I often look back at my childhood around Halloween and think of the costumes of years gone by. Halloween is a strange time of year because it can be second-summer or early winter. In my anecdotal memory, it has been raining the past few years that I’ve taken my children around the neighbourhod to collect candy. The weather is always a mystery, which often impacts outfit choices.
I think back to age 8, remembering distinctly having my gown ready for Trick-or-Treating only to have my plans foiled by insta-snow. I then had to pivot, wearing my snowsuit underneath my Dad’s hockey jersey. I was so disappointed. It was NOT the look I was going for. I worked hard to create the Bride vibe I was going for, wearing my Mom’s Going-Away-Dress from 1987. But I still had my pillowcase full of junk by the end of the night, so that is a childhood win.
As a collective, I feel like we have gotten away from the DIY Halloween ensemble. Last year, my daughter begged me to buy her a new Cheerleading costume from Amazon. I suggested we go thrift one, instead. Leaving it to the last minute, I had to go the fast-fashion route and my internal struggle was real. I was also offended at the price. I’m embarrassed I did that, but these are the insane things we do as parents.
So, this October, let’s avoid the price point and consumerism of Halloweening. Let’s go back to our childhood roots and thrift or make our costumes. It’s more environmentally friendly for starters. It’s also often much cheaper. This is also great when your child asks for some obscure character and you have zero clue where to find such a thing. So make it, instead! If you’re NOT crafty (like me), it’s an opportunity to have a creative outlet and a project, with an end-goal in mind. My aunt always made my cousins their costumes. They were NEXT LEVEL. A lawn gnome, a rain cloud, a ferris wheel, hot chocolate and a gingerbread man…if she could dream it, she could make it. Some of my own non-crafty accomplishments include The Beast (because seriously, how could I even find any Beauty and the Beast things from 1991?), the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Tree (with sewing support from my sister) and a Willy Wonka Theme for the Family. I was pretty proud of these ones! My lesser effort endeavors include Damian from Mean Girls (She doesn’t even go here!) and Toddler Cruella de Vil.
Not sure where to start on your Thrifty Halloweening quest? First, hone in on your or your child’s vision. If your child has a specific character in mind, don’t buy a brand new costume off the bat. Costumes can retail for $50-$100. For one night! That’s too much, in my opinion. Let’s knock that down to $10 and under! Check out the secondhand stores in our region for some options first:
- 2nd Chance Thrift Store
- Pennywise Thrift Store
- The Salvation Army Thrift Store
- The Orillia Thrift Store
- Habitat for Humanity ReSource Thrift Store
- Value Village
If your child has a very specific dream in mind, you may have to go full tilt craft mode, purchasing pre-loved fabrics to upcycle this vision. As a non-sewer, I’ve learned I can basically hot-glue anything. That sequin dress can also double as a disco ball. A faux-fur coat can turn anyone into a woodland animal. That white bed sheet can be an easy ghost..come on, now!
Another great option is borrowing from friends! My sister has a costume closet where everyone’s costumes go to live for the year and are busted out for school plays and Halloween. It’s so fun to see costumes get a second life on your niece or nephew once your children outgrow them.
So (or sew)… have a wonderful Halloween season this October! This Villager is starting the thrifting early because the early thrifter finds the find! Our favourite place is the Orillia Thrift Store. You’ll probably find us there! If you create a crafted masterpiece, we would love to see! Send us an email with a photo of your costume for a chance to be featured in our November issue!
