How to save money on Halloween costumes for children

Although Halloween is a fun time for the whole family, costumes for children can become expensive. Below are some money savings tips that will add to the Halloween excitement AND keep expenses low:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look to children’s consignment shops – Since children only wear their costumes once or twice for the Halloween season, used costumes are usually barely worn and are in great condition.

2. Instead of buying masks, use make-up you already have – Red lipstick makes great blood marks, use dark eye shadows for the zombie look, etc.

3. Do a Halloween costume swap with other parents. Parents who happen to have still have thier child’s costume from last year are usually more than happy to give it away.

4. The dollar store sells lots of great costume accessories at a minimal cost.

5. 
   Butterfly Costume

   Buy things that can be reused after Halloween – For example, if buy a pair of black pants, black shirt, some cute bug antennas and wings you have a butterfly costume. The good thing is that your child can still wear the shirt and pants after Halloween is over. This is the same for props like toy swords for boy costumes. That way, you get the most for your dollar.

6. 
   Make Costumes from old clothes at thrift stores

   Shop thrift stores to make your own costume – old clothing/sheets are wonderful for many costumes ideas. Some of the easiest ones to make include: a zombie, ghost, Egyptian, mummy, caveman, hobo, Caesar, vampire, ballerina or a maid. The possibilities are endless.

7. After Halloween is over, sell your costumes back to the consignment shops for cash or store credit.

Tips & Warnings

• If you decide to create your child’s costume, involve your children in the process. Let them pick out items to put something together. This adds to the excitement of them making their own costume.
• For more tips on frugal living, visit my frugal blog at www.frugalfine.net

Resources

• http://twoliablog.com/frugal-fine/

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on 9/27/2007 Great article! I have 4 kids and we loved going to Goodwill for halloween. Most of the stuff we trashed afterwards - but it was great fun!