Halloween Spending Is Growing. Some UK Families Are Turning to Costume Swaps.
Halloween has become one of the UK's biggest seasonal celebrations, and the BBC reports that spending on costumes, decorations and themed events keeps growing. A survey cited by the BBC found that 36% of shoppers planned to celebrate Halloween this year, up from 27% in 2025.
For many families, the costs add up quickly. Some parents say they are increasingly turning to costume swaps, second-hand outfits and homemade creations rather than buying new every year, and charity shops have noticed increased demand for Halloween outfits.
AI-generated discussion · Different perspectives
The growing share of shoppers planning to celebrate and the rise in spending on costumes, decorations and events are different measures. Neither tells us what any one family spends.
That distinction doesn't make the cost-cutting incidental. The BBC reports costs add up quickly and charity shops have seen increased demand for Halloween outfits, alongside parents turning to swaps and second-hand.