Halloween Costume Prices Don't Have to Spook You

It's still September, but it's not too early to start thinking about Halloween costumes.  Most stores are starting to stock costumes already and seasonal specialty Halloween stores are opening.
 
In my opinion it's always best to shop end of season when costumes are 50-90% off and save for the next year.  If you didn't do that or have a child requesting a certain costume, try some if these tips to decrease your out-of-pocket expense.

Local stores - Only buy when items are on sale.  CVS recently had all costumes 25% off.  Never pay full retail. The markup could range around 800%, meaning a costume costing $5 to make will cost you $40. Party City always has a variety of costumes.

Shopping early also increases the possibility of you getting your number one choice in the size you need. If you wait too long the choices are limited. Remember to check online, in the paper and entertainment books for discount coupons. Sale price plus coupon savings will decrease your out-of-pocket expense.

Online stores - When buying online I would look for free shipping offers.  If you have to pay for shipping it can really add up.  Buying online will save you time and gas money. One good choice is www.buycostumes.com, which offers up to 80% off costumes and accessories.  They offer five deals a day for under $5.  They have clearance adult/teen/kids costumes for under $10, $20 and $30.

Swap/Shop Second Hand - Swap with friends, pass hand-me-downs from one sibling to another.

Shop the local Fall ABC Mother's Market where there are gently used items for sale.  Go to www.afterbabycomes.org to find out more information. 

Shop www.ebay.com to find costumes from all over the country.  Join Morris county free cycle and check the offers list or post a want ad.  It's free. 

Homemade Costumes - Shop second hand stores like The Salvation Army for any clothing or accessories you may need to complete your costumes.  You could also check with friends first before you shop.

One of my best Halloween memories was of my Raggedy Ann costume handmade by my mom. If you decide to sew a costume use fabric you have on hand or use a coupon at JoAnn's to purchase new. Also www.Joann.com has online sales and periodically offers free shipping. 

Here are a few of the easiest Halloween costumes to make at home.  The hardest part will be to get your children to pick one.

Number# 1 on the quick and easy scale is the traditional ghost.  Use any old white sheet, cut holes for eyes and a slit for the mouth.  Make sure the length is short enough so it's not tripped over.  Add a twist and make your ghost stand out by adding a wig or beard.  Add makeup and a necklace or bling it out with glitter to make a more dressed up ghost.

Scarecrow - Use an oversized flannel shirt and jeans.  Stuff them with plastic grocery bags and a small amount of straw to show from shirt and pants.  Use a rope for a belt and to tie off the legs and arms.  Add a straw hat.

Clown - Use sweat clothes and decorate with fabric markers. Attach some pom poms to front of shirt.  Add a wig and makeup.

Tropical Tourist - Wear a floral Hawaii style shirt.  Add a hat and pair of sunglasses.  Get a spray tan.  

Mummy - Wrap with cut up old white sheet or rolls of gauze.  Add green marker or nail polish for mold spots. 

Miss America - Use an old formal dress. Wear a crown or tiara. Use a couple inch wide piece of material or ribbon for a sash.  Write Miss America on it with a glitter pen.  Add jewelry and fancy gloves.

Witch - Dress in all black.  Add a cape and witch hat.

Skunk - Dress in all black and paint a white line down the back.

Bunny - Dress in pink, white or brown sweat clothes.  Add bunny ears and a pom pom to back side.  Most of the head bands that are ears or horns might be found at a dollar store or make them out of construction paper.   

Spider - Dress in all black.  Attach black panty hose or knee highs stuffed with plastic grocery bags or tissue.

Bunch of grapes -  Attach balloons to the same color sweat cloths (green or purple).  Paint face too.

Devil - Dress in all red.  Add a red cape and horns.

Bat - Dress in black.  Cut a black umbrella in half.  Sew or safety pin it to the back.  Add bat ears.

Don't forget your trick-or-treat bag.  Use a pillow case or a reusable grocery store bag you have on hand.

Be creative.  Costumes don't have to be bought or expensive to look good.  Enter a costume contest.  Maybe there will be a prize or monetary pay-off.