Let’s chat about Halloween costumes! Store-bought ones are so expensive and you are lucky if they last you through all the Halloween activities without breaking or falling apart! Needless to say, I am not a fan! So I decided that for as long as my kids will let me, I am going to make their costumes! It has been such a fun tradition so far! You may be thinking “Sydney, I don’t even know where to start”. Well, I will walk you through my creative process and give you all my tips! It may be too late to do it this year, but you have a whole year ahead of you to plan for next Halloween!

Step 1: Inspiration

Where to even begin with deciding on a costume? There are a bajillion ideas out there, you just have to narrow it down a bit! I start by thinking about all the things my kiddo loves (shows, animals, objects, activities, etc.). It’s Halloween, no idea is too ridiculous. Make a list and then turn to Pinterest, because chances are someone else has already made/worn/thought of that idea and wrote a blog about it! Why try and reinvent the wheel, ya know? But you can also treat this as an opportunity to learn a new skill! For example, I learned to crochet this year for one of the costumes I made!

Step 2: Gather Supplies

Ok, before you run to the craft store and buy all the tools and supplies, look around your house and see what you can make work. And then ask around your neighbors, family members, and friends