Save Money on Halloween Costumes

Halloween costumes can be expensive. If you have more than one child, costs add up quickly. After all, kids usually wear costumes for just one day. Then, the outfits often sit unused in the closet.

Because of this, many parents shop smart. Some buy costumes on clearance for the next year. Others pass costumes down to siblings or swap with friends and family. In addition, old costumes can be reused for dress-up play.

However, there’s another great option. You can make easy homemade costumes. These cost much less than store-bought ones. Plus, you may already have many supplies at home.

Why Sweat Suits Work So Well

Sweatpants and hoodies are perfect for costumes. They are comfortable, warm, and easy to decorate. Most importantly, they provide a solid base for many creative ideas.

Instead of using a basic white-sheet ghost costume, you can create something unique. One reader, Cheryl from North Carolina, shares her idea:

“Make a bunny costume with pink sweats and store-bought ears. Paint whiskers and add a cotton tail. For a sheep costume, use black or white sweats and attach cotton balls.”

Easy Homemade Costume Ideas

Below are several fun costume ideas made with sweatpants and hoodies.

Kermit the Frog Costume

Start with a green sweat suit with a hoodie. First, use white felt to make eyes and stuff them lightly. Then, draw pupils with a marker. Attach the eyes to the hood using Velcro.

Next, cut small triangles from light-green felt. Attach them around the neckline to match Kermit’s collar. As a result, you get a recognizable costume with very little effort.

Cupcake Costume

Use a pink sweat suit as the base. Then, turn a laundry hamper upside down to create the cupcake liner. Cut a hole at the bottom so it can be worn.

After that, cover the hamper with foil. Add ribbon as suspenders. Spray-paint batting pink for frosting and glue it on top. Finally, decorate with felt sprinkles and add a cherry to the hood.

Butterfly or Fairy Costume

Begin with a black sweat suit. For the headpiece, attach pipe cleaners and pompoms to a headband or hat. Then, add store-bought wings.

Alternatively, you can create a fairy costume by using fairy wings instead. In both cases, the outfit is quick and reusable.

Grape Costume

Choose a purple sweat suit with a hood. Attach purple balloons using safety pins. Next, cut grape leaves from green felt and glue them near the hood.

You can also add pipe cleaners to look like vines. This costume is simple, colorful, and fun.

Autumn Leaves Costume

Use a red, orange, or brown sweat suit. Glue or pin artificial fall leaves all over the outfit. To finish the look, the child can carry a small toy rake.

This costume works especially well for younger children and fall events.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Halloween costumes save money and encourage creativity. More importantly, they don’t require advanced sewing skills. With sweatpants and hoodies, you can create fun costumes without spending much.

As a result, Halloween becomes less stressful and more enjoyable—for both kids and parents

Source: Frugal Village