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Why I Don't Buy My Kids Halloween Costumes

I don't buy my kids Halloween costumes. I might buy them a particular piece they need, or take them to the thrift store to search for usable items, but I don't buy fully put together costumes. My kids mostly make and piece together their costumes from things we already have around the house.

 Below are a few of the reasons we don't do store bought costumes:

It Encourages Creativity

Making your own costume from scratch, or piecing one together, encourages creativity and can help develop problem solving skills. You have to come up with your own idea and your own design. You may have to think outside the box and use items in a way you might not immediately think of.

It's a Good Opportunity to Learn New Lifeskills

Making costumes gives kids opportunities to develop and learn new skills like sewing, beading, using a hot glue gun, scissor skills, measuring, paper mache, etc...

Allows For Mind Changes

I don't know about your kids, but mine tend to change their mind about 100 times before they make a final decision on a Halloween costume. So far, my 7-year-old has wanted to be Moaning Meryl from Harry Potter, a witch, a bride, Honey Lemon from Big Hero 6, and a genie this year.

Making your own costumes eliminates this headache. My kids can change their mind as many times as they want up until Halloween day and it doesn't matter. Last year my daughter changed her mind from bride to witch on Halloween afternoon, and I didn't mind at all because neither costume cost me a dime, which brings me to my next point:

 Store Bought Costumes Are Pricey!

 I can't believe how expensive most store bought costumes are these days! Especially considering how low quality they tend to be. We bought my daughter a Princess Sophia costume on clearance a few days after Halloween a couple years ago. It tore the first time she wore it. I was so glad we only paid a few dollars for it instead of the full original price.

 Making costumes from things around the house is much more affordable. Most years I end up spending just a few dollars per kid, usually on costume jewelry from the thrift store, or headbands for making animal ears on.

It's Fun!

My kids enjoy getting to make their own costumes. It's a project they look forward to and plan for all year long, and I love getting to watch and help them create!


Here's a peek at a few of the costumes my kids have made or pieced together over the years:

Mushroom costume made from scratch and repurposed items

Cat costume- we bought the ears and already owned the leotard, but my daughter and I made the skirt.

Autumn fairy wings made from pressed leaves, contact paper, and the frame from an old Dollar Tree pair of wings.

Accessories my daughter made for last year's witch costume.


 How does your family handle Halloween costumes?
If you enjoyed this post, check out:

 -Why We Don't Do Bedtimes

 -5 Reasons To Let Your Kids Go Barefoot 
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  1. JoyOctober 8, 2018 at 12:25 PM

    My kids are older now, so they don't dress up as much as they used to. In the past, we did make a lot of their costumes, but there were some that we bought. If we do buy anything, it will be accessories for the costume or supplies to make what she wants. My youngest is now 12 and the only one who will go trick or treating this year. She is already thinking about what she wants to be, so they can make the costume.

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