Halloween Costs Surge in Arizona Amid Tariffs, Uncertainty

As a kid, I was lucky. My mom was an incredibly creative and talented seamstress. Every year, she assembled amazing Halloween costumes for my sisters and me.

To make our Halloween dreams come to life, we combed through thrift stores and secondhand shops, pulled scraps from her ample fabric stash, and cobbled together impressive costumes.

I only inherited a tiny fraction of her talent, so I understand how daunting it can be to create Halloween costumes for your kids.

If you can't make imagination meet reality, sometimes it's just easier to order a costume online or track something down from Spirit Halloween. The problem is, the cost of Halloween, costumes, and related items is rising faster than many of our budgets can handle this year.

READ: Where to Find the Only Spirit Halloween in Sierra Vista

Why Is Halloween More Expensive This Year?

The cost of Halloween is rising this year, and it's jumping fast. Families in Arizona are already strapped for cash, but now the prices of candy, costumes, and decorations are far higher than they were just a year ago. Nationally, Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $12 billion this year, according to Forbes, and the sudden price jumps have consumers extremely anxious.

Many local businesses and organizations are helping contain costs. Here's how SSVEC is helping its customers. This Local Electric Cooperative Offers Support During Budget Standoff.

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What’s Causing the Price Hike?

The main culprit for the price hikes is no mystery: Tariffs. Tariffs on imports from China, CBS News reports, are currently 30% and will rise another 100% by November, bringing the total to around 130% on products coming from China. And that extra cost will continue to be passed onto the American consumer.

Costume shops in Phoenix are already reporting higher wholesale prices due to the import taxes on textiles and accessories. Even candy is being affected. Global cocoa shortages and trade tensions have pushed prices up there, too. Retailers like Target and Walmart are still stocking shelves, but many items are priced higher than last fall. Considerably higher.

How Does the Government Shutdown Affect Halloween?

Arizona families in military towns that rely heavily on federal government employment are feeling the pressure as much, if not more, than most. As the shutdown drags on, optional expenses like entertainment, travel, and holiday spending are taking a hit.

Families in Arizona are already strapped for cash. Here's How The Federal Shutdown Is Impacting Arizona's Military Towns

How Can Families Save This Season?

Local thrift stores and DIY costume swaps are becoming a popular and practical option this year. Community events sponsored by local nonprofits, such as trunk-or-treats and community harvest festivals, can offer safer, lower-cost alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating.

Halloween is getting more expensive this year, but with a little creativity, it doesn’t have to be scary on your wallet. It turns out, my mom was way ahead of her time.