How to Spend Less on Halloween Costumes

It's time to get ready for Halloween and your little trick or treaters need costumes. Store bought costumes can sometimes cost more than $40 or $50. That's a lot of money to spend for a few hours of wear! If your budget doesn't allow you to spend that much on a costume, there are ways to save!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check online sites like eBay or Craig's list for the same costumes, at reduced prices. Check for eBay sellers that offer free shipping, or use Craig's list and pick it up in person. There are many online retailers that sell costumes as well. Compare prices at several sites, look for coupon codes to reduce your price at checkout, or places that offer free shipping.

2. Visit your local consignment shops. This is a great place to find good deals on costumes! The down side to consignment shops is that it can be hit or miss finding the exact costume you want in the size you need. If you know what you are looking for call around to several stores to see if they have it. You might also be able to put in a request with the shop owner to hold a costume if one comes in.

3. Swap with friends, family or neighbors who have costumes their kids have outgrown. This is a great way to re-purpose the costumes your own kids have outgrown, as well as getting something for them to wear!

4. Buy costumes after Halloween from the clearance racks. Though the selection may be small, you just might find a great buy for next year's costume!

5. Make your own costume. You can save a lot of money on Halloween costumes by making it yourself. Browse catalogs or online for inspiration. Many costumes can be made for a fraction of the cost of a store bought costume.

[ramblin62]

on 9/24/2009 Great article with tips for spending less on Halloween costumes. Ebay can really help out & some of my favorite costumes as a kid were ones my mom and I put together ourselves. Tx.