How to Save on Trick or Treating in San Antonio

Trick or treating is one of the most beloved Halloween traditions in San Antonio, drawing families from across the city to neighborhoods lined with glowing jack-o’-lanterns, spooky decorations, and buckets full of candy. But as inflation rises and household budgets tighten, the cost of preparing for Halloween—buying costumes, stocking up on treats, decorating yards, and managing waste—can quickly add up. For many San Antonio families, the goal isn’t just to have a fun night; it’s to enjoy the holiday without financial stress.

This guide provides a comprehensive, practical roadmap to saving money on trick or treating in San Antonio while still delivering a memorable, safe, and festive experience for your children and neighbors. Whether you live in the historic King William District, the family-friendly suburbs of North Central, or the vibrant communities of the South Side, these strategies are tailored to local conditions, seasonal trends, and community norms unique to the Alamo City.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to stretch your Halloween budget by up to 60%—without sacrificing the magic of the night. From sourcing affordable costumes locally to partnering with neighbors for bulk candy buys, we cover every angle. You’ll also discover hidden gems like free community events, thrift store hauls, and DIY decoration ideas that make your home the most talked-about on the block—all while spending less.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Plan Your Budget Early

One of the most effective ways to save on trick or treating is to create a clear, written budget before September even begins. In San Antonio, Halloween spending typically spikes in late September as retailers stock up on seasonal inventory. By planning ahead, you avoid last-minute impulse purchases and price markups.

Start by listing your expected expenses: costumes for each child, candy for trick-or-treaters, decorations, transportation (if attending events), and any additional items like face paint or props. Set a total spending cap—say, $50 for a family of four—and divide it into categories. For example:

• Candy: $20
• Costumes: $15
• Decorations: $10
• Extras (bags, snacks, etc.): $5

Use a free budgeting app like Google Sheets or Mint to track your spending as you go. Many San Antonio libraries offer free financial literacy workshops in October that can help families manage seasonal expenses—even if you’re just budgeting for Halloween.

2. Source Costumes from Local Thrift Stores and Swap Events

San Antonio is home to dozens of thrift stores that become goldmines during the fall. Stores like Goodwill (on South Lamar and Loop 410), Savers (near the Alamo Quarry Market), and local Salvation Army locations often receive a surge of donated Halloween costumes in August and early September. Look for gently used costumes in sizes that fit your children now—and consider sizing up for longevity.

Don’t overlook community costume swap events. Organizations like the San Antonio Public Library system, the Alamo Heights Parent Teacher Association, and neighborhood associations in Terrell Hills and Alamo Heights host annual Halloween costume swaps. These are often free or require only a small donation. Bring a gently used costume and leave with one that’s perfect for your child—no new purchases needed.

Pro tip: Visit thrift stores on Mondays, when new inventory arrives. Arrive early to snag the best selections before the crowds. Many families in San Antonio have made costume swapping a tradition, so ask around at your child’s school or PTA group to find out when the next swap is happening.

3. Make DIY Costumes Using Household Items

Some of the most creative—and cheapest—costumes come from your own home. A cardboard box becomes a robot. A black shirt and white paint turn a child into a ghost. A sheet, scissors, and a marker can make a classic ghost or vampire. In San Antonio’s warm October weather, lightweight, breathable costumes are ideal, and DIY options often outperform expensive store-bought ones in comfort and practicality.

Search YouTube for “easy Halloween costumes for kids” and filter for videos under 5 minutes. Many local San Antonio parents have shared their own creations, like turning a yellow raincoat into a banana or using old socks to make a caterpillar. Pinterest boards like “San Antonio DIY Halloween” feature photos of real families from the area using locally sourced materials.

For added flair, visit Dollar Tree on South Flores or H-E-B’s seasonal aisle for $1 fabric, googly eyes, and pipe cleaners. A $5 investment can transform a simple outfit into a standout costume.

