Halloween is a big deal in our house. As a parent of a four-year-old, I’ve learned that the magic of the season is all about creativity, community, and a little bit of chaos (the good kind). Whether we’re planning a family costume, prepping for Trunk or Treat, or just looking for ways to make the most of the holiday without breaking the bank, here’s how we do Halloween — and how Shopkick helps us save, earn free rewards, and have a blast along the way.
1. The Family Costume (Dog included!)
Every year, our family picks a theme for our Halloween costumes — and yes, our dog is always part of the fun. Last year, we went full Jurassic Park for our preschool’s Trunk or Treat, complete with a dino suit for our son and a “park ranger” look for the adults (and a tiny T-Rex costume for our pup). For trick-or-treating, we switched it up with a Wizard of Oz theme — think Lion, Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and a very patient dog as Dorothy.
Tip: Shopkick makes it easy to earn free gift cards while shopping for costumes and decorations. Scan barcodes at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger, and rack up kicks (Shopkick’s reward points) for every purchase. It’s the best free app for turning Halloween shopping into free rewards!
2. Trunk or Treat at Preschool
Our preschool’s Trunk or Treat is a highlight of the season. Each family decorates their car or SUV here in NJ with a theme — last year, our Jurassic Park setup was a hit, complete with inflatable dinosaurs and a park gate. It’s a safe, fun way for little ones to show off their costumes and collect treats.
Money-Saving Hack: Use Shopkick to find deals on candy, decorations, and even last-minute costume accessories through the online tab. The app’s “scan” feature lets you earn kicks just for checking out products in-store, and you can redeem those kicks for free stuff like Starbucks or Amazon gift cards.
3. Trick-or-Treating in a Blocked-Off Neighborhood
On Halloween night, our neighborhood transforms. Streets are blocked off, porches are decked out, and we welcome around 300 trick-or-treaters! It’s a true community event, with families gathering, kids comparing costumes, and neighbors sharing treats (and sometimes beverages for the adults).
Pro Parent Tip: Stock up on candy early and use Shopkick to earn rewards on every grocery run. The app is perfect for busy shoppers and bargain hunters—scan your grocery receipt for free gift cards, and watch your kicks add up. It’s like getting free money when you shop!
How Shopkick Makes Halloween Even Sweeter
- Free Rewards: Earn kicks for walking into stores, scanning products, and making purchases. Redeem for free gift cards to your favorite retailers.
- Best Free App: Shopkick is consistently ranked as one of the best apps to save money on groceries, costumes, and holiday essentials.
- Seasonal Ideas: Check the app for seasonal deals, gift card offers, and creative ideas for making the most of every holiday moment.
- Family-Friendly: Shopkick is easy to use for all ages—my son loves helping scan barcodes, and it’s a fun way to teach kids about saving and earning rewards.
(Psst… if you’ve made it this far, here’s a little secret — the hidden word is spooky. Keep it handy and comment on our Halloween post! 👻)
Our Favorite Halloween Money-Saving Tips
- Plan Your Costume Early: Use Shopkick to compare prices and earn rewards at stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
- Shop Smart for Candy: Look for in-app deals and scan your grocery receipts for extra kicks.
- Decorate on a Budget: DIY decorations are fun for the whole family. Shopkick can help you save on craft supplies and seasonal décor.
- Make It a Family Affair: Get everyone involved in picking the theme, shopping for supplies, and earning rewards together. We love to go shopkicking to save for our Disney trip!
Ready to make your Halloween even more rewarding? Download Shopkick today and start earning free gift cards for every spooky, silly, and sweet moment this season!
