Save Money on Halloween Costumes

Money spent on Halloween costumes can really add up when you have more than one child or have limited funds.  Sometimes it is hard to justify spending a lot of money for something that will be worn only once.  Below are some ways to save money on costumes.

1.  Swap Costumes. Swap costumes or borrow costumes from friends, neighbors, and relatives.  Many churches, moms’ groups, and organizations are doing Halloween Costume Swaps to help others save money.  Children usually outgrow costumes from one year to the next, so you can donate and receive a costume at the same time.  Just remember, if you only want to lend your costume to others instead of giving it to them, make sure that you are okay if the costume gets damaged.

2.  Children Consignment Shops, Goodwill, or thrift stores. You can usually find good costumes at consignment stores, but the selection is limited and kind of hit or miss.  Last year I purchased my son’s Elmo costume at a consignment store for $7 when a friend bought the same one online for $44.  I just washed the costume and it was perfect.  My neighbor wanted the same Elmo costume that I had purchased and couldn’t afford to pay the full price online.  I went to the same consignment store the next week and found the exact same cosutme on sale for $4.  They were doing a sale since it was so close to Halloween.  I even found the Elmo candy buckets there for $1.

Also, if you have a specific costume you are looking for, just give the consignment store a call and ask if they have one in stock.  Most stores are more than happy to help you out and it saves you time and a trip around town.

3.  Make A Costume. Even if you don’t sew, you can make a costume using fabric and hot-glue or fabric glue.  I once made adorable M&M costumes for all of my co-teachers using felt fabric and hot-glue.  I have also seen some creative costumes using cardboard boxes and painting on t-shirts and pants.  Just remember, the costume is just for one day, so don’t feel like you have to be a perfectionist.

4.  Look for Sales. It seems like costumes seem to drop their prices right before Halloween, but the selection might be limited.  Shop around to find the best deals and check your local sales flyers.  Also, look online since many of the Halloween Costume Sites are offering free shipping and discounted prices.  It might save you time and gas money to do your price comparison online.

5.  Save now for Next Year. You can purchase costumes the day after Halloween at great discounts to use next year.  I wouldn’t know what costume to get my son, but I am sure he wouldn’t mind Batman, Buzz Lightyear, or any other superhero.  My daughter  is easygoing and would definitely enjoy costumes relating to being a princess, a cheerleader, or a  fairy.  Perhaps I will see if I can find the Disney Princess costumes  discounted after Halloween and put away as Christmas gifts for dress-up play.

Do you have any other money-saving tips for Halloween Costumes?  What costumes have you made that were pretty easy to do?

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