Halloween is just a week away, which means the clock is ticking if you still haven't figured out your costume. Maybe you're planning to be a vampire, a superhero, or that person who throws on a pair of cat ears five minutes before leaving the house.

If you're heading to Spirit Halloween this weekend, a former employee has some advice that could make your shopping trip a whole lot better. Before you grab the first costume you see and race to the checkout, here are four things to keep in mind.

1. Don't Just Grab a Costume and Run

Take your time and explore the entire store! According to a former employee, there are hidden gems all over the place, including the checkout area, where you'll find plenty of fun accessories and novelty items.

You might walk in looking for a basic witch costume and walk out with a witch hat, glowing jewelry, fake fangs, and a creepy little accessory you absolutely did not need but suddenly cannot live without.

Just remember: Halloween shopping has a way of turning a $30 trip into a $75 adventure.

2. Cheap Costumes Aren't Always the Best Deal

If you're only planning to wear your costume once, going with a cheaper option makes sense. But if you love dressing up every year, it might be worth spending a little extra on better-quality pieces.

A sturdier costume could become part of your Halloween wardrobe for years to come. Think of it as an investment in future costume parties, haunted houses, and those last-minute invitations where somebody says, “You HAVE to dress up!”

Of course, if your costume is a giant inflatable dinosaur, you might want to check how easy it is to store before committing to a lifetime of prehistoric appearances.

3. Buy the Makeup Remover Before You Need It

Planning to transform yourself into a zombie, skeleton, or terrifying creature of the night? Don't forget the makeup remover!

Some Halloween makeup and prosthetic products can be stubborn to remove with ordinary soap and water. That means your spooky transformation could follow you into the next morning, leaving you explaining to your coworkers why you still have black circles around your eyes.

Pick up the appropriate removal products when you buy your makeup. Your future self, your pillowcase, and possibly your bathroom towels will thank you.

4. The Best Deals Might Come After Halloween

Here's a tip for the serious Halloween fans: don't assume Spirit Halloween is finished once October 31 rolls around.

According to the former employee's advice, clearance sales typically begin November 1 and 2, making it a good time to look for discounted costumes, decorations, and accessories for next year.

Sure, it might feel strange shopping for Halloween when the candy bowl is half-empty and the decorations are coming down. But imagine opening your storage bins next October and realizing you already have next year's costume ready to go.

That's called being organized. Or, depending on how many skeletons you buy, starting a very unusual collection.

What's Your Halloween Shopping Strategy?

Are you the person who plans a costume months in advance, or are you still searching for inspiration with just days to go?

Whether you're going all-out with an elaborate costume or keeping things simple this year, these tips could help you find something fun without spending more than you planned.