Here are 5 ways to save on Halloween costumes. It is easier than you think to spend less on Halloween costumes.
1. DIY Halloween Costumes
One easy way to save on Halloween costumes is to consider making your own costume this year. DIY does not have to equal hours and hours of sewing. You can use basic clothing pieces you already have on hand and then just embellish. A leotard or bodysuit and a skirt can be the beginning of lots of Halloween costumes. The same is true of a sweatshirt and pants. Have any of these cute animal hats on hand? These work great for costumes too! My daughter wore a wolf hat and fur vest one year and my youngest was little red riding hood. It was adorable!
I started a DIY Halloween Costume Pinterest Board that can you use to help you find some easy DIY Halloween Costume directions. Be sure to follow me on Pinterest, I will be adding more ideas.
2. Shop for Halloween Costumes at Thrift stores, Consignment Stores or Garage Sales
These places are all excellent sources for bargain Halloween costumes. Most carry used costumes and even highlight them in a section of the store in October to make it easy for you to find them. You can also find the basics of many costumes in a thrift store. Duck Dynasty costumes are still very popular this year. All you need to do is find some camo clothing at the thrift store and buy a Duck Dynasty beard and you have a great costume. Dress, suits and more can be the beginning of all kinds of costumes inspired by Mad Men, Downton Abby and more!
3. Swap or Borrow Costumes from Family or Friends
This idea is the easiest way to get a Halloween costume for FREE! One great way for a group of friends to save is to host a Halloween costume swap. Have your friends all attend a get-together and bring the many used costumes and dress up items from prior Halloween festivities. Sort them by size and then have a good old fashioned swap. Everyone wins with new-to-them Halloween costumes at no cost.
If you don’t want to go to the trouble of hosting a swap, you can always just borrow a costume from family or friends. Most people will be happy to see their used costumes get more use.
4. Shop Online or In Store With Coupons
My number one piece of advice when shopping for anything is to always search for a coupon before you buy online or in store. Halloween costume shopping is no exception to this rule. Use the online coupon code database to search for coupons for many stores. 
Just search Halloween once you get to the database.
5. Buy Costumes For Next Year at After Halloween Sales
Another great way to save on Halloween costumes is to buy ahead for the next year at Halloween clearance sales. I happened to be at Target a few years ago when all Halloween costumes were marked down 90% off. I bought 4 costumes. These work great for dress up clothing as well. My youngest daughter wore one of the costumes I bought on sale and her costume cost me $1.20 and was brand new!
Looking for more fun Halloween ideas?
Check out these Halloween recipes.
Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treat Recipe
Monster pasta recipe – Fun Halloween dinner!
Halloween Apple Cider Punch Recipe
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Jennifer Saranow Schultz (aka Hint Mama) says
Please use this one:
These are great tips:) Some more ideas for quick costumes you can make from regular clothes (and pajamas) here: http://hintmama.com/2013/10/29/todays-hint-what-to-do-when-your-child-rejects-a-halloween-costume/