Homemade Halloween Costumes

by Nicole Comeaux, owner of Grocery Getters LLC

Saving money is a pastime for many of us, but in these economic times some of us just don’t have the choices that we were graced with perhaps just one year ago. Halloween is just around the corner and who can afford $25-$30 (or more!) for ONE costume that ONE child will wear ONCE. There are so many ways to go homemade this year and have the most creative costume on the block. I know, many of you are thinking, “Okay, but what do I do?” Well, the answer comes in many forms. Take just a few moments to ask your child a few questions or just think of his or her interests. Or, even better, make it a creative lesson!
There are tons of websites out there to offer ideas if you don’t have a clue where to start. Just use your favorite search engine for “homemade Halloween costumes.” I did just that and was blessed with a plethora of ideas. Even if none of the ideas interest you it might spark another in you that will knock your children’s socks off. Here are a few of the sites I found truly inspiring:

www.robinsfyi.com/holidays/halloween/costumes.htm

http://familyfun.go.com/halloween/halloween-kids-costumes/

http://www.costume-works.com/homemade_halloween_costumes.html

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/costumeideas/tp/fastcostume.htm

These are but a few of the millions out there. The last site listed gives a list of wonderful ideas you could pull off with out purchasing anything and can be put together in a flash. I found a great idea for a young Chinese girl that will only require me to purchase some white face paint. We can research the idea online or at the library and enrich our lives with a little international culture lesson as well as celebrate Halloween.
There are great deals to be had if you look in the right places, too. Wal-Mart has these great kits for $5 that have all the accessories and face paints put together for you and you just have to provide the clothing to go with it. Walgreens has a few costumes left for $10 or left, and Dollar General has a few for $10 or less as well. Of course, I think the best deals are found at home, though.
Whatever you do, have fun doing it and enjoy every moment! I hope you and yours have a great Halloween! Happy Haunting!