6 Tips to Find or Make Inexpensive Halloween Costumes for Kids

Halloween costumes can be so expensive! And the cost of it starts to really add up if you have more than one child. Here are some ideas to help you find and make inexpensive Halloween costumes for your kids this year.

1. Look Around the House
Look around the house, through your closet, your children’s closets, and the costume box to see if there are clothes that can be turned into Halloween costumes. A football uniform could become a child’s favorite athlete. A cowboy hat, flannel shirt, jeans, and boots could become a cowboy costume.

One year my daughter wanted to be a princess. We happen to already have a princess costume that she received for a Christmas present, so we were able to use it for her Halloween costume.

2. Consignment & Thrift Stores
Thrift stores and consignment shops sell second-hand clothing for kids, which includes Halloween costumes. Since children only wear Halloween costumes a few times before they outgrow them, you should be able to find costumes still in great condition. Be sure to watch for costumes early because they will likely be sold quickly.

After Halloween is a good time to watch for Halloween costumes at consignment and thrift stores because that is when people are getting rid of costumes the kids have outgrown. If you find a Halloween costume, pick it up for next year for a great deal.

3. Costume Swap
Get a group of friends together to have a costume swap. This will definitely save some money, plus the kids will think it’s fun to try on a new-to-them costume for Halloween.

4. Ask Family and Friends
Talk to your family and friends to see if they have any costumes around their house your kids could borrow this Halloween. Some family and friends might just give the costume to you for free if their kids have outgrown it or it’s taking up space in their house.

There have been a few times that we’ve had friends and family give us their costumes that their kids have outgrown. It was nice to already know what the kids were going to be for Halloween, and it was nice to save some money.

5. Watch for Sales
Many stores such as Kmart, Shopko, and Target are having sales on Halloween costumes right now. Keep an eye online to see which stores are holding sales. This will help you save money so you aren’t paying full price for a costume.

6. Make Your Own
Rather than purchasing a costume, save some money by making a homemade Halloween costume yourself. Here are ideas of inexpensive costumes that you can make. And some of them you don’t have to sew!