When to buy Halloween costumes is a bigger question than it used to be. Nearly half of shoppers start in September, and Amazon's October sale arrives before Halloween week. This guide shows what national data says about early shopping, where Americans buy, and how to check return policies, so you can choose a buying window that fits your own plan and budget.
1. Most Shoppers Start Earlier Than You Think
The National Retail Federation (NRF) runs an annual Halloween survey with Prosper Insights & Analytics. In its 2025 survey, 49% of consumers began shopping in September or earlier, up slightly from 47% the year before. The top reasons were looking forward to fall (44%) and Halloween being a favorite holiday (37%). Shoppers also did not want to miss out on desired items (33%), and they wanted to avoid last-minute stress (33%).
The early trend is showing up again. NRF's Halloween page says that one-quarter of consumers had already bought at least one Halloween item as of early August 2026. Adult costumes and candy were the most-purchased items so far. As of September 2026, NRF's 2026 survey results are still due in late September, so the percentages in this guide come from 2025.
NRF also found that 42% of consumers say fall weather inspires them to start shopping for Halloween, and that the share is higher in areas where fall weather arrives earlier. What does that mean for you? If your costume depends on one specific outfit or wig, waiting until the last week leaves you fewer options. If your plan is simple, you have more flexibility.
2. Where Americans Shop and Find Ideas
NRF also asked where people bought Halloween items and where their ideas came from. It expected about $4.3 billion in total costume spending in 2025, including $2 billion for adult costumes, $1.4 billion for children's costumes, and $0.86 billion for pet costumes. That is a lot of money for one night, so a little planning pays off. Discount stores were the top destination in 2025, followed by specialty Halloween or costume stores and online shopping. For inspiration, online searches led, and friends and family came third.
| NRF 2025 survey | Top three results |
|---|---|
| Where shoppers bought Halloween items | Discount stores 42%, specialty stores 31%, online 31% |
| Where ideas came from | Online searches 37%, a store or costume shop 27%, friends and family 21% |
Prices are worth watching. In the same survey, 79% of Halloween shoppers said they expected higher prices because of tariffs. That figure is from 2025, but it is a good reminder to compare before you buy. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises shoppers to remember shipping costs on online orders, and to save the order number and the refund and return policies.
π‘ Tip: Buy the pieces that may run out first, such as a wig or a specific outfit, and leave easy items for the last week, since those are the pieces you can replace quickly if your plan changes.
3. Amazon's October Sale and Other Windows
Amazon has announced that its Prime Big Deal Days will run October 6 and 7, 2026. The event starts at 12:01 a.m. PDT on October 6, which is 3:01 a.m. Eastern, and lasts 48 hours. Amazon describes it as exclusive deals for Prime members across more than 35 categories, including fall entertaining, home dΓ©cor, and Halloween prep.
Read that carefully. "Halloween prep" is a category, not a promise that your exact costume will be discounted. If you plan to shop the event, make a short list of candidates beforehand, so you can compare the price the moment the sale starts. A sale price is only a deal if it beats what you would pay elsewhere, so check the same item at a discount store or a specialty store before you decide. The event is for Prime members, so if you do not have a membership, those other stores are the better place to compare.
⚠️ Heads-up: Check the return policy before you buy, especially for a costume you cannot try on first. Older FTC guidance notes that some retailers give as little as a week for returns, that some charge restocking fees, and that who pays return shipping varies.
4. When to Buy Halloween Costumes: A Simple Timeline
Here is a timeline you can adjust. Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, so about six weeks remain from today.
Start by deciding on the idea. Then buy the hard-to-find pieces, such as a wig or a specific outfit, in the next week or two. If you are a Prime member, look at October 6 and 7 for decor and accessories. In mid-October, try everything on and check the return window while there is still time to exchange. In the last week, fill the small gaps with a store visit. Saturday, October 24, is a useful target date, because it leaves a full week for last-minute fixes before Halloween arrives.
Decor is usually easier to replace than a costume, so it can wait until you have chosen the main idea. Keep a buffer for shipping. Order anything that must arrive by mail before the final week, so a late package does not decide your costume. If you are buying for a group, agree on one date for ordering, so nobody is still waiting on a package when everyone else is ready.
Key Takeaways
- About half of shoppers start in September or earlier, so early buying is normal.
- Discount stores, specialty stores, and online shopping are the top places to buy.
- Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days run October 6 and 7, and they are for Prime members.
- Check return policies before you buy, and compare prices even during a sale.
If your costume needs a specific outfit or wig, buy early. If your plan is simple, wait for the last week. If you are a Prime member, look at October 6 and 7, then compare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. When should I buy Halloween costumes?
A. In NRF's 2025 survey, 49% of shoppers began in September or earlier. A practical approach is to buy hard-to-find pieces by early October and leave easy items for the last week, once you know that the main idea works and everything fits.
Q. Are Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days good for Halloween shopping?
A. Amazon says the October 6 and 7 event includes Halloween prep among more than 35 categories. It does not promise that a specific costume will be discounted, so compare prices first.
Q. Where do most people buy Halloween items?
A. In NRF's 2025 survey, discount stores were the top destination at 42%, followed by specialty Halloween or costume stores and online shopping at 31% each.
Q. Can I return a Halloween costume?
A. It depends on the retailer. FTC guidance notes that return windows, restocking fees, and return shipping costs vary, so read the policy before you buy and save your order records.
My Take
Knowing when to buy Halloween costumes is mostly about timing and patience. In my view, the best plan is to buy the pieces that matter first and keep the rest flexible. A sale helps only when it fits your plan, so decide the idea before you look at any prices, and give yourself time to try everything on.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only. Dates, prices, rules, and event or store policies can change, and safety, health, money, and legal situations differ from person to person. Check the official sources linked below, or a qualified professional, before you decide.
How this article was made: We researched official and reputable public sources, drafted this article with the help of AI tools, and had it reviewed by the author before publishing.
Sources
- NRF: Consumer Survey Finds Halloween Spending to Reach Record $13.1 Billion (Sept. 18, 2025)
- NRF: Halloween Data and Trends
- Amazon: Prime Big Deal Days 2026 is set for October 6-7
- FTC Consumer Advice: FTC's tips for happy holiday shopping (2019)
- FTC: Skipping the mall for holiday shopping? Stay on guard when you are online (2007)
Suggested Reading
After Halloween in America: The Road to Thanksgiving (Coming soon)
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