The National Retail Federation says that average per capita spending on Halloween will reach $86.79 this year among American consumers. If you don’t want to spend that much money on a costume, The Spruce has five “free or cheap” tips: Stage a costume swap, surf Freecycle for giveaways, print out a Halloween mask, or use the craft materials you already have on hand. Also consider visiting the thrift store, the site says. “They usually have tons of used Halloween costumes. You can also get really creative and find pieces of clothing and accessories and use them to create your own costume.”
Tag: Halloween
Thrift-Store Halloween Costume Ideas
Stuck deciding on a Halloween costume? Lots of classic looks are easy to source at thrift stores supplied by generous donations to ClothingDonations.org. Thrifty, easy-to-assemble ideas for women from Ecouterre include “Sockhop Sweetie” (pleated skirt, pink sweater), “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (chic black sheath dress, oversized sunglasses), “Hamburglar” (black-and-white striped shirt, black mask, fast-food burger), and “Valley Girl” (plaid blazer, oversized phone). Just walk into the thrift and let the inspiration strike; not only will you soon have a one-of-a-kind costume, you’ll be helping the nation’s veterans with your purchases.
Turn to the Thrift for Halloween Decorations
The local thrift store is the first place to look for Halloween decorations, says Social Moms. Sure, you can buy new — but why? Thrifts stocked by donations to ClothingDonations.org often have plenty of fake cobwebs, plastic pumpkin buckets and articulated cardboard skeletons you can use to decorate the home. In addition, you can find spooky plastic tombstones, string lights and other outdoor ornaments. And if you’re planning to have an indoor costume party, you’ll likely find Halloween-themed platters, plates and napkins to use while entertaining.
Make Thrifts Your First Stop for DIY Costumes
An annual survey from Goodwill Industries says that at least one person or pet in more than half (56 percent) of American households will dress in costume for Halloween this year. And one-quarter (25 percent) of those planning to dress up will wear a “unique, one-of-a-kind costume.” What’s more, 52 percent of respondents who prefer DIY costumes say that the best place to shop for materials is the local thrift store. Whether it’s Goodwill or a thrift supplied by donations to ClothingDonations.org, there’s no better place to score a unique, funny, scary or sexy getup that will wow the trick-or-treaters.
(Very) Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas
It’s Halloween! And a few busy people, their children and diehard procrastinators, still may not have costumes at the ready. If you happen to be among those who have suddenly been spooked into action on the final morning before trick-or-treat time rolls around, don’t despair — there are plenty of creative ideas you can use to save the day.
The first stop, of course, should be your local thrift store. Often supplied by donations to ClothingDonations.org, they offer an unparalleled source of last-minute inspiration at reasonable prices. Need a puffy shirt for that pirate getup? Look no further than the thrift. Or how about some acid-wash jeans for the ultimate ’80s hair-band tribute? You’ll find them here.
The thrift store also has plenty of used sheets that you won’t mind cutting eyeholes in to create the simplest of costumes — the ghost. It may even have accessories such as costume jewelry, hats and wigs that can make or break a last-minute costume. Whatever you find, the money you spend at the thrift will help fund veterans’ programs.
Those pressed for time will appreciate the concepts behind 22 Simple, Last-Minute Halloween Costumes from Real Simple. Easy to craft from basic garments and simple props, “Breadwinner” and “Ceiling Fan” costumes are likely to inspire groans for their offbeat wordplay, but no one will be able to accuse you of coming up short on a costume.
Kids will want to grab all the candy they can tonight, and no self-respecting parent or chaperone can let them go trick-or-treating as-is! If you’re suddenly scrambling to dress up a child, cover them in green balloons to go as a bunch of grapes, Brit + Co. suggests. Wrap them in two-ply to make them into a mummy. Or take them out in pajamas and a robe as your Lil’ Lebowski.
Whatever you can create at the last minute will only lend to the excitement that free candy and/or a costume party can bring. Now, get going on those costumes — and have a happy and safe Halloween!