Thrift-Shop to Save on Halloween Costumes

Stuck for a scary-good #Halloween #costume for your kids or yourself? You could buy a ready-made, no-fuss costume if you’re strapped for time, but that’s never as fun as creating your own, one-of-a-kind take on a monster, superhero or ghoul.

Nor is it cheap! Prepackaged costumes can easily cost $50, $100 or more — and you’ll need that money for candy and decorations. So instead of purchasing a costume, assemble one from the unique #clothing and finds at the #thrift or #secondhand store.

You can quickly create classic characters such as vampire, rock star, witch, ghost, scarecrow, burglar or hippie by shopping the local thrift for clothing and accessories, Unexpectedly Domestic says. If pop culture is your thing, the Golden Girls makes a great group costume.

This year’s most up-to-the-minute pop culture costumes borrow looks from Clueless, The Addams Family, Stranger Things, and Top Gun: Maverick, says Refinery29. But you can’t go wrong with longtime favorites such as Harry Potter, Where’s Waldo and Dora the Explorer.

For best results, brainstorm a few costumes before thrifting, says Open Door. Keep an open mind, however, because you might find something that sparks new ideas. Don’t just look for clothing, either — the thrift might have accessories and props that will make your look stand out.

Don’t forget that thrifts are a great source of foundational materials such as sheets that can be repurposed, as well as Halloween decorations. What you come up with is limited only by your creativity, so start #thrifting now. You’ll be able to shop sustainably and save money.

An added bonus? Thrift stores supplied by ClothingDonations.org help fund valuable veterans programs. When you #donate clothing, #household goods and other lightly used #stuff, it gets resold to fund housing, health care and other veteran needs.

Remember to contact ClothingDonations.org any time of year you wish to schedule a #free, #contactless #donation #pickup, too! Think of your donation as pay your Happy Halloween forward. Hope yours is spook-tacular!

Host an Outdoor Scary Movie Night

If you have decent weather, one good way to celebrate Halloween in a safe, socially distanced manner is to host an outdoor movie night. All you need is a digital projector, a screen, blankets and chairs, and some seasonal treats and beverages. If it’s a kids’ party, Milwaukee Mom suggests titles such as Hocus Pocus, Ghostbusters, Addams Family and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. If you’re hosting adults only, you can go gorier with classics such as Halloween and Friday the 13th or any number of spooky genre flicks. #SociallyDistanced #HalloweenTips

Try an Outdoor Trunk-or-Treat

The Trunk-or-Treat has become “a popular alternative to trick-or-treating” in many areas during the pandemic, says The Curious Frugal. Families put on their costumes, decorate the trunks of their cars and meet at an outdoor location to celebrate and exchange treats. Add a spooky soundtrack, and it’s almost as good as going door-to-door — only safer. “There is a middle ground between doing everything and not being safe or careful, and canceling #Halloween completely,” the story says. #SociallyDistanced #HalloweenTips

Mask Up for a Safe Halloween

Reasonable precautions to observe as you and the family celebrate #Halloween this year include wearing mask to reduce the chance of transmission, says The Conversation. Kids can wear them under their costumes, or incorporate them into the costume itself; adults should wear them when dispensing treats. Have children wash their hands or use sanitizer frequently, especially before eating candy. Celebrating outside reduces the risk of anyone transmitting the virus, and those exhibiting symptoms of illness should get tested and skip the celebrations altogether. #SociallyDistanced #HalloweenTips

How to Hand Out Treats at a Distance

Celebrating a second Halloween under COVID won’t be quite as scary since so many Americans have now been #vaccinated. But common sense will still rule the day: Try to maintain a socially distanced six feet between yourself and strangers when giving out treats, and celebrate outdoors if possible. Cutefetti suggests using a grabber or tongs to hand out candy (no homemade treats, please — only prepackaged ones), or make grab bags to toss to the neighborhood kids or set out for the taking. If you’re feeling handy, you can build a Halloween candy chute for dispensing treats. #HalloweenTips