Wondering how to save money at the pumpkin patch? We were too! We knew there just had to be some awesome parenting hacks for Halloween that would hold the key to saving money at the pumpkin patch. But after searching high and low, we couldn’t find anything that would save money this Halloween.
So after much research and thinking, we came up with our own genius hack for saving money at the pumpkin patch. Also, it’s a hustle on your kids, which – I think it’s safe to say – we’re all on board for every once in a while! Read on for a genius (and FUN) hack for saving money at the pumpkin patch.
Ask any Mama what she loves about the fall, and nestled somewhere between a Grande Pumpkin Spice Latte and putting on a cozy sweater will be taking the kids to the pumpkin patch. It’s a fun family tradition that you can start when your babies are teeny tiny and keep up as they grow. It signifies the beginning of fall and is something that everyone in my family looks forward to every year. Plus, kids and pumpkins make for insanely adorable pictures. Need proof? Fine.
The pumpkin patch is AWESOME. Whether yours is in the middle of a city and has carnival style rides, a petting zoo and a concession stand or is out in the country and has apple launchers, a corn maze and homemade cider, every one is full of fun for the family.
Also, EXPENSIVE PUMPKINS.
Yes, the seedy underbelly of the pumpkin patch operation is insanely expensive pumpkins. And while you’re there for the adorable (and usually free!) photo ops, your kids are probably there for the expensive stuff – like the rides, treats, and pumpkins. Look, when I go to a carnival, I’m prepared for expensive rides and games. I know I’m going to shell out $5 for a tiny bag of popcorn I could make at home for a fraction of the price. But there’s something about paying extra for those pumpkins that kills me.
The pain that I feel in my heart – and my wallet – as I hand over a credit card to pay $20+ for a pumpkin that I can get for $3.99 at the grocery store is palpable. But what else can you do? It’s a pumpkin patch – you can’t just leave without a pumpkin!
But...the trick to saving money at the pumpkin patch is that you can leave without a GIANT pumpkin! Read on for our genius hack to save money at the pumpkin patch WHILE starting a new fall tradition your kids will LOVE!
Enter…..The Pumpkin Fairy!
Oh you don’t know about the Pumpkin Fairy? Well let me introduce her to you, because she may very well change your life at the Pumpkin Patch this year! You see, the Pumpkin Fairy is a beautiful and magical fairy that can turn tiny (read: cheap) pumpkins from the pumpkin patch into big, beautiful pumpkins – overnight!
Confession: The Pumpkin Fairy isn’t real, folks. But it can be real in your house this year if you follow these steps!
Setting up Your Parenting Hack for Halloween
First up – you gotta sell this to your kids. Start laying the groundwork immediately. Tonight, when you put them to bed, don’t forget to tell them about the legend of the Pumpkin Fairy!
She’s beautiful, with orange hair and a dress made from pumpkin seeds and the stringy stuff inside the gourds! And every October, she visits all the little children to turn their baby pumpkins into big magical pumpkins.
(This may be harder if your kids are used to picking out a giant pumpkin at the patch, but you can talk them into it – I believe in you! I mean, who wants one of those big pumpkins, when you can have a pumpkin that has been made out of magic???)
Saving Money at the Pumpkin Patch
Once you get to the pumpkin patch, remind your kids of the new plan – tiny pumpkins! The cheaper smaller, the better! Let them pick any pumpkin they want out of that bargain bin! Swapping out that giant pumpkin for a tiny one is going to save you tons of money at the pumpkin patch this year. To help get the kids on board, distract them with some other fun activities they can do now that you’re not spending all your money on overpriced pumpkins!
Swapping Out A Small Pumpkin for a Big One
When you get home, find a nice easy spot to put your pumpkins! Don’t do something stupid like put them under pillows. The Pumpkin Fairy is a LOT bigger than the Tooth Fairy and isn’t as good at sneaking around- especially after a glass of wine or two. The porch is an excellent spot.
