Wednesday, October 1, 2008 11:16 AM CDT
Making a Halloween costume at home can save money, add fun
By DAWN SCHABBING, Features Writer
dschabbing@jg-tc.com
As October creeps around the corner, some families might be planning traditional Halloween parties. And the most scary thing about the occasion might be the expense of buying a costume.
But costume parties don’t have to be expensive.
“I think it would be very important to try to use what you have at home, whenever you can,” said Patricia Hildebrand, a consumer and family economics educator with the Effingham University of Illinois extension center.
“And making things at home is fun. The kids can help make their costumes — and that’s much more fun than buying one,” she said.
Cindy Overton of Mattoon, Southsiders 4-H Club leader, said costume parties can be a great way for families to have fun together, and such an occasion is often used as an icebreaker for new 4-H members.
“We use costume parties as a family mixer, and a way to get to know the new members of our 4-H club, and their families,” said Overton. “Some go all out, and some really get into it.”
Overton said she’s made many costumes over the years, but now that her youngest child is 21, much of that fun is gone.
“The simpler you keep it, the more affordable it will be. I’ve made costumes such as ‘inmates,’ and more elaborate ones like a ‘mermaid.’”
Overton said the inmate uniform took shape after she purchased some black and white striped material and an inexpensive plastic ball and chain in the toy section. For the mermaid, she found some sequin material for the lower half of the sea creature.
According to the National Retail Federation, the average amount spent on a Halloween costume is 2007 was $64.82.
A way to cut back on this expense is to make your own or make purchases in the off-seasons.
Hildebrand said, “You don’t have to break the bank on a great Halloween costume. You can put together a cost-effective costume with everyday items from around the house.”
She suggested parents check resale shops for costumes or some ideas for costumes. Most households have items to create a costume that might look like a scarecrow, hobo, Miss America, a pirate, a gypsy, or even the popular Hannah Montana.
Some Internet sites offer several suggestions for inexpensive costumes that aren’t difficult to make. Suggestions at http://www.contestformoms.com/halloween-costumes-made-free.htm include a “wrapped gift” or a “computer monitor.”
Both of these can be made by using a cardboard box large enough to fit around the child, or adult.
Hildebrand said another easy costume is a gypsy. “You can put on layered skirts, some jewelry, a scarf around her head and carry an old purse,” she said.
Overton suggested a “hillbilly” costume that would feature cut-off jeans, rope for a belt, and a corn-cob pipe.
Other examples of “easy-to-make” costumes for couples or two people are salt and pepper shakers, where each wears all white or all gray — each with the respective letter “S” or “P” on the chest. Hairnets painted silver can top off the costumes.
“I get a lot of ideas out of coloring books or from cartoon characters. Or just walk down the candy aisle and make a costume look like a box of candy,” said Overton.
Overton said a cardboard box painted dark brown with white letters turned her son into a Hershey candy bar one year.
Both Hildebrand and Overton suggest including reflective tape for safety purposes, and they advise parents to avoid using masks when possible. For safety’s sake, keep costumes from dragging and becoming trip hazards, they noted.
Overton said even on a dragon costume she once made, there was a loop that allowed the child to pick up the tail and carry it easily.
Safety precautions should always be considered when created costumes at home, including these ideas by Hildebrand:
n Look for flame-resistant costumes, masks, or beards and wigs if purchasing in a store. The ears, nose and mouth of the child should not be covered.
n If making your own, choose materials that are also flame resistant.
n Make or purchase costumes that are light and brightly colored for motorists to see.
n Allow children to carry flashlights when trick-or-treating.
n Costumes should be cut so as not to be a trip hazard.
n Children should always wear well-fitting shoes.
n Sew a name tag into the costume with the child’s name, phone number and address.
n Adult supervision should always be a part of trick-or-treat night.
Contact Dawn Schabbing at dschabbing@jg-tc.com or at 238-6864.
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TigerRose wrote on Sep 29, 2008 11:06 AM:
The best part, when anyone asked "where did you get that"...I always smiled & said "Mom made it" "