It's that time again. Halloween is just around the corner. What will the kids choose this year and how much will it cost? Don't let the cost of retail costumes take away from the fun and excitement. Think frugally this year. Shop garage sales, second hand shops, thrift stores and eBay for great deals on those popular costumes the other moms bought last year.
eBay
Anything and everything can now be sold on eBay. That includes Halloween costumes. Many of the most popular choices can be bought for as little as $.99 plus shipping. Make sure you shop early and buy at least two weeks before Halloween to allow plenty of time for the item to be shipped and delivered before Halloween. Always read the fine print and avoid buying from overseas merchants. International shipping can take 2-6 weeks.
Thrift Stores
With the cost of everything going up during these hard economic times, more consumers are choosing to shop the local charity and thrift stores in lieu of the local mega-mart or strip mall. Local charity organizations like Goodwill Industries and Salvation Army start putting out costumes during the first week of October. This is a great way to get a gently used, unique costume at a fraction of retail cost. Many have only been worn once and a few may still have original store tags attached.
Garage Sales
Any given Thursday, Friday or Saturday, one is bound to find a garage sale or two in nearby neighborhoods. Many families clean out closets and garages twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. These sales are great ways to find fun, cheap and unique Halloween costumes. The old saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure," may hold to be true, as each garage sale could contain an array of hidden prizes if one is willing to stop and sort through the offerings.
Shop After Halloween
Now this may seem pointless. Shop after Halloween? Why? Shop the day after Halloween this year for next year's costume and decorations. Most retail stores clearance out their Halloween costumes and decorations by 50 percent the day after Halloween and by the end of the week, some stores will mark down what is left by 75 percent or more just to get it out of the store.
When shopping clearance, consider buying costumes that can be worn for several years and for many different occasions. This is a great way for moms of little children to buy costumes for, "pretend play." Pick up that little fireman's hat, knight's sword and child's chef hat for pennies on the dollar.
Never Pay Full Price
With so many resources available now: eBay, thrift stores, etc., no one should ever pay full price for anything anymore. It takes a little effort and a little planning to think ahead and shop the alternatives, but that can be part of the fun. Start now. Make costume, "hunting," an annual tradition. Make a game of it with friends and family to see who can get the biggest bargain on some of the most popular and coolest costumes of the year!
More Resources: Thrift Stores Make Halloween Less Scary
Amy Wingfield - Amy, a freelance writer since 1999, has combined her passion for writing and for Christian music.There's always a story behind the ...
