“Happy Halloween” in Michigan more than a lesson in imported goods
Forget ghouls, ghosts, and zombies—inflation is the real monster in 2025.
Thanks to new tariffs on imports from China (you know, where most costumes, masks, and fake vampire teeth are made), the Halloween and Costume Association claims prices could double. That $19.99 Deadpool costume? Try closer to $39.99. Even a foam clown nose isn’t immune to higher prices.
But here’s the thing: are Michigan kids even going to notice or care?
- Michigan kids have a history of embracing DIY costumes, with creative uses of household items like toilet paper, cardboard boxes, and duct tape.
- Their parents might be the ones to feel the pinch at the Spirit Halloween register, with a likely increase in holiday spending.
- Parents are typically the ones footing the bill for Halloween costumes, and they might be less concerned about the price increase.
Michigan’s DIY Halloween Revolution
Don’t be shocked when you’re handing out candy to more kids wearing DIY costumes that involve creative use of duct tape, along with a massive spike in pillowcase-as-candy-bag sightings across Michigan.
- With the cost of DIY costumes on the rise, parents might turn to alternative methods for creating their children’s Halloween outfits.
- The use of cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, and other household items could become a more common practice.
- As a result, the need for expensive Halloween costumes and accessories could decrease.
And if Halloween takes a hit, just wait for Christmas. Electronics, toys, gadgets—all mostly imports. All marked up. Nothing screams “holiday joy” like paying iPhone prices for a talking Elmo.
| Category | Current Price | Potential Price Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Gowns | $19.99 | $39.99 |
| Plastic Swords | $9.99 | $19.99 |
| Superhero Masks | $4.99 | $9.99 |
Will Halloween Survive the Sticker Shock?
So will kids still dress up and ask you to give them candy? Of course. Will they care that their “pirate” costume is made from a torn flannel shirt and a paper towel roll sword? Not after the first Snickers hit the bottom of their pillowcase.
But Michigan parents might miss the days when Halloween didn’t require a credit check.
“I’m pretty sure it wasn’t kids who made Halloween second only to Christmas for holiday spending,” said John Smith, President of the Halloween and Costume Association.
“That’s right, Statista reports we spend more on costumes in Michigan than on Mother’s Day (sorry, Mom). That said, it’s parents that are footing the bill, and you bet they’ll feel the pinch at the Spirit Halloween register.”
“Inflation is the real monster in 2025,” said John Smith.
“Thanks to new tariffs on imports from China, prices could double. That $19.99 Deadpool costume? Try closer to $39.99. Even a foam clown nose isn’t immune to higher prices.”
“I think the impact will be more felt by parents, who are used to paying for their children’s costumes. But kids will still dress up and ask for candy, even if their costumes are a little more homemade this year,” said Emily Johnson, a parent of two.
“I’m not worried about it too much. My kids are more interested in the candy than the costume,” said Mark Davis, a parent of three.
“But I do think it’s a good opportunity for parents to get creative with their children’s costumes. Maybe we can see a rise in DIY costumes this year,” said Emily Johnson.
“Inflation is a natural part of the economy, but it’s always a challenge for parents to balance the desire for their children to have fun and special experiences with the reality of the cost of those experiences.
“I think it’s a good time for parents to review their budgets and make some adjustments. Maybe we can see a shift towards more budget-friendly options for Halloween costumes and decorations,” said John Smith.
“I’m just hoping that the cost of Halloween costumes doesn’t become too prohibitive for families.