Does Goodwill sell straight jackets?
Because I might lose it. I love Halloween (particularly the Snickers), but have to admit… every year I’m a little less and less enchanted. When we first had kids we had amazing family halloween costumes and because they could barely talk, it was more about celebrating my creativity than it was about their fantasy super hero experience.
Now they’ve got ideas.
As soon at October hits they start coming up with ideas and changing their mind every day. The mama struggle becomes, “Do we get something now and then they might change their mind or do we wait until the last minute and risk having no options left?”
Half the time, when they get the costumes on they’re itchy and the mask doesn’t fit, and it’s hot and it’s cold, and it’s not the right something. It goes on an on. Costumes are never all they’re cracked up to be. Not to mention the waste involved with all these polyester costumes.
I feel like I’m running full speed around town and Freddy is walking slowing behind me. It’s enough to make you scream. I mean, I’m starting to feel a little psycho. With me?
This year the day I’ve been dreading came. The kids figured out that you’re “supposed to” dress up as something different every year. Damn you, pesky consumerism. Damn you! Dipping into our costume box was all “Ugh, Mommy, that’s the worst!” (Are all kids saying that all the time now?)
Then we saw the sign:
How good could this be? Um…. really good. Who knew? Our Goodwill had tons of stuff. We left with a pirate costume and accessories to bring back the ninja we already had. I only had to buy 1 costume new: a Storm Trooper. I’m taking bets on if it actually gets worn though. Because “the mask” and “maybe I want to be an astronaut instead”. Seriously.
Next we deal with the candy…
Low Waste Costume Tips
Check second hand stores and kids’ consignment shops as early as late September. Search Etsy and eBay.
Swap costumes with a friend.
Ask for a costume or accessories on your local mom groups, Facebook groups and Buy Nothing groups for the costume or accessories you’re looking for before you buy.
There’s always DIY if you’re feeling crafty! Use what you have.