Then, tuck the kids in.
Have a glass of wine and watch Real Housewives while you wait for them to fall asleep. You’ll be kicking yourself next year (and spending big bucks!) if you get caught. Then swap out those pumpkins with the grocery store ones you’re hiding in the trunk of the car. If you want to get REAL fancy, sprinkle some glitter around. Fairies are notorious for getting glitter on everything.
Related Post: Tooth Fairy Tips for Parents
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And that’s it! You saved a ton of money at the pumpkin patch and made a Pinterest-worthy tradition that will have you looking like a) a money saving genius and b) Mom of the Year. It’s a fun Halloween tradition (and genius parenting hack for Halloween) that will make the whole family happy.
Do you have any Halloween traditions in your family? We’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
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You are a genius, madame.
We try m’lady 😉
Awh what a little cutie ! I have yet to come home with pumpkins for my girls lol
Good for you!!! Keep this one in your pocket in case you need it one day 😉
This is hilarious. Love it. Although we found another way around spending big bucks. We go to a pumpkin patch with a donation box. Then spend how much we feel is appropriate for our pumpkin haul. It’s for the church so definitely not trying to rip anyone off, but it’s nice to set your own price and feel good about the donation 🙂
That is awesome! I don’t know of any like that around here, or we’d be all over it 🙂
I didn’t even know they existed until last year. I was all confused when we went to one and nobody was working there. I was Like “Who takes my money??” lol. There was just a deposit slot to slip the money into. Pretty cool!
Could this idea be any smarter?! We spent $20 at the patch this year, too.,..
Well you will be READY for next year!!
I love the pumpkin fairy! What a clever idea.
So using this idea in the future! How adorable. The glitter is a must
That’s just straight up brilliant.
Genius! If my kids were smaller, I’d be stealing this idea. But I already crushed their dreams and told them that there’s no Santa, tooth fairy, etc. I will share this with others though. I have a small niece we can use this on.
You are one awesome Mumma, this is such a brilliant way to not burn a hole in your pocket and still have fun at the pumpkin patch. And also your kids will love you for introducing one more fairy to them. Happy Fall! Have fun!!!
My family and I get our pumpkins from a local pumpkin patch. The prices are totally reasonable. I spent around $20 for 60 pounds of pumpkin this year!
Pumpkins are WAY expensive. I like to put a medium sized pumpkin on each of the stairs up to my deck. It cost me a small fortune.
What a clever idea! I am sure my kids are too old for the pumpkin fairy, but what a fun idea for my toddler niece!
This. This right here is why I read this blog 🙂 Definitely starting operation: pumpkin fairy this weekend!
Haha I love this. First of all, adorable kids. And also, way to go momma! I don’t have kids so I didn’t realize those dang (but very cute) pumpkins are so expensive!
This is such a great idea! I would have loved the story and magic of the pumpkin fairy when I was little. I’m going to remember this if I ever have kids because going to the pumpkin patch is an essential annual tradition
What an adorable little pumpkin in that patch! Love the knit hat too. Definitely a photo to treasure. 🙂
Hilarious/genius! Tomorrow is our first pumpkin patch trip and hubby is already talking about the “giant pumpkin” he is getting… wait until he sees the price tag!
Omg. I’m cracking up! This is genius…. and aimed right at my penny pinching heart!
GENIUS! And it’s super fun too! All the other kids at school will be jealous because they don’t get a pumpkin fairy. Luckily grandpa grows pumpkins in his garden, so we actually DID go to the pumpkin patch and didn’t buy any pumpkins.
Girl you are a genius!!!! LOVE this so much!!!! 🙂
This is seriously the most brilliant thing EVER! I am definitely doing this when my kids are old enough- I love the idea of saving money AND introducing a little magic!
This right here is a game changer!!! Thanks for the awesome tip!
Right? The most fun way you could possibly save money at the pumpkin patch!