Tag: thrift stores

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

How to Make an Adult Birthday Memorable

Posted on by Jordank

To make an #adult #birthday party truly memorable, go beyond the basic #party or dinner and drinks and instead arrange an experience that gives “you a story to tell instead of another dinner receipt,” says The Rustic Brush. “A nice meal is never a bad choice, but the problem is that it often blends into every other Friday night.” Try starting the day early with a hike or paddle. Build a birthday around something that you or that special someone has been meaning to do. Do a #DIY art workshop with friends, or learn to cook something new. Take an overnight trip. Or kick back with a massage or spa day. #BetterBirthday

Keep Costs in Check on Kids’ Birthday Parties

Posted on by Jordank

To #save on the cost of kids’ #birthday parties, stock up early. Check #thrift stores, dollar stores, clearance bins and websites for deals on the things you know you’ll need, buy them and set them aside for the big day. Use an e-vite instead of paper invitations and get creative by decorating balloons or making a piñata yourself. Cakes don’t have to be expensive, either; it’s easy to dress up a box mix with homemade frosting and sprinkles. For entertainment, “You don’t have to hire a clown or a traveling petting zoo,” Parents says — games like Red Rover and charades offer plenty of fun at little or no cost. #BetterBirthday

Pick a Theme for Your Birthday Party

Posted on by Jordank

A good theme can make planning an adult #birthday easier, says Guest Reel — especially if you’re planning the #party on a budget. A costume party (themed by decade, color scheme, or pop culture reference) can help guests get creative, and the #thrift stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org can provide a lot of source materials. A board game tourney or trivia night is a good way to encourage friendly competition. A craft night allows guests to something they can take home while socializing. Or try a wine-and-cheese tasting. Whatever you choose, the goal is to #celebrate the particular person. #BetterBirthday