Every year, when my boys begin to contemplate costume ideas, I have one thought:
“How can we do this as cheaply as possible?”
I don’t know if it’s from a family history of frugality or my reluctance to buy extra plastic, but scraping together unique costumes has become a tradition with our kids. Here are a few of our favorite ways to find that perfect guise each year:
Homemade
Making a costume at home is a great way to save money IF you can find the time. When my oldest son decided to dress as a mummy this year, I was elated. I knew we could take old clothes and ratty t-shirts and combine them into fantastic mummy garb. I did run into a snag when I belatedly realized how much time this project required; my son and husband helped with cutting and pinning rags while I sewed, and we ended up with a fun ensemble that didn’t require new materials.
Thrifted
Secondhand shops are a fruitful costume source. Thrift shopping for pre-made costumes works best if you plan ahead and follow a few of these tips. However, some of my favorite thrift finds have been unexpected pieces that we repurpose into more specialized apparel. This year we found a metallic vest and a pair of brown pants that my youngest son is using for his minotaur armor.
Traded
Costume swapping is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to procure outfits, especially for parents of young children. We have been the happy recipients of two Harry Potter robes, and we’ve given away a lot of superhero attire. Watch for posts in neighborhood social media groups, or post a need that you have. Many families are happy to clean out their costume stash and see favorite outfits go to another child. A costume trade is especially helpful if your kid isn’t feeling opinionated and just wants something fun to wear.
Bought
Sometimes planning ahead and making ahead just don’t happen. And that’s totally okay! There are still ways to help your costume be friendly to the environment. Look for costumes that are made in the USA for a smaller carbon footprint and fairer wages, and buy something that is made for longevity. Once Halloween is over, re-use the costume in a dress-up bin, or pass it along to someone else.
I’ll admit, I do feel a little crazy when I’m hurriedly thrifting and crafting the week before Halloween. Ultimately, though, I have fun creating something new from whatever we can find. The best part? Watching my kids plan, design, and learn through their costumes each year.
