
Halloween is coming up soon and after not being able to celebrate properly the last few years we’re all excited to get dressed up again. Like everything else, prices are up and cheap Halloween costumes aren’t as easy to find anymore. But, a great Halloween costume doesn’t have to cost money. It’s easy to overspend and spend beyond your means, especially with prices up and multiple Halloween parties. Here are 10 cheap Halloween costume tips for kids to help you save money this year.
Plan and Create a Budget for Halloween Costumes
First, start by planning. Planning helps avoid impulse buys, and also avoids multiple trips. What’s your budget? Halloween costumes can add up quickly, some even run up to $100! Do you need to buy multiple costumes? Kids get invited to a lot of Halloween parties and buying one costume verse buying one costume for every party will save money. Do you need accessories to add on to the costume? Do you and your partner need to match your child? Rewearing your old costumes instead of having matching family costumes will save money too. Planning and setting a budget will ensure you don’t over spend.
Use Coupons And Look For Deals When You Buy Your Halloween Costume
When you’re looking to buy a Halloween costume look for in store promotion or leverage promotions you’ve used in the past. For example, Target usually has a discount on Target gift cards around the holidays. You can buy a gift card for yourself, and then use the gift card later to buy a Halloween costume.
DIY Halloween Costume
The easiest way to save money on kids Halloween costumes is to make their Halloween costume. Look at Pinterest for inspiration on different DIY kids Halloween costumes or search a particular costume you want to make yourself. Pinterest has a lot of great ideas for kids Halloween costumes.
Shop Outside Of The Halloween Aisle
Not crafty? Look for a cheap Halloween costume in another isle. For example, Old Navy has kids skeleton pajamas. A cat costume can be made wearing all black and buying cat ears headband. Sometimes toy isles also have dress up clothes that can double as costumes. A Disney princess dress up in the toy isle may be cheaper than a Disney princess Halloween costume in the Halloween isle.
Buy Pre-Owned Halloween Costumes
Buying pre-owned Halloween costumes will help you save money. Sometimes you’ll even be able to find the Halloween costume you want for over a 50% discount.
You can look for pre-owned Halloween costumes on Poshmark, at thrift stores and local consignment shops. Costumes may also be listed on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up and Craigs List.
Join a Buy Nothing Group
Does your community have a buy nothing group on Facebook? Ask on that forum if anyone has Halloween costumes they are giving away. You may be surprised and get your kid a Halloween costume for free!
Swap Costumes With Another Family
Does your child insist on wearing different costumes to different parties? Swap costumes with friends so you only have to buy one costume.
Buy Your Halloween Costume For Next Year Right After Halloween
Stores are looking to get rid of any left over inventory right after Halloween has passed. Some Halloween stores are pop-up only and really need to get rid of all of their inventory. The selection is smaller, but you’re able to find some of the best discounts for new Halloween costumes right after the holiday has passed.
Buy Your Halloween Costume Early
The cheapest versions of a costume are likely to be sold out the quickest. If you’re really set on a costume idea, buy it early. Otherwise, it may sell out and only the more expensive options will be available.
Sell Your Halloween Costumes Quickly
Kids are invited to a ton of Halloween parties. If you have a party before Halloween and your kid has a different costume planned for Halloween list the first costume for sale quickly on a resale site. If it’s a popular Halloween costume that’s sold out, you may even be able to sell it for more than you bought it for.

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