Halloween Costume Ideas for Frugal Parents

It's that time of the year again! Time to start thinking about what in the world you're going to come up with this year for Halloween. I really enjoy Halloween and making costumes (as long as they are not gruesome). Here are some of the items that we've used to make fun, inexpensive costumes:

Using Items Your Kids Already Have:

Take a look through your child's closet- you may be surprised at the possibilities! I like to collect dress up clothes throughout the year for the kids to play in. These make a wonderful resource for busy fall days, when Halloween sneaks up on you. We have found costume pieces for very cheap or free from second-hand used clothing stores, garage sales, and thrift shops. I like to keep a collection of hats, shirts and the occassional superhero cape around. The kids come up with wilder outfits than I could ever dream up!

The following pages have lots of ideas I've collected over the years:

Ideas Using Black Clothing
Costumes from Sweatsuits
Costumes from Overalls
Kid Costumes from Adult Clothing
Costumes from Odds N' Ends Around the House
More Costume Ideas

Costume and safety tips:

-Please be sure your kids have reflective tape on their costumes, especially if their costumes are dark-colored.

-Don't put plastic bags on your kids as part of a costume, particularly on small children. I think this is just a bad idea- freak accidents do happen.

-Keep the face paint minimal on small children. They tend to rub it in their eyes anyhow. A painted nose seems to be ok, but putting anything near their eyes or on their hands is just asking for trouble.

-Always accompany your children while trick-or-treating, even if they assert they are old enough to go by themselves. You never know who is running around after dark on Halloween night, or what kind of trouble-making they could be up to.

-Always check your children's candy before letting them eat it. Many places also offer free candy screening at local hospitals. If in doubt, throw it out!

© Copyright 1999, Kim Tilley

About the Author

Kim Tilley, a tightwad at heart, is the mother of three active boys and the founding editor of Frugal-Moms.com. Frugal by force and later by choice, Kim cut her income by 60% to stay at home with her children and discovered that anyone can live better for less. Her work has appeared in print publications such as The Tightwad Gazette. In her free time, she entertains herself by chasing kids and finding ways to create something from nothing!

More Halloween Fun and Activities!

Halloween Coloring Pages | More Halloween Coloring Pages
Halloween Costume Coloring Pages | Halloween Monster Coloring Pages
Frankenstein Coloring Pages | Pumpkin Coloring Pages | Witch Coloring Pages
Ghost Coloring Pages | Mummy Coloring Pages | Werewolf Coloring Pages
Haunted House Coloring Pages | Trick or Treating Coloring Pages
Jack-o-lantern Coloring Pages | Vampire Bats and Dracula Coloring Pages



Halloween Craft Projects
Halloween Songs, Poems & Fingerplays | Halloween Games & Activities
Halloween Safety Tips | Animal Costumes for Infants & Toddlers
Frugal Halloween Costumes | Costume Odds and Ends | Cardboard Box Costumes
Costume Ideas for Frugal Parents | Kids' Costumes From Adult Clothing
Black Halloween Costumes | Homemade Halloween Costumes
More Frugal Halloween Costumes | Creative Costumes
Homemade Makeup, Bruises & Blood | Costumes For Couples | Classic Costumes
Halloween Room Party Ideas | Halloween Party Crafts & Activities
Goofy Spooks Halloween Cake | Halloween Party Snacks
Spook Food For The Fainthearted | Halloween Fun Foods & Recipes

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