How to save money on Halloween costumes

Did you know the Halloween industry is worth nearly $9 billion?  Between costumes, candy, and decorations, people spend hundreds each year on the spooky holiday.  But there are ways you can have your Halloween fun without letting your spending go out of control.  Here is a list of ways to save on Halloween costumes.

Shop Your Closet First

If you get creative with the clothes and accessories you already have on hand, you’ll see that there is a lot of costume potential.  Back in Halloween of 1995 (when plaid shirts and overalls were in) I shopped my closet and dressed as a farmer complete with a potato sack as my trick-or-treat bag. 

Host a Costume Exchange

Ask your friends to bring their costumes over and see if you can make some trades.  It’s a great way to get a new costume for free and to unload costumes you don’t plan to wear again.

Visit Thrift Stores

So many costumes are worn one time and then donated.  They’re practically new and still in great condition! So buy your costume at a thrift store or consignment shop instead of paying full price for a brand new one at the Halloween or Party store.

Sell Previous Costumes

When Halloween is over, make a note to yourself or put a reminder in your calendar on your phone for sometime in September or early October.  Then next year when that reminder pops up you’ll have plenty of time to take pictures of previous costumes and list them for sale on Letgo, Facebook Marketplace, or whatever other listing site or app you use.  I just made $15 selling my daughter’s old Supergirl costume from a few years back. That money will go toward this year’s costume.

Buy Costumes the day after Halloween

Costumes go on sale as soon as Halloween is over, so why not purchase a costume for next year at a discounted price?

You and your family can have a great Halloween while still keeping your expenses at a minimum.  What are some other ways you’ve saved money on Halloween?