The month of October is flying by! Before we know it, the kids will be all decked out in their best costumes trolling the streets for candy. It’s a fun celebration, but between candy, dinner, decor, and costumes, the expenses can add up quickly. Here are some tips to keep your budget from becoming haunted this year!
Order Now
No year is a good year to wait until the last minute to order a costume online. However, this year could be the worst year of all to do so. You will likely face some shipping challenges and/or delays that mean your costume won’t arrive until November or beyond. But you’ll also likely be charged an increased shipping rate if you wait. Don’t delay, get your order in to avoid both. And be sure when shopping websites with third party vendors like Walmart or Amazon that you use your filters to only see those products with free shipping or Prime options.
Work Those Coupons
There are some limited in store and online coupons for costumes right now. Before you head to big box retailers like Target (Circle) and Meijer (mperks), be sure to check your apps for potential savings. Join mobile coupon programs for destinations like Party City. And always do a quick search for online coupon options. Bonus points if you check a platform like Rakuten or Swagbucks for additional cash back offers, too.
“Shop” at Home
If you’re anything like us, you have a treasure trove of potential costumes hiding in your closet. From costumes from years gone by to dress up clothes to sports uniforms to old formal wear, there are limitless options without spending a dime. It simply takes the time to sort through what you have and pull together a look. You may only have to purchase a few accessories or small items to complete your ensemble, or perhaps you’ll need nothing new at all.
Borrow or Thrift
You may also want to consider hosting an online costume exchange where you can “borrow” a costume from someone in your friend circle or family. Post photos of costumes you own and offer an even exchange. Or you could consider hitting a store like Goodwill or Once Upon a Child for costumes, too. You may end up helping someone else in your own money saving journey.
Go With Something You Can Wear Again
One-time use costumes are easy but can be wasteful in all sorts of ways. If you can, plan a costume around pieces that can be worn again. Dressing as a scarecrow is easy enough and may require a flannel shirt, but you can wear an item like that again throughout the fall. Even dressing up as a favorite character might require a wig or special shoes, but the rest of your costume might easily be something you could wear day-to-day like a themed t-shirt.
7 FREE Costume Ideas:
Laundry: Feel like there’s always laundry in piles all through your home? You have an instant costume. Cut a hole in the bottom of a laundry basket and use yarn, ribbon, or a belt to create suspenders to hold your basket up. Add towels or whatever laundry you have to the basket and you’re ready for some Halloween fun.
Cowboy or Cowgirl: Yeehaw! Dig out your books and a western styled shirt. If you have one, don’t forget a stick horse. Toss on a cowgirl hat and your look is complete.
Identity Theft: Have some of those “Hello My Name Is” tags leftover from an event? Write names on them and then peel and stick them all over a your shirt. No one will be quite sure who you are, but you’ll steal the show.
Tourist: Hang a camera around your neck and bust out a Hawaiian shirt. Have a fanny pack? You definitely need to wear that. Don’t forget your socks with sandals and khaki shorts. And complete the look with a dab of sunblock on your nose. Maybe add a pair of Mickey ears just for good measure!
Rock the 80s: Leg warmers, peg rolled jeans, teased out hair? Like totally awesome, trick-or-treater, rock your 80s vibe. Bonus points for a NKOTB t-shirt, neon scrunchie, or a Tab to carry in your hands. If you don’t have 80s attire, choose a different decade!
School Photo: Recreate a senior photo or school photo (yours or someone else’s) with clothes you already have. Bonus points if you smile brightly with your hand under your chin and make a cardboard frame to attach around you.
Lumberjack: Bust out that flannel shirt and a stocking cap. If you’re a fella, grow a beard over a couple of days. Wear old jeans. Carry a toy axe or one with a cover so no one gets hurt.
I’d love your quick, easy, and FREE costume ideas. Leave them in comments for us all to be inspired!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
