This year I was determined not to spend a lot of money on costumes.  We looked around the house to see what we had and how we could make due and here’s what we found.
Last night we went to the community fall festival.  There were games, vendors, inflatables, candy, horse rides, face painting, and all kinds of fun stuff.  It was all free! 

Last night Alligator Girl wanted to be a ballerina.  She already had the outfit.  Her cousin had recently outgrown it and passed it down.  Alligator Girl was excited to wear it out in public.

Cuddlebug was a baseball player.  We had the …read more

For the first time ever, I have three kids this Halloween.  If you’re like me, you don’t have $30-50 per kid to spend on a costume.  I’ve been searching around the internet and have found some do-it-yourself ideas.  Hopefully there will something that you like.

 
Black Knight Costume
Pocahontas
Parents has some cute costume ideas.  You probably have many of the items needed already at home.

Scuba Diver – uses 2 liter soda bottles, tubing, and goggles
Beauty Queen
Basketball Player
Artist
Mad Scientist
Rock Star
Magician
Doctor
Chef
Zoo Keeper
Construction Worker

Handmade Costumes – Most of these costume ideas are for smaller children.

Little Lamb – This one is my favorite. It’s so adorable!
Dalmation …read more

Now is the perfect time to take advantage of post Halloween clearance sales.  Today I was shopping at Family Dollar and their Halloween things were 75% off.  I got a 3 lb bag of Kiddie Mix for only $1.25.  I also picked up some extra candy for my daughter’s classroom.  The teachers like to have treats for their students and it’s nice to contribute for a small price.
If your kids are like mine, they like to dress up all year long.  Take advantage of the Halloween costumes that are on clearance right now.  Tonight, I saw a Batman costume on clearance …read more

 
Trick or treat!  Right now Diapers.com is offering up to 40% off their Halloween costumes.  In addition, there is free shipping on all costumes.
I don’t know about you, but I find it boring to walk around department stores and see the same costumes each year.  What’s worse is paying the money for a costume and then seeing three other children walking around with the same costume as your child.  Ordering online offers a different selection and individuality from others.  My favorite costume at Diapers.com is the adorable lion costume.  Which one is your favorite?
Don’t forget, Diapers.com is donating one of these …read more

BabyCenter is having a 30-50% sale on costumes.  In addition to the sale they are offering free standard shipping on orders of $25 or more.  Enter the coupon code SHOPPING during checkout.  Now is the time to shop and save before the selection gets slim.  You can get an adorable costume, such as this cute oatmeal bear costume, for only $13.50. 
BabyCenter also has a do-it-yourself section on their website.  Get crafty and download simple and free patterns to construct a skeleton, leopard, kitten, pirate, jailbird, carrot, or strawberry.  
Enjoy the savings!
image from BabyCenter

If you’re looking to save money on a costume, or even if you want to be unique, then you should try making your own costume.  Here are some tips to get you started: 
1.  Start with a foundation, such as a sweat suit, pajamas, leggings, tights, etc.
2.  If you can’t sew then use glue or some other adhesive.
3.  Look around the house for everyday things that can be transformed.
4.  Embellish your costume with glitter, glow-in-the-dark paint, fringe,  boas, etc.
5.  Use bathing caps and headbands to attach ears or antennas.
6.  Don’t wait until the last minute.
7.  Check your local dollar store for accessories.  Sometimes you …read more

A new survey released by Visa Inc. shows that 73% of Americans celebrate and spend money on Halloween.  The average family will spend $40 on candy and decorations.  Parents with children under 18 will spend $54 on candy and decorations.  Dads are said to spend more than moms.
I guess how much you spend depends upon where you live.  I’m sure that in the last 10 years, we haven’t had more than 10 children at our house trick-or-treating.  Maybe it’s because there are so many church and school festivals and other activities going on.  
I have a friend that lives in a neighborhood that has a …read more

Need a child’s costume for a Christmas play?  Need an elf costume or some angel wings?  If you do, then you should check out Oriental Trading.  Yesterday, I received the new Oriental Trading catalog in the mail.  Inside, I found children’s nativity costumes for only $5.95.  
I remember when I was a kid and I needed a costume for my church’s Christmas play.  My mom had to make one and I’m sure she paid more for the material than they now cost at Oriental Trading. 
Oriental Trading also has Christmas ornaments, decorations, children’s craft kits, stocking stuffers, and novelty items.  You are sure to find …read more

Do you or your child have a thrifty costume this year?  If so, please email me a picture and some details.  Please include how you acquired it (yard sale, consignment store, hammy down, etc.) and how much it cost.  I will be posting some of these pictures and deals later this week.  Check back later. 
Until then, here are my thrifty finds.

What a face!  This is my 15 month old son.  He is dressed as Pooh, who is dressed as a bee.  My aunt used to work at the Disney Store.  She got this cute costume for about $5-6 after Halloween a …read more

Are you still looking for a Halloween costume?  Then you should try Martha Stewart’s website. 
Martha Stewart has a free pattern on her site that can help you produce 7 different costumes, such as the cape used in this Elvis costume.  There are also directions to help you complete the Elvis costume, including a template for making a rhinestone eagle design on the back of the cape.
Do you hate to sew?  I don’t like to sew, so I was happy to see that Martha Stewart also has directions for 8 no sew costumes.  One of the no sew ideas is shown in this …read more