cool price
You can splurge on a costume without spending a dime, says The Debt Diva Clarky Davis, author of The Debt Diva’s 2008 Financial Guide. Just think DIY: do-it-yourself costumes to save a few precious bucks while giving you the opportunity to rock out to your creative ghoulish side. She explains, “Halloween is a great opportunity for parents to be creative without having to worry about “perfecting” a costume. The funniest, cutest or scariest costumes are those that are homemade. So don’t pressure yourself to make a costume that’s perfect or looks exactly like a photo you’ve seen in a magazine or book.”
Trick or treat frocks
So what if you’re not exactly thrifty savvy? The hardest part may be figuring out where to begin. To get inspiration for what costume to make, she advises going into your child’s room to flip through their favorite reading material or checking out their fave videos. “You’ll see lots of great ideas from the characters in children’s books, fairytales, nursery rhymes and cartoons. Select two or three costume ideas that you really like then start exploring your home to see what items you have on hand.”
Once you determine what costume you have the most materials for at home, make a list of any additional materials you need to collect. “Then head to a discount store or thrift shop to get the best deals on additional articles of clothing or crafting materials you may need to complete the costume.”
Hippie Chicks, mummies and more
For some simple off the rack (or in this case, closet) ideas, she suggests your kid going as a mini hippie. “Tie-dye one of your children’s or husband’s old white shirts. Make a headband out of a piece of ribbon, add a pair of sunglasses and vest.” Viola!
For another cute idea, make a mummy by starting with a white tee-shirt and a pair of pants. “Cut up white or ivory sheet into long strips and attach them (horizontally) across the front of a shirt. Wrap the strips around the sleeves. Wrap strips around the legs of the pants. Wrappings can be sewn or glued on. Don’t forget add some wrappings around the head. Add a little red paint to the wrappings for a bloody look.”
Davis recommends other easy DIY costumes such as a robot or space boy/girl made out of tin foil boxes, a gypsy or geisha.
Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
Another idea while assembling your costume is becoming resourceful by organizing a costume swap. Find a group of moms who have children around the same ages (here’s a hint: think of families in your neighborhood, book club or co-workers). Next, select a date for the costume swap, choose a location, distribute invitations and recycle your past costumes to them and vice versa. The Debt Diva explains, “As Moms arrive, take their donated costumes and add them to the correct size display.”
Don’t let kids have all the fun!
Above all, try not to stress about creating the perfect costume. Your kids will be focused on the fun and so should, you. Clarky notes, “Enjoy the experience of spending time with your child on Halloween night! Don’t fret about the costume and enjoy the experience of trick or treating. Get caught up in the fun of seeing friends and neighbors passing out treats and you children’s excitement in collecting their favorite candies."
Don’t forget to take time out for yourself on this spooky holiday. If you enjoy dressing up, do it! After your little ghosts and goblins have gone to bed, put in your favorite scary movie and pop some popcorn. Kids shouldn’t have all the fun!
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