With Halloween just around the corner,\u00a0families are looking for ways to keep the spooky season fun without letting the cost of pumpkins, costumes and decorations add up.<\/p>\n
At Rickey Ranch Pumpkin Patch in Granite Bay, owner Aaron Rickey says some customers are being more selective about their purchases as they navigate the cost of seasonal traditions – despite the fact that consumer spending on Halloween is projected<\/a> to reach a record $13.5 billion this year according to the National Retail Foundation.<\/p>\n “People are being a little tighter. This is more a luxury to get any pumpkins,” Rickey said. “It’s been a little bit less, but we’ve been hanging in there good.”<\/p>\n For Halloween shoppers, saving money often means comparing prices and shopping at multiple retailers to find the best deals.<\/p>\n Antelope resident Chris Cummings says his family mixes and matches purchases to stay within budget.<\/p>\n “Get some of it there, some of it on Amazon. Split it up however you can,” Cummings said.<\/p>\n According to the NRF, 26% of Halloween shoppers plan to look for coupons or sales, while 31% say they will compare prices if items cost more than expected. The organization estimates the average consumer expects to spend about $115 on Halloween this year.<\/p>\n For some families, keeping costs down means making practical choices, especially when buying pumpkins.<\/p>\n Sacramento resident Connie Rodgers says her family focuses on finding pumpkins that fit their needs rather than paying more for the biggest ones.<\/p>\n “We buy the pumpkins they want, not the biggest, because that’s a waste,” Rodgers said. “But it’s fun to carve about this medium-size pumpkin.”<\/p>\n Still, Rodgers says she wants to make sure her children can enjoy the holiday, even as she teaches them the importance of understanding the value of money.<\/p>\n “When it comes to the kids, I don’t really care. We’re going to, within reason, and make them understand the value of the dollar, but we want to give them something fun,” she said.<\/p>\n Cummings agrees that Halloween is an opportunity for children to celebrate, even when families need to be mindful of spending.<\/p>\n “Keeping our eyes on the savings. If you can get a cheaper costume, you can. If you can’t spend it, but it’s a good little holiday for the kids to go out and celebrate,” he said.<\/p>\n For families across the region, the goal is to keep Halloween traditions alive while making thoughtful choices about where their money goes.<\/p>\n \n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n