Tag: Halloween

Tap Your Creativity for a Halloween Costume

Posted on by Jordank

#Halloween — America’s third-favorite holiday and rising — is nearly here. If you plan to go to a party, go on a pub crawl or hand out #treats in #costume and don’t already have something picked out, you’re down to two options: Buy off the shelf or get #creative.

Here at The Organizing Blog, we prefer the latter option. It’s almost as much #fun to think up and create a costume as it is to wear one — and a DIY costume always gets more recognition and admiration in the moment when done right.

Many of the classics — old and new — are super-simple. Dracula? Just don a cape and add some plastic fangs. The mummy or Invisible Man? Rolls and rolls of gauze. Jason Voorhies? A hockey mask and some grubby clothing. A witch? Pointy hat and gothic dress.

But if you really want to exercise your #creativity, The Cub says, think about the things that you (or your child) like. Maybe there’s a favorite movie, TV show, musician or video game character; can you turn that person/concept into a costume?

A few years ago, for example, popular adult costumes included Breaking Bad’s Walter White and Jesse Pinkman; today, it’s probably more Ted Lasso, Bad Bunny, Barbie and Supergirl. Then, of course, there are the high-concept costumes: “Cereal Killer,” anyone?

Whatever you choose, the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org are a treasure trove of lightly used #clothing, props and craft supplies that will help you complete your look.

Still stuck? There’s nothing wrong with turning to the internet for a suggestion, but we urge you to make a costume your own. Pick a concept, make a list, gather the elements (base layers, props, wig, prosthetics, etc.) and grab the glue gun if you have to.

Your costume doesn’t have to be perfect. Have some fun with it — even a DIY costume fail is better than store-bought. Happy Halloween!

More Reasons Fall Is America’s Favorite Season

Posted on by Jordank

Fall begins today, Sept. 22, 2026, and we at The Organizing Blog are thrilled. To be sure, the season has a few wistful elements — going back to school, saying goodbye to warm weather and the outdoor and leisure time  it allows, and getting down to brass tacks at work.

But fall has its own rewards, including multiple #holidays to celebrate; the leaves changing color; fall produce such as squash, cranberries and apples and hearty comfort foods; football and tailgating; and pumpkin spice everything.

The weather alone is something that many people — especially those in hot and humid areas — appreciate. One friend of the blog is reluctant to go outside when it swelters, preferring air-conditioned environs such as movie theaters until sweaters come out of #storage.

A Rasmussen Reports survey says that fall continues to be America’s favorite #season, with 40% of respondents. Summer is second, with 24%, and spring is third, with 22%; just 10% like winter best. Regardless of favorites, 50% said that fall’s arrival improves their mood.

Much of that positive feeling stems from childhood, Mental Floss says. The thrill kids get from starting school, seeing old friends and shopping for new clothes sticks with people. The season also represents a reset from summer — back to routines and productivity.

Fall stimulates the senses and encourages better sleep, The Healthy adds. You can see it on the trees, smell it in the air and feel it on the skin. “Sights and sounds of fall trigger the reward center of the brain and release dopamine, which makes us feel cozy, calm and nostalgic.”

As you get your #fall #clothing out in preparation, figure out what items are going to deliver that warm fall feeling — the clothes that will keep you cozy and optimistic through the change of season. #Donate anything that no longer serves that purpose to ClothingDonations.org.

#Resale of your #donated items will help share those fall feelings with the nation’s #veterans by helping #fund #holiday events, health care and more. Donate fall and #winter clothing, and you can help families stay warm and reduce #waste. Here’s to a happy (and productive) fall!

Is Halloween America’s Favorite Holiday?

Posted on by Jordank

You may have noticed that #Halloween gets a lot more attention in the United States these days. Even when you factor in the truly American penchant for catering to — and monetizing — people’s interests, the #holiday has seen incredible growth in interest and participation.

Much of this growth is thanks to adults. Nearly half (47%) of U.S. adults named Halloween as their favorite holiday of the year, according to a new report from Ferrero Group, makers of Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Kinder and numerous other chocolate and candy brands.

“Last year, we identified the emerging ‘Adultoween’ trend, and now we’re seeing it evolve into a full cultural movement,’ says Chad Stubbs, CMO of Ferrero North America. “Adults aren’t just participating in Halloween anymore; they’re truly embracing it as their own holiday.”

The phenomenon isn’t limited to candy consumption. In 2005, half (52%) of adults celebrated Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation; today, that share has grown to 73%. That’s a lot of candy, pumpkins, plastic skeletons and fake spiderwebs — and no less than $2 billion worth of costumes.

Add to that the fact that the “spooky season” is promoted with horror-movie marathons, TV premieres, “haunted” attractions and more, and you have a seasonal economic juggernaut of frightening proportions — one that attracts more enthusiasts every day.

Unfortunately for the Halloween shopper, candy prices have jumped 10.2% since last year, CNN reports, with chocolate products leading the increases due to tariffs and cocoa shortage. That’s forcing many families to cut down on trick-or-treat giveaways or try to save money elsewhere.

You can #economize on #costumes and household #decorations by #shopping the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org, of course. You can also #donate any lightly used clothing and extras throughout the year. Keep the candy, though.

Happy Halloween to the many millions of aficionados in America! We at The Organizing Blog hope you have a safe, spooky and fun holiday.

Do Your Last-Minute Halloween Shopping at the Thrift

Posted on by Jordank

Time is running out if you’re still thinking about a #Halloween #costume for this weekend’s party or decorating for trick-or-treaters. Luckily, the #thrift store is there to help, says Thrift Smart. Easy last-minute ideas include “vintage ghost” with a lacy nightgown and gray makeup; “classic witch,” with a simple black dress and thrifted pointy hat; and “DIY superhero,” with colorful tights and a cape. You can also find #inexpensive DIY supplies such as picture frames, candles and Mason jars — as well as #donated Halloween decorations such as plastic skulls and party lights. Whatever you need, start your last-minute shopping at the thrift! #ThriftStoreHalloween #HalloweenCostumes

Bringing a Halloween Costume Together at the Thrift

Posted on by Jordank

The easiest #Halloween #costumes involve normal street clothes and borrowed props, says Greenify Me. But to really bring your concept home (and support sustainability while doing it), you may need to #thrift a few items. To be a witch or wizard, all you need is a thrifted cape, wand and broom. Vampires tend to wear lots of black and red — easy to find at the thrift. Anything form-fitting and metallic suggests alien, while you can rip up a thrifted pair of pants and add facial hair to be a werewolf. Or just dress like a character from TV or the movies — Beetlejuice, Eleven and Clark Kent spring immediately to mind. Some thrifted #clothing that contributes to your costume may be wearable long after the season is over. #ThriftStoreHalloween #HalloweenCostumes