My younger kids wear a lot of their siblings’ hand-me-downs but, at Halloween, they draw the line. They want their own special costume and so I take a deep breath and buy new Halloween costumes every year. Oh sure, their old costumes get passed on to friends or charity, but I’m still left starting over from scratch.
This year, I’ve found a way to get them “newish” costumes, find homes for their old ones, and feel a little greener without spending a lot of green–with a good old fashion costume swap.
Green Halloween has partnered with Kiwi Magazine to help promote National Costume Swap Day on Saturday, October 9. Communities all over the country will host costume swap events, often with no entry fee other than bringing one costume to add to the selection.
Having participated in a local costume swap a few years ago, I love that this idea now has a national platform. Just scroll through their listings to see if there is a swap near you; check the dates carefully since some communities will hold their swaps on days other than October 9.
Not every state is represented yet, but Green Halloween has great tips for how to throw your own costume swap which can be as big or small as you want.
Want to go virtual instead? CMP favorite, thredUP has even developed a way to participate in this swap online: Put together a box of outgrown clothes to swap and include a Halloween costume in that box. Label it as a “Halloween Box” and then offer it to their members. Then, search their database for a costume for your child.
No, you may not find the exact costume you want–important for older kids to understand–and in some cases, you may not find a costume at all. But when I participated in a costume swap, I was able to turn my daughter’s adorable frog costume into a prince, so to speak. –Christina
All the details about National Costume Swap Day, including locations and how to throw your own swap, is located at Green Halloween. Also, check out thredUP’s Halloween costume swap page for details on how to participate virtually.
[photo: holli dunn]
Not just smart- brilliant!
This is a neat idea. The benefits of a costume swap go beyond saving money. Costumes stay out of the landfills, parents beat down some clutter and kids enjoy a fun community event.