How to Save Money on Kids Halloween Costumes

To save money on kids Halloween costumes, lots of parents do simple swaps, shop early, or reuse last year’s. Thrift stores and Poshmark are full of costumes in great condition for cheap.

Thankfully, even when shopping for new Halloween costumes, there are a few ways that you can still save money on Halloween costumes, and I’m sharing ways to save money this Halloween with you today, AND a few of my favorite online stores to buy Halloween costumes from. 

When shopping online, make sure you’re using either Rauketen or Ibotta so you can save a few coins and/or earn cash back on your purchases.

Let’s get started. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. 

Check Their Closet First

Beginning with the closet is a clever way to reduce Halloween costume expenses. Most discover that a glance through their existing wardrobe inspires the wildest outfit ideas. 

For instance, a striped shirt and dark pants can become a mime, while a white button-down shirt and black pants can be the beginnings of a traditional vampire or magician. Old denim jackets or jeans work for cowboys or cowgirls. Even a plain black dress can become a witch, cat, or bat outfit with a little bit of modification.

Upcycling everyday clothes saves you money and reduces waste. Before you buy something new or single-use, raid the closet. 

Having kids assist in the DIY process makes it a family fun event. Allowing them to select from their own closet or decide which old costume pieces to repurpose provides a feeling of ownership.

Check Online Marketplaces

Online marketplaces are a great method for scoring savings on kids’ Halloween costumes. A lot of families are bargain hunters or want to ‘recycle’ their costumes after a single season, and online marketplaces facilitate easy connections between buyers and sellers. 

Look at online marketplaces. Sites such as eBay are great because you can sort by size, theme, or price. You can often find them in excellent condition, sometimes hardly even worn. Some vendors even provide accessories, meaning you can snag a whole ensemble without purchasing each item individually.

Online marketplaces give you access to costumes that aren’t sold in local stores. Specialty or themed costumes, such as characters from lesser known tales or traditional clothing from other nations, tend to be simpler to track down online. That leaves families more flexibility to align with their child’s unique passion without breaking the bank.

The trick is to plan, have a stated spending limit, and avoid last-minute purchases that can be either expensive or come with additional fees.

Use a Cashback Tool

Cashback tools assist shoppers in recouping some of their coins. Lots of families are using these tools when purchasing kids’ Halloween costumes. 

Among the common ones are Rakuten and Ibotta. These programs provide you with a directory of stores that pay out cashback. 

Browser extensions simplify the use of cash back websites. They locate and apply coupon codes or auto-cashback offers when you shop online. The extension pops up during checkout if savings or cashback are available. It makes it easy not to miss deals and saves you time hunting for codes.

Some, such as Rakuten, will even alert you if the same costume is less expensive elsewhere. By utilizing these tools, families get to save on both full-price and discounted costumes. 

It’s a super-saver for Halloween, making the pumpkin-picking season more affordable even for families purchasing multiple costumes at once.

Select a Dual Purpose Costume

Choosing a dual-purpose costume is a smart way to be thrifty and reduce waste. Halloween costumes for kids only get worn maybe once or twice. By choosing costumes that have purposes beyond Halloween, families get more use out of each. A lot of kids opt for costumes that can serve as a dress-up outfit, a theme party outfit, or even an everyday outfit.

As an example, a fancy dress can double as a princess gown at Halloween and a party dress down the road. It saves money, sparks creativity, and gives the kids some control over their costumes. 

Avoid Purchasing Halloween-Themed Shoes

In addition to the costume, many costume options have extra accessories, including shoes that you can purchase separately. 

While the shoes may seem like a nice addition to the Halloween costume, it’s best to avoid purchasing them, as with the costume, they’ll probably only be worn once. 

Instead, I’d recommend purchasing some shoes that will work with the costume but can also be worn multiple times afterward, too. 

Best Online Stores to Purchase Kids’ Halloween Costumes

Now that we’ve covered how to save money on Halloween costumes, I figured I should recommend some of the best online stores to buy Halloween costumes, too. 

I have shopped from all of these stores throughout the years, and I find that they have the best selections. I’m able to get a good deal, AND either use one of my cashback tools or a coupon to save more. 

Spirit Halloween

Spirit Halloween has one of the largest collections of themed costumes and coordinating accessories for all ages. They frequently have in-store discounts and online promotions, so as Halloween approaches, moms and dads can snag costumes at a discount.

Walmart

Walmart is known for budget-friendly kids’ costumes, occasionally packaged with accessories for extra value. Free shipping on qualifying orders cuts costs even more.

Walmart’s selection spans classic, trendy, and custom options, providing something for everyone. The bundled costume packages, complete with hats or props, minimize the unnecessary add-ons!

Fun.com / HalloweenCostumes.com

At Fun.com and its sister site, HalloweenCostumes.com, you’ll find the largest selection of kids’ costumes in more styles, themes, and sizes than anywhere else online. Parents can filter the selection by size, price, or theme.

It is well worth the dig in the clearance sections on these sites, particularly as Halloween draws ever closer. If you sign up for their newsletters, you can get access to exclusive deals and promo codes.

Party City

Party City delivers themed costumes, party supplies, and accessories for prices that rival most major retailers. Buy one, get one offers and other great seasonal deals are available too.

Amazon

Amazon’s selection is tough to beat, with costume options from both international brands and individual vendors. Lightning-fast Amazon Prime shipping is a godsend to parents scrambling for costumes.

Customer reviews are a great resource, providing information on fit, comfort, and quality. By comparing prices across sellers, parents could save themselves from paying double for the same outfit.

With lots of costumes bundled with accessories, there is convenience and cost-cutting. Amazon’s return policy is easy as well, so there is less risk if the costume doesn’t fit or disappoints.

Closing Thoughts on How to Save Money on Kids Halloween Costumes

With the prices of everything going up, you may find yourself wondering how to save money on Halloween costumes. 

The tips I have shared today will help you do that AND the online stores I’ve shared will make sure everyone gets a Halloween costume that they will love. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on kids’ Halloween costumes?

Begin by scoping out your kids’ closet for items to reuse. Shop secondhand on marketplaces and cashback tools. Go with dual-purpose costumes and steer clear of those themed shoes.

Are online marketplaces safe for buying kids’ Halloween costumes?

Yes, the big online marketplaces are safe. Find trusted sellers with good reviews, return policies, and secure payments. As always, check item descriptions and sizes before you buy.

What is a dual-purpose Halloween costume?

Two-for-one costumes that can be worn outside of Halloween, such as animal PJs or sports uniforms. These save money because they double as normal clothing or for other events.

Why should I avoid buying Halloween-themed shoes?

Halloween shoes that are too expensive will never be worn again. Opt for normal shoes that complement the costume and you will save money and get more use out after the holiday.

How do cashback tools help when buying costumes online?

Cashback tools return a percentage of your purchase as a reward. This easy trick can reduce your overall cost when shopping online for costumes.

Can I resell my child’s Halloween costume after use?

Yes, lightly used costumes can be sold on online marketplaces. This not only helps recoup some of your expenses but also promotes eco-friendly shopping to other families.