Thursday's Tip

Halloween is just around the corner, and while it can bring loads of fun and candy for the kiddos, it can also bring hassle and headache to those responsible for outfitting those kiddos with costumes. While I am thrilled with the advent of readily available awesome costumes (does anyone else remember wearing those hideous thin plastic costumes and masks that were held on with a thin string of elastic?), they come at a cost. In fact, you might need to take out a small loan to purchase a "deluxe" costume.

There are, however, a few tips--let's call them "Thursday's Tips"--that will help let your little princesses or villains look the part without breaking the bank.

• Buy off-season. OK, so this isn't that helpful for this Halloween. But my girls actually start thinking about next year's costumes before we even dig into the candy from the current round of trick-or-treating. Shopping after-Halloween clearance sales is a great way to get a costume for next year, or to just snag one or two cheap ones for dress-up play.


• Buy second hand. My girls have nearly every Disney Princess costume in one size or another. And while we have some older costumes that I let them play in, I restrict their "Disney Parks Authentic" costumes to wear on special occasions (Halloween, a Park visit, Disney on Ice, etc.) only. They are practically new when they've outgrown them. I have given some to friends or family, but others go to a consignment store, where you can usually find a variety in great condition. (Stores won't buy them if they're not.) What might cost upwards of $80 at the Disney Store could be yours for as little as $15 or $20.


• Borrow it. Did your older nephew have an awesome Darth Vadar costume last year? Chances are, he's outgrown it--maybe he'd be willing to let you borrow it? We've loaned our beloved Disney costumes to friends, and they've always been returned in great condition. But be prepared to purchase a replacement if your child does any damage. It's always nice to return the borrowed costume with a small gift of appreciation too.


• Wear last year's model. You may have noticed that, although most of the Disney Princesses have been around for several years, Disney recreates their costumes with subtle changes every year. Sure, the new one is beautiful...but so was last year's (sometimes more beautiful). And you just might be able to find it at a discount. Better still, choose a character whose show is no longer currently playing on Disney Channel, and you might be able to score a real bargain. My youngest daughter will be Kim Possible this Halloween. The show isn't currently airing, but our girls have become fans through the Kim Possible Missions at Epcot and watching the series on DVD. I found a KP costume on clearance for $9.99 online. My daughter was thrilled with the costume and I was thrilled with the deal I got! High School Musical costumes are also readily available at discount prices.


• Make it. This only applies if you have skills. I don't sew...at all. But I have made various costumes for this school play or that church event, without ever threading a needle. It's amazing what one can do with fabric glue...seriously. The best part about homemade costumes is that they are one-of-a-kind. Think outside the box. You might have materials already in your possession that would make an awesomely unique costume!

What are your kids going to be this Halloween?