Shoppers Favored Thrift Finds for 2026 Halloween

Consumers increasingly turned to DIY methods and second-hand items to manage holiday spending budgets.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Spending

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a folded cape, leather boots, and ceramic masks, depicting the DIY Halloween trend. — U.S. households increasingly turned to thrifted finds and DIY costume assembly for Halloween in 2026 to manage holiday spending budgets. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is now a good time for your household to prioritize thrifted items for holiday celebrations?

A 2026 survey of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed that 85% of shoppers integrated thrift or DIY elements into their Halloween outfits. These households sought to balance holiday celebrations with cost-conscious spending habits.

Why it matters

Thrift shopping allows households to mitigate the rising costs of holiday festivities while securing unique, reusable items. This approach enables consumers to maintain holiday traditions without overspending on one-time-use materials.

In a survey of 2,000 adults, 53% identified saving money as their primary reason for choosing thrift stores for Halloween. Additionally, 71% of shoppers prioritized costume elements that offered reuse or repurposing potential.

The players

Goodwill

A nonprofit organization providing thrift retail options and community services funded by the sale of donated goods.

The details

Shoppers utilized thrift store inventory for costumes, accessories, and home decor to reduce holiday expenses. By focusing on DIY assembly, which 60% of shoppers chose as their primary costume method, households extended the utility of individual clothing pieces. This practice shifts spending away from mass-produced seasonal items toward items with potential for future use.

The Goodwill Halloween Survey was conducted throughout 2026.

Money Landscape

The 2026 Goodwill Halloween Survey reflects a broader shift toward value-conscious holiday spending. This trend marks a move away from traditional retail purchases in favor of thrift and DIY models that prioritize long-term utility.

Households looking to manage seasonal budgets can evaluate their current inventory for reusable items before planning new holiday purchases. Speak with a qualified professional if you are reviewing your broader discretionary spending goals.

The takeaway

Choosing thrift and DIY elements provides a practical way to keep holiday spending aligned with household budget goals. Consider auditing your existing wardrobe and home decor items before committing to new purchases for upcoming celebrations.