By Whitney Lewis
Halloween costumes. Let’s face it… They’re expensive! If you’re a parent of many, it adds up fast. The average person will spend about $78 on costumes alone this Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation’s 2014 Halloween Consumer Spending Survey. Seventy eight dollars people. I don’t know about you, but that’s too much money for me to spend on a one night event. So, if you’re anything like me you’re interested in ways to (significantly) cut costs on costumes! Below are my four favorite ways to do just that.
—–make your own costume—-
There is a special place in my heart for homemade costumes. I remember wearing a few cardboard box costumes -washing machine, a wrapped present, a robot- and some second hand sweatsuits -added a tail for a cat, added stripes for a bumblebee- myself! The tradition has continued and now it’s I who scours the donation shops in town for pieces for my little one’s costumes. I buy things that can be easily altered and/or can be used after Halloween for a fraction of the cost. Now I know what you’re thinking – ‘I have to be an expert at sewing’. Insert buzzer noise here – not true! I just recently made the jump from whip stitching, adhesive fabric tape, and hot gluing nearly every costume I’ve ever made to actually sewing them. There are a lot of DIYs out there!
—–raid the closets—-
Most of the time I start ‘shopping’ for costumes by raiding my kid’s closet. Sometimes I can get lucky enough to not have to buy or change any of the pieces. If I wanted a quick cowboy outfit I could pull some roughed up jeans, a plaid button down shirt and add the hat. The same process can be used to make quick work of many animal costumes! Often times when making a costume you can actually use pieces that are either too small or have stains since they’ll be hidden or cut up anyway! For example- an old tshirt can easily become a cowboy vest; a stained shirt could be covered with spots for a cow, etc. Depending on how far in advance you’re working, just make sure the sizes are right for the upcoming holiday & go from there.
—–buy a costume to last all year—-
After raiding the closets it’s time to shop! While perusing the shelves, think about pieces that can be used throughout the year. For the girls, consider buying costume jewelry, skirts, and shoes that could be worn to fancy dinners or in family portraits! Same thing for the boys- buy shirts, ties, shoes, etc. that can be used for an upcoming family get together and/or outings. Last year when my little one wanted to be Fix it Felix I did just that. I bought a blue button down dress shirt for his costume knowing I would use it again for nice dinners, holidays and pictures. I also reused his jeans and shoes from the costume, making the expense worthwhile knowing it would be put to good use after the holiday. Luckily for me I shop second hand stores A LOT and his costume cost less than $10!
—–shop at consignment and donation stores—-
Whether you’re making your own costume or would prefer one pre-made, don’t forget about second hand! I frequent the Champaign-Urbana area consignment and donation shops and they have a variety of costumes and accessories at great prices. I find it easiest to shop for infants and toddlers since they don’t have much of an opinion on their costume, but don’t let that hinder you from looking for something for older kids -they all had quite a variety for them as well! Sometimes you can get lucky enough to find the exact costume your child’s heart desires! You can also use the tip above for buying pieces that you can use throughout the year. You can find shoes, shirts, jewelry, etc all for great prices. Typically once I finish my closet raiding, a stop at the consignment shop is next. This year I was lucky enough to find half the pieces for my oldest child’s costume at consignment and the other child’s entire costume at a local donation shop.
So, there you have it! Four ways to help reduce your spending for Halloween and be well below that $78 average! Get creative, have fun and get to shopping!
Whitney Lewis moved to Champaign with her husband nine years ago from small town Danville. She is a home daycare owner/provider and mother to two amazing little boys, 4 and 1. She enjoys crafting, reading, photography & party planning on a budget! There’s no such thing as a do-nothing weekend because she’s always on the hunt for a new project, craft, or fun activity with the kids. Life is busy but never boring!!