It’s the end of August and many of us have noticed that the Halloween costumes are already out at stores. I asked readers on BC’s Facebook Fan page when they’d like to start seeing Halloween costume deals and I was surprised to hear many people say, “Now!”. Well, you got it. Here’s an early shopper’s guide to Halloween costume savings. Enjoy!
- Planning on making your own costumes this year? Then you’ll definitely want to start early. Check out my Pinterest board for a gaggle of fiendishly adorable DIY costumes. Click on the pic to get a tutorial.
- If you like the idea of a handmade costume but don’t think you can do it yourself, check Etsy.com for handmade costumes for less. Etsy also offers lots of accessories to spice up costumes that you may be making or buying. Search for “Halloween Costumes” to find thousands of offerings. Order early.
- Start watching your local Freecycle.org board now for costume freebies.
- Try ebay.com for good deals on second-hand costumes.
- Planning on buying your kids’ costumes? BC’s post, The Halloween Costume Shopping Secret Retailers Don’t Want You to Know is a must-read.
- Start shopping consignment stores and thrift stores now for the best selection. Checking in at your local Craigslist board’s not a bad idea either. Used costumes are a great savings. After all, most kids only wear them once or twice.
- Want a new costume? Do your research now, but wait until you can save at least 30% to buy. If you must browse costumes in the dog days of summer, start by making a list of possibilities and scout out a few retailers that carry your top picks. Write down the prices, and make your target price about 70% of full price (or less). Then keep an eye out for sales
- If you like shopping flash sale sites like Zulily and TheMiniSocial, keep an eye out there for costumes there. I’ve already started seeing them. Be sure to take shipping charges and shipping dates into consideration.
- When should you buy? I’d wait until mid September or later unless you find a fabulous deal. Disney had free shipping on their costumes in mid September. Costumes at the Children’s Place were 40% off in store during the third week of September last year. Retailers will also offer shipping deals and extra savings via coupon codes to help move their wares.
- Procrastination means better prices, but less selection. Wait until mid-October to buy a costume and you’ll find prices of around 40% off.
Readers, Share your advice below! Do you make your own costumes? If so, what are some easy ones to make? Do you buy your child’s costume? How much do you pay? Where do you find the best deals?
Party City has many costumes from last year on clearance for 75%. I saw some cute Star Wars and vampire costumes for toddlers, among others. I bought my son a dalmatian costume for $5 last year when they were on clearance. And when he refused to wear the dalmatian costume (of course!), I found a brand-new, never worn Buzz Lightyear costume for $5 at Goodwill. Target and Walmart sell their overstock to Goodwill all the time. There were lots of styles in unopened packages and I would’ve never thought to look there.