4. Buy Candy in Bulk from Wholesale Clubs and Local Mexican Markets

Candy is the biggest line item for most families. Instead of buying pre-packaged bags at gas stations or convenience stores (which can cost $1.50–$3 per piece), buy in bulk. Sam’s Club, Costco, and WinCo in San Antonio offer large bags of assorted candy for under $0.15 per piece. Look for 5-pound bags of mini chocolate bars, lollipops, and gum—these are the most popular with trick-or-treaters.

Don’t overlook local Mexican markets like Mercado San Antonio on South Flores or El Mercado de San Antonio on South Alamo. These markets sell bulk candy—such as dulce de leche candies, tamarind strips, and spicy chili-lime gummies—at prices 40% lower than national chains. Many kids in San Antonio love these culturally familiar treats, and offering them can make your home stand out. Plus, they’re often less expensive than mainstream candy.

Pro tip: Ask local bodegas or corner stores if they have leftover Halloween stock they’re discounting after October 25. Many will sell you bags for half price to clear inventory.

5. Repurpose and Reuse Decorations

San Antonio homeowners often go all out with Halloween decor—but you don’t have to. Many of the most effective decorations cost little to nothing. Use old sheets for ghostly figures. String up orange and black streamers from last year’s party. Carve pumpkins from locally grown ones bought at farmers’ markets like the San Antonio Farmers Market at the Pearl, where prices are often under $2 per pumpkin.

Use LED tea lights instead of real candles for safety and longevity. You can buy 20 for $5 at Dollar Tree. Reuse them year after year.

Get creative with nature: Collect fallen branches to make a spooky forest, use dried corn husks to create hanging scarecrows, or paint rocks to look like ghosts or bats. These are free, eco-friendly, and uniquely Texan.

6. Coordinate with Neighbors to Share Costs

One of the smartest money-saving strategies in San Antonio is neighborhood collaboration. Talk to your neighbors about pooling candy purchases. One family can buy 10 pounds of candy, another can handle lights, and a third can make signs. Splitting costs reduces individual expenses and builds community.

Consider creating a shared Google Doc or WhatsApp group to coordinate. Assign roles: Who’s handing out candy? Who’s taking photos? Who’s bringing extra bags for kids who run out? This not only saves money—it turns trick or treating into a neighborhood event.

Some communities in San Antonio, like the Historic Southtown district, have organized “Trick or Treat Streets” where multiple homes coordinate themes and treat distribution. You can join or start one in your area with just a few messages on Nextdoor or Facebook.

7. Attend Free Community Halloween Events

San Antonio offers dozens of free Halloween events that eliminate the need for expensive outings. The San Antonio Public Library hosts “Boo at the Library” events with face painting, story time, and free treats. The San Antonio Zoo offers “Zoo Boo” with discounted admission for locals (check for SA Resident discounts). The Witte Museum and the San Antonio Botanical Garden also host low-cost or free family nights.

Many churches and community centers—especially in neighborhoods like Eastside, West Side, and Southside on Lamar—host free trunk-or-treat events. These are often safer, more controlled environments than door-to-door trick or treating and come with free snacks, games, and sometimes even free costumes.

Check the City of San Antonio’s official events calendar and local Facebook groups like “San Antonio Family Events” for listings. Most events are posted by mid-September, so plan ahead.

8. Limit Waste and Reuse Everything

After Halloween, don’t throw away what you can reuse. Plastic bags? Save them for next year. Costume pieces? Store them in labeled bins. Pumpkins? Roast the seeds for a snack or compost them. Decorations? Disassemble and store in a garage or under the bed.

San Antonio’s recycling program accepts clean plastic bags at drop-off locations, but reusing them saves both money and the environment. Many local schools and daycare centers welcome donations of unused candy or gently used costumes for their own events.

