Halloween costumes can cost $35 or more and that doesn’t include any extra accessories. If you’re a larger family….costume buying can really get out of hand. On top of that…if you purchase any yard decorations, home decor or candy to give out on Trick or Treat Night….Halloween can easily cost a family of four $400 or more. Here’s how you can save some money on Halloween costumes.
** Post may contain affiliate links.
1. DIY – Do an internet search for some great ideas on easy-to-make DIY costumes. You can find all kinds of ideas online. Try to work with what you already have at home or with items you can borrow from other family members.
2. Thrift Stores – In our area the thrift stores will start putting our their Halloween items early in August. Visit several stores and go early to find the best selections. When thrifting a costume you always want to check it out thoroughly before leaving the store. Once home…give it a good overall cleaning.
3. Discount Stores – You can find lower-cost costumes by shopping at the discount stores. Check out Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Gabe’s, Ollies Bargain Outlet, etc. for deals.
4. Costume Swap – Organize a neighborhood or community costume swap early in the season. Set up a designated time and place. Have parents come by to drop-off, pick-up or swap costumes that they no longer need.
5. Pre-Shop A Year Ahead – After Halloween has passed hit all of the leftover clearance sales for costumes and accessories for the following year. If your purchasing for a child…size-up 1-3 sizes so that it will fit them the following year. You can often find them for 50-75% off the regular retail price.
6. Barter – Know someone who has a sewing machine? Do you know a crafter? A make-up artist? Halloween makeup is cheaper than buying a couple of masks! Contact people you know to see if you can barter with them for items and/or services that you need.
7. Use What You Have – Got a kid involved in sports? Let them wear a uniform! Got a kitchen apron and some cooking accessories? Let them dress up as a chef. Got a worn pair of denim jeans or overalls? How about dressing up as a farmer or a scarecrow? Look around the house to see what you have and what can be tossed together. You would be surprised at what you can come up with!