by Sara S
Thrift Stores
We’ve always scored big at Goodwill or Salvation Army for costumes. Starting early October, you’ll start to see racks of Halloween costumes all set to go. Last year we walked away with a Darth Vader costume, light sabers, and more all for under $10. This year our little vampire found her perfect dress and cape for $6. And if you’re getting more creative, all you have to do is peruse the normal racks of clothes to creatively make things work.
Reuse
Halloween costumes only get worn a handful of times, so it makes total sense to use them again or pass them on. We’ve had more than one witch in our crew, and cousins have generously made us crocodiles and Cinderellas for past Halloween. Two years ago we splurged on a new Batman costume from Costco for my son (the built-in muscles were so hilarious they made me weak). Luckily it was a bit baggy, and luckily he’s still a huge Batman fan. So when he asked to be him again, I was all for it.
Make it, Sew it
Making your own costume can sometimes add up, but if you’re careful it doesn’t have to be. I’m not an amazing seamstress. In fact, in the past I’ve been guilty of hot gluing fabric together for Halloween costumes. But my 10-year-old has gotten really into sewing, and she was really interested in making her own costume this year.
She’s reading the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan and has been getting Greek mythology books from the library. So she decided she wanted to be a Greek goddess, and she narrowed it down to Artemis (because she looks tough with a bow and arrow). First she made a bow using string and a stick from the yard. Then we headed to JoAnns with coupons in hand and got some inexpensive muslin and some gold Christmas ribbons that were 40% off. It all totaled $8. She and I sewed it with only some machine malfunctions. I see the imperfections in the finished project, but she is over-the-moon about it and so proud. That’s a total win.
One child wanted a new one this year, and the other is using a dress up bin costume that was a birthday gift a few years ago. And I love the idea of swapping with friends. Our local parents FB group also has a buy/sell/trade offshoot where people sell their gently used stuff. It tilts strongly towards princess costumes, but they’re usually $3-$4.