9. Use Cashback and Coupon Apps Strategically

Before you buy anything, check for cashback offers. Apps like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Honey often have promotions for H-E-B, Walmart, and Target on Halloween items. For example, you might earn $2 back on a $10 bag of candy or 10% off a costume purchase.

Sign up for H-E-B’s “My Deals” program and check their weekly circulars for seasonal coupons. Many San Antonio families use these to cut their candy bill in half. Look for “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deals on candy in late September.

Don’t forget to use your credit card rewards—if you have a card that offers 3–5% cash back on groceries, use it for bulk candy purchases.

10. Set a “No New Stuff” Challenge

For a fun, budget-conscious twist, challenge your family to a “No New Stuff” Halloween. No new costumes. No new decorations. No new candy. Everything must come from what you already own, what you borrow, or what you find for free.

Many San Antonio families have embraced this challenge, posting their results on social media with hashtags like

SAHalloweenNoNewStuff. It encourages creativity, reduces waste, and teaches kids the value of resourcefulness. At the end of the night, celebrate with a homemade “Halloween Potluck” using ingredients you already have.

Best Practices

Start Early—Even in August

San Antonio’s warm climate means Halloween shopping starts earlier than in colder states. By mid-August, retailers begin stocking Halloween items. The earlier you plan, the more time you have to find deals, compare prices, and avoid the rush. Waiting until the week before Halloween means paying premium prices.

Shop Local, Save More

Supporting local businesses doesn’t just help the community—it often saves you money. Local farmers’ markets sell pumpkins cheaper than big-box stores. Independent costume shops in the Pearl District offer custom alterations for less than national chains. Small Mexican grocery stores have better candy prices than supermarkets.

Focus on Experience, Not Expenditure

The most memorable Halloween nights aren’t the ones with the most expensive costumes or the most lights. They’re the ones filled with laughter, community, and creativity. A child who wears a homemade ghost costume and gets candy from a neighbor who tells a spooky story will remember it longer than one who wore a $50 branded costume.

Be Mindful of Safety and Accessibility

San Antonio’s sidewalks vary in quality. Make sure your yard is safe: trim bushes, clear walkways, and use battery-operated lights instead of candles. If you’re handing out treats, consider non-food options like stickers, pencils, or small toys for children with allergies. These are often cheaper than specialty allergy-friendly candy and appreciated by more families.

Involve Your Kids in the Process

Let your children help plan the budget, pick out costumes at thrift stores, or make decorations. This teaches them financial responsibility and makes them more invested in the experience. They’re also more likely to appreciate a costume they helped create.

Track What Works Each Year

Keep a simple journal: What did you spend? What saved the most? What did the kids love? This helps you refine your strategy year after year. Many San Antonio families have reduced their Halloween spending by 50% over three years just by tracking and adjusting.

Tools and Resources

Free Apps for Saving

• Ibotta – Cash back on H-E-B, Walmart, and Target purchases.
• Rakuten – Online cashback for Amazon and Target Halloween items.
• Nextdoor – Connect with neighbors for costume swaps, candy shares, and event info.
• San Antonio Public Library App – Reserve free Halloween books, crafts, and event tickets.
• Google Maps – Search “Halloween events near me” and filter by free or low-cost.

Local Resources

• San Antonio Public Library – Free Halloween story times, craft kits, and costume swaps.
• San Antonio Parks & Recreation – Hosts free trunk-or-treat events in community centers.
• Alamo Heights Parent Teacher Association – Organizes neighborhood Halloween events and costume exchanges.
• San Antonio Farmers Market at the Pearl – Affordable pumpkins and seasonal produce.
• San Antonio Food Bank – Accepts donations of unopened candy for their holiday programs.

