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Scary-Good Halloween Costume Savings Tricks

Halloween costumes don't have to break the bank this fall. Check out these 7 tips for saving money on Halloween costumes to trick-or-treat in style.

Scary-Good Halloween Costume Savings Tricks

If your kids are ready to get their scare on, or maybe don something a bit more cheery, don't miss these scary good costume savings tricks! After all, things can get a bit too hair-raising if you don't watch your budget. Here are seven tips to keep the whole family frightfully festive, without breaking the bank.

Seven Scary-Good Halloween Costume Savings Tricks

1. Build your base layers

Thrifting is one of the best ways to build your kid's dream costume. Once you've got an idea in mind, you can find a treasure trove of basics to turn into something new. Many thrift shops, like Goodwill, even offer special Halloween stock in October. Just remember to have fun with it! 

2. Get the essentials cheap 

Do you have an aspiring Ninja Turtle, princess, or knight? As Halloween approaches, the Dollar Store has surprising finds to complement any costume! You can stock up on all kinds of treasure to add an extra splash of fun to any look.

3. Get crafty

If you've hit up the thrift store and your local bargain store, don't be afraid to shake things up. Fabric markers, spray paint, and some light sewing can go a long way in taking a costume from drab to fab! Spend some quality time with the kids by having them lend a hand—then they can proudly show off their personal touches to friends. 

In a pinch, you can make whole costumes from cardboard, too: SpongeBob, a transformer, or even a Rubik's cube. 

4. Host a costume swap

If you've got costumes from years past, chances are your friends and neighbors do too. Organizing a neighborhood or community costume swap can be a cost-effective way for everyone to have something new to them. The more families you can get involved, the more variety you'll have for everyone to choose from. 

Come up with some house rules—like one costume per person—to keep things organized. And while you're at it, why not make it more fun? Have snacks and drinks, or play a Halloween movie in the background so everyone can get in the spooky spirit! 

5. Trade masks for makeup

Save some cash and ditch the masks! Most looks can be accomplished with some clever makeup, anyway. Think about the possibilities—animals, classic movie monsters, zombies, and so much more! Costume makeup doesn't have to be pricey. And, depending on the look you're going for, your everyday makeup might just do the trick.

6. Shop your closet

Closet clean-outs aren't just for spring! Your own wardrobe, or your kids, may just be the ticket to that perfect Halloween costume. You may already have the perfect top or some special pants socked away. Don't knock it until you check out what you've got! 

7. Make some cash on last year's costume

Hey, why not break even? If you spent money on costumes last year, and a swap isn't in the picture, selling what you've got can help fund this year's look. Online marketplaces like Facebook, Craigslist, or resale apps make it easy to create listings. While you might not recoup the full price, you can certainly make a dent in this year's budget.

Ready to have the best Halloween yet? It's time to break the mold without breaking the bank!