Tag: thrift shops

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!

Start Early to Save on Holiday Spending

Posted on by Jordank

It seems like #summer ended just a few days ago (and it did). You’ve barely had time to adjust to the cooler weather, check the furnace for #winter or prepare for #Halloween. But the #holidays will be here sooner than you think — and you need a plan to keep your spending in check.

With inflation driving up prices on fuel, food and pretty much everything else, many Americans are getting ready for a frugal holiday. Three-quarters (77%) say they will adjust 2026 gift-buying in response to rising prices, the Penny Hoarder says, and half (51%) say inflation is driving “severe financial anxiety” about the end of the year.

To avoid overspending, establish a #budget. Come up with an ideal maximum spend and break it down by category: gifts, travel, food, entertainment and decorations. Figure out whether you’ll need to dip into your savings or finance purchases with credit cards, but try to avoid creating long-term debt just for the holidays.

For gifts, make a list of recipients and jot down a few ideas for each. Watch for sales and track prices on desired merchandise, but be forewarned that retailer discounts may not be as generous as in past years. Start shopping early, and be prepared to “pull the trigger” on reasonably priced finds to check off your list.

Fidelity Investments suggests looking to sources other than the big-box stores to find thoughtful gifts. Social media platforms, Etsy, #yard and #garage sales, discount stores, and the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org can be valuable sources of unexpected and distinctive presents.

Also look to the #thrifts and discount stores for low-priced #holiday decorations and #gift wrap. Much of that paper will wind up in the #recycling bin anyway, so there’s no harm in sticking to the basics. Alternatively, consider making gift wrap, greeting cards and gifts to bring an extra-personal touch to the holidays.

Save on food costs by focusing on simple, seasonal ingredients and crowd-pleasing favorites instead of fancy feasts. For instance, if your go-to holiday meal is beef tenderloin (currently $28 per pound!), substitute something a little more humble such as pulled pork sandwiches or lasagna — things your friends and family will love, but don’t take a lot of money to put on the table.

The holidays are for togetherness — and that, you can accomplish on a #budget. #HolidayShopping

Check the Thrift for Gardening Supplies

Posted on by Jordank

If you plan to establish a #flower or #vegetable #garden this spring, first make sure your tools are in good working condition. Sharpen pruners, clean rakes and tillers, and inspect planters and garden infrastructure for damage. If you need any tools, seeds, planters, pots or decorative items, check the #thrift stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org first. They are a great source of lightly used #gardening equipment and supplies, and buying #secondhand can #save money over buying new at a big-box store or garden center. #SpringtimeGardening #DosAndDonts

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.

Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Posted on by Jordank

While less is more when it comes to #stuff, there are a few things you might want to have at the ready before #winter if you want to be #prepared for the worst. You might need a good snow shovel, de-icer, flashlights and batteries, a weather radio, an emergency car kit, food that doesn’t require preparation, and extra pet food. Even if you aren’t completely snowed-in, you might like to stock up on #winter staples such as flour and sugar for #holiday baking. In many areas, you’ll need a good winter coat and waterproof boots — and you can find a lot of lightly used winter gear at the #thrift stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org.