Northern California families adjust Halloween spending to keep traditions alive

As Halloween approaches, families in the Sacramento region are finding ways to enjoy the holiday while managing costs, CBS News reported. At Rickey Ranch Pumpkin Patch in nearby Granite Bay, owner Aaron Rickey noted that some customers are more selective with their purchases due to the expense of seasonal items.

Consumer spending on Halloween is expected to hit a record $13.5 billion this year, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Many shoppers, including those in Antelope and Sacramento, are comparing prices, seeking coupons, and splitting purchases across retailers to stay within budget.

Sacramento resident Connie Rodgers shared that her family focuses on buying pumpkins that meet their needs rather than the largest ones, emphasizing practicality and teaching her children about the value of money while still ensuring they enjoy the holiday.

The NRF found that 26% of Halloween shoppers plan to look for sales or coupons, and 31% intend to compare prices if items are more expensive than expected. The average consumer anticipates spending about $115 on Halloween this year.

Local families balance cost-saving measures with maintaining festive traditions, showing an effort to adapt to economic conditions while preserving Halloween fun for children.