DIY Supplies to Keep on Hand

Keep these low-cost items in your home year-round for easy Halloween prep:

• Black and orange fabric scraps
• Cardboard boxes and tubes
• White paint and paintbrushes
• LED tea lights (reusable)
• String lights (store after each season)
• Old sheets and towels
• Glue sticks and markers

Real Examples

Example 1: The Garcia Family – Saving $120 in North Central

The Garcias have three children and live in North Central San Antonio. In 2022, they spent $180 on Halloween. In 2023, they followed this plan:

• Costumes: Found at Goodwill ($12 total)
• Candy: Bought 10 lbs at Costco ($18)
• Decorations: Used last year’s items + painted rocks ($0)
• Event: Attended free “Boo at the Library” ($0)
• Extras: Made popcorn snacks from home ($5)

Total spent: $35. They saved $145—more than 80%—and had a blast.

Example 2: The Martinez Household – Community Trick or Treat Night in Southside on Lamar

The Martinez family organized a block-wide trick or treat night with 12 homes. They pooled $60 to buy 20 lbs of candy from Mercado San Antonio. Each family contributed a decoration: one made a spiderweb from yarn, another painted pumpkins, and a third played spooky music from a Bluetooth speaker.

They created a map with candy types listed (e.g., “Mrs. Lee’s: Gummy Worms,” “Mr. Diaz: Tamarind Candy”) and printed it for kids. Attendance doubled from the year before. No one spent more than $15. The event became an annual tradition.

Example 3: The Lee Kids – DIY Costume Challenge

Two siblings, ages 6 and 9, wanted to be superheroes. Instead of buying costumes, they used old pajamas, cardboard, and spray paint. The older child made a cape from a towel and a cardboard shield. The younger one turned a cereal box into a robot. They spent $7 total. At school the next day, their teacher asked them to present their costumes to the class. They won “Most Creative” and received free ice cream from the school.

FAQs

What’s the average cost of trick or treating in San Antonio?

The average family spends between $100 and $200 on Halloween in San Antonio. But with smart planning, you can reduce that to under $50 without sacrificing fun.

Where can I find cheap pumpkins in San Antonio?

Check the San Antonio Farmers Market at the Pearl, local grocery store produce sections, and community gardens. Many offer pumpkins for $1–$3 each in October.

Are there free Halloween events in San Antonio for families?

Yes. The San Antonio Public Library, Witte Museum, and numerous community centers host free or low-cost Halloween events. Check the city’s official events calendar in September.

How do I handle candy allergies during trick or treating?

Offer non-food treats like stickers, pencils, or small toys. You can also place a teal pumpkin outside your door to signal allergy-friendly options. Many San Antonio families do this to be inclusive.

Can I donate unused Halloween candy?

Absolutely. The San Antonio Food Bank and local dentists’ offices often accept unopened candy for donation. Some organizations send candy to military families overseas.

When is the best time to buy Halloween candy?

Mid-September to early October. Prices drop after Labor Day and again after October 25. Avoid buying in the last week—it’s the most expensive.

How do I make a costume without spending money?

Use clothes you already own. Add a hat, paint, or accessories from Dollar Tree. A black shirt + white face paint = ghost. A bathrobe + belt = wizard. Creativity beats cost.

Is it safe to let kids trick or treat in San Antonio neighborhoods?

Most neighborhoods are safe, especially in family-oriented areas like Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, and Stone Oak. Always accompany young children, stick to well-lit streets, and check candy before eating. Avoid homes without lights.

Conclusion

Trick or treating in San Antonio doesn’t have to be expensive to be magical. By planning ahead, embracing creativity, and tapping into the city’s rich community resources, you can enjoy a full, festive Halloween without straining your budget. The real value of the holiday isn’t in how much you spend—it’s in the laughter, the shared stories, the handmade costumes, and the sense of belonging that comes from connecting with your neighbors.

From thrift store finds to DIY pumpkins, from community swaps to free library events, San Antonio offers countless ways to celebrate Halloween wisely. The families who save the most aren’t the ones who buy the most—they’re the ones who think the most.

This year, challenge yourself to spend less and experience more. Your wallet—and your children—will thank you.