We’re letting you know that this post contains sponsored links which Your Savvy Purse receives compensation for, which may impact their order of appearance.
The crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and pumpkins on every porch — it can only mean one thing: Halloween is almost here. For kids, it’s a magical holiday filled with creativity, candy, and the thrill of dressing up as their favorite character or spooky creature. For parents, however, it can be a different kind of thrill — the realization that store-bought costumes can cost $40, $50, or even more, only to be worn once.
The good news? With a little planning, resourcefulness, and creativity, you can help your kids enjoy Halloween in style without scaring your budget. Here’s how to create memorable costumes that make both kids and your purse happy.
Start Early: Avoid the Last-Minute Rush
Waiting until the week before Halloween is a recipe for overspending. Retailers know this, and prices often stay high until the very last minute. Plus, the most popular costumes tend to sell out quickly, leaving you with fewer (and more expensive) options.
By starting in September — or even better, shopping right after Halloween for next year — you can:
- Take advantage of clearance racks when stores mark costumes down by 50–75%.
- Spread out your budget rather than scrambling for cash at the last minute.
- Give yourself time to piece together homemade or DIY outfits without feeling rushed.
Think of it as the Halloween equivalent of shopping for Christmas in July: it takes the stress out of the season.
Embrace the DIY Spirit
You don’t need to be a master crafter to pull together a great homemade costume. Many of the most creative (and memorable) outfits come from items you already have at home.
Easy DIY Ideas
- Black Cat: Black leggings and a black T-shirt, plus a headband with felt ears and a tail made from fabric or even a feather boa.
- Superhero: Solid-color clothing, a towel for a cape, and a homemade cardboard emblem.
- Scarecrow: Overalls, a flannel shirt, a straw hat, and face paint.
- Ghost: The timeless classic — an old sheet with eye holes cut out.
Even if you need to buy a few small items, DIY costumes are usually much cheaper than the pre-packaged versions — and often sturdier too.
Costume Swaps: Sharing is Saving
Kids rarely want to wear the same costume two years in a row, but that doesn’t mean last year’s outfit should go to waste. Organizing a costume swap with friends, neighbors, or even through your child’s school or church group can help everyone save.
How it works:
- Collect gently used costumes from families.
- Organize a day for parents and kids to “shop” the swap.
- Everyone leaves with something new-to-them at no cost.
Not only is this budget-friendly, but it’s also a sustainable choice that cuts down on waste.
Thrift Stores & Secondhand Treasures
October is prime time for thrift stores. Many stock extra costumes, accessories, and dress-up clothes during the season. Even if you don’t find a complete costume, you can often piece one together.
- Tutus, capes, hats, and masks are often available for just a few dollars.
- Clothing racks can hold hidden gems — a sparkly dress for a fairy, a suit jacket for a magician, or a plaid shirt for a farmer.
- Don’t overlook accessories like belts, scarves, and boots that can transform an outfit.
Tip: Go early in October before the best pieces are picked over.
Set a Costume Budget Together
Halloween is a great time to teach kids about budgeting in a fun, hands-on way. Before shopping, set a dollar limit and involve your kids in the process.
For example:
- “We have $20 for your costume. Do you want to buy one small accessory and make the rest at home?”
- “Would you rather pick something secondhand and have leftover money for extra candy?”
This approach not only keeps costs under control but also helps kids feel ownership over their costume choices.
Double-Duty Costumes
Another smart way to stretch your dollar is to choose costumes that can serve multiple purposes:
- Dress-Up Closet: Pick items your child can reuse for everyday play throughout the year. Princess dresses, superhero capes, and animal onesies are all fun beyond Halloween night.
- Themed Pajamas: Many retailers sell cozy Halloween pajamas that can double as costumes. Add a mask or accessory, and your child is ready for trick-or-treating.
- School Plays or Spirit Days: Costumes that can be repurposed for future school events are always a win.
Get Crafty with Face Paint & Accessories
Sometimes the magic is in the details. Instead of splurging on a full costume, focus on face paint, makeup, or small accessories.
- A skeleton look can be pulled off with black pants, a black shirt, and a bit of white face paint.
- A pirate becomes convincing with a bandana, eye patch, and eyeliner beard.
- A fairy comes alive with glitter makeup and a wand made from sticks and ribbon.
Face paint kits are inexpensive, last for multiple uses, and allow for endless creativity.
Family or Group Costumes
Planning group costumes can save money because you can share resources and simplify the process. Plus, it adds to the fun when siblings (or parents and kids) coordinate.
Examples:
- Wizard of Oz: Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion.
- Farm Theme: A farmer, animals, and a scarecrow.
- Classic Monsters: A vampire, mummy, witch, and werewolf.
Many of these ideas use items you already own or can easily borrow.
Avoid the “One Night Only” Trap
One of the biggest frustrations with Halloween costumes is that they’re often worn just once. To get more value:
- Let kids wear their costume to multiple events (school parties, community trunk-or-treats, family gatherings).
- Encourage imaginative play at home long after Halloween is over.
- Save costumes for younger siblings, cousins, or friends.
By giving costumes a second (or third!) life, you maximize your investment.
Wrapping It Up
Halloween doesn’t need to be a budget nightmare. With early planning, creativity, and a focus on fun rather than price tags, you can help your kids enjoy the holiday in style without overspending. From DIY and thrift finds to swaps and multi-purpose costumes, there are endless ways to keep the magic alive for less.
And remember — the best costumes aren’t always the most expensive ones. They’re the ones that make your kids feel confident, imaginative, and excited to join in the spooky fun. Whether they’re a superhero, a witch, or a homemade scarecrow, the memories you create together will last far longer than any store-bought outfit.
This year, let your purse rest easy — and let your kids’ creativity shine.
