouth recommendations drive purchases ## Regional Variations: Halloween Across America While Halloween is celebrated nationwide, spending and traditions vary by region and economic conditions. ### Las Vegas: A Case Study in Price Sensitivity In Las Vegas, residents are feeling the price pinch particularly acutely. Schequanna Blackston, who plans to trick-or-treat with her 12-year-old nephew, notes the sticker shock: "Overpriced candy. Candy is just $20 a bag, $10 a bag, and very small quantities," Blackston said. "Unfortunately, you are going to pay a pretty penny for some candy." Despite the costs, she and her nephew have already locked in their costumes—she's going as a "love referee" while he's dressing as an anime character—demonstrating that Halloween joy persists despite financial pressures. ### Working Families Adapt For working families across the country, Halloween now comes with price-tag anxiety. From shopping at Goodwill to fighting sticker shock at big-box stores, families are pulling together creative solutions to make sure the tradition carries on, no matter the cost. ## Why Halloween Spending Keeps Growing Several factors explain Halloween's remarkable growth trajectory as a commercial holiday. ### Multi-Generational Appeal "Even with concerns about price increases due to tariffs, Halloween continues to resonate with consumers of all ages," said Katherine Cullen, NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights. "Whether it's dressing in costume or carving a pumpkin, more consumers plan to take part in Halloween activities and traditions." Unlike some holidays that primarily appeal to specific age groups, Halloween has successfully positioned itself as a celebration for everyone—from toddlers to senior citizens. ### Social Media Amplification Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have turned Halloween into a year-round planning event. Elaborate displays and creative costumes become shareable content, creating social pressure to participate and excel. The 37% of consumers who find inspiration online represents a massive shift in how Americans approach the holiday. ### The Experience Economy Modern consumers increasingly value experiences over possessions, and Halloween delivers memorable experiences in abundance. From haunted houses to costume parties to neighborhood trick-or-treating, the holiday creates shareable moments that justify the expense for many families. ### Pet Humanization Trend The $860 million pet costume market reflects a broader trend of treating pets as family members. Americans increasingly include their pets in holiday celebrations, creating entirely new product categories and revenue streams for retailers. ## The Economic Significance Halloween's $13.1 billion economic impact extends far beyond retail sales. ### Employment Impact Seasonal Halloween stores, party supply shops, and costume retailers hire thousands of temporary workers each fall. Spirit Halloween alone operates over 1,400 pop-up stores across North America, creating significant seasonal employment. ### Manufacturing and Supply Chain The Halloween industry supports year-round manufacturing of costumes, decorations, and candy. International supply chains connect Chinese factories producing costumes to American warehouses stocking candy to retail floors displaying inflatable yard decorations. ### Local Economic Stimulus Halloween spending circulates through local economies via small businesses, from independent costume shops to neighborhood hardware stores selling pumpkins and decorating supplies. ## Challenges Facing the Industry Despite record spending, the Halloween industry faces significant headwinds. ### Tariff Uncertainty With 79% of consumers expecting higher prices due to tariffs, uncertainty about import costs creates planning challenges for retailers. Many have been forced to raise prices or absorb increased costs, squeezing margins. ### Inventory Management The compressed selling season—most Halloween purchases occur in September and October—creates inventory challenges. Retailers must accurately forecast demand months in advance, with limited ability to restock once the season begins. ### Sustainability Concerns Single-use decorations and cheap costumes worn once raise environmental concerns. Some consumers are seeking sustainable alternatives, though the $13.1 billion in spending suggests sustainability isn't yet a primary consideration for most shoppers. ## Looking Ahead: Halloween's Future As Halloween 2025 approaches, several trends suggest continued growth. ### Predictions for Future Years Industry analysts expect Halloween spending to continue climbing, potentially reaching $15 billion within the next few years as the holiday cements its position as a major retail event. ### Innovation Opportunities Smart home technology integration (animated decorations controlled via smartphone), augmented reality costume try-on experiences, and personalized candy offerings represent potential growth areas. ### Year-Round Halloween Some retailers are experimenting with year-round Halloween sections, recognizing that enthusiasts plan and shop for the holiday throughout the year rather than just in autumn. ## Making Halloween Work for Your Budget With prices high but enthusiasm higher, families can still enjoy Halloween without financial stress. ### Set a Budget Early Determine your Halloween spending limit before you start shopping. Breaking it down by category (costumes, candy, decorations) helps prevent overspending. ### Prioritize What Matters Decide which aspects of Halloween are most important to your family. Maybe you splurge on costumes but keep decorations minimal, or vice versa. ### Start a Halloween Savings Fund Setting aside $10-20 per month starting in January means you'll have $100-200 available come October without straining your budget. ### Reuse and Repurpose Quality decorations can last for years. Invest in a few pieces each year that you'll use repeatedly rather than buying everything new annually. ### Host Potluck Parties If throwing a Halloween party, make it potluck-style where guests bring dishes. Provide the main course and ask others to contribute sides, desserts, or drinks. ## The Bottom Line Halloween 2025's record $13.1 billion in spending demonstrates that Americans remain committed to celebrating traditions despite economic pressures. While tariffs and inflation have driven prices up 10-15% across costumes, decorations, and candy, consumers are finding creative ways to participate without breaking the bank. "Despite these budget considerations, consumers are committed to prioritizing Halloween celebrations to create special memories with their loved ones," notes Phil Rist of Prosper Insights. From witches and vampires to pumpkin-costumed poodles, from elaborate yard displays to simple carved jack-o'-lanterns, Halloween has evolved into a major cultural and economic event that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you're spending $50 or $500 this Halloween, the record spending figures prove one thing: Americans love their spooky season, and they're willing to pay for it—trick or treat.