Halloween costumes are a well loved tradition, so please forgive me a moment and try not to call me the Halloween version of a Grinch. When brainstorming costume ideas for my son, after the inevitable “awwww” of cuteness my second thought is to cringe. I cringe at the time spent picking out, finding, and maybe even creating a costume. I cringe at the expense. All for a costume that my child is likely to wear for just one night of trick-or-treating.
Anyone else look at Halloween costumes as an adorable, yet expensive, item of clutter? Here are some minimalist costume ideas to spare your wallet, space, and the environment. They are quick, easy, affordable, and multi-functional.
Use Everyday Wardrobe Staples
Ditch the traditional prepackaged costume and piece one together yourself from everyday clothes. By pairing together everyday wardrobe staples, you will have a costume that is both re-wearable and comfortable (YESSSSSS!).
For his first Halloween, my son was a ghost. A newborn gown that doubled as a costume. For Murphy’s second Halloween, we made him a smurf (for our “Smurf Murph”). He will continue to fit into the hat this year and it makes an excellent fall cool weather beanie. Stay tuned to see how this year’s plan pans out 😉
Update: I think our little Lion turned out quite well!
Resources
- primary.com shares 100s of DIY costume ideas as well as the clothing staples to create them. They even have a free concierge service to help bring your idea to life!
- Consignment shops and sales have a wide selection. I purchased Murphy’s blue Smurf top from the Next Size Up Kids’ Consignment Event.
Pull from or Add to Dress-Up Play
Just because it’s called a “Halloween costume” doesn’t mean it has to be reserved for Halloween. Kids love to play dress-up all times of the year. Repurpose your dress-up clothes as a costume or vice versa.
Make it a Family Tradition
Do you already or are you planning to have multiple children? Pass the early years’ costumes down from child to child until they’re old enough to voice their own preferences. What a sweet tradition and how cute to put the pictures side-by-side through the years.
Shop Resale
Perhaps your child has their heart set on a particular costume or you just prefer a one-and-done solution. Before paying full retail and buying new, check consignment and resale sites first. Since costumes are usually only used for one season, you will likely find used ones that are still in excellent condition.
Resources
- https://poshmark.com/closet/dressupthehouse
- nextsizeupkids.com
- Facebook Marketplace
Pass it On
Once a costume has outlived its use, don’t forget to pass it on. We don’t won’t our costumes to sit around creating clutter and collecting dust. Here are some ideas for how to pass along those past costumes:
- Facebook Buy Nothing Group – teachers like costumes all year-round to add to classroom dress-up
- Consignment – if you have a designated tote or location where you store to-consign items, add it there asap and resell it at the next sale / your next visit. Some sales, like nextsizeupkids.com, will accept costumes year round as dress-up play.
- http://www.weendream.org/donate-costumes
- https://poshmark.com/closet/dressupthehouse
I hope this post has left you inspired and ready to make the most of your Halloween costume(s). What have been some of your favorite costumes? Share in the comments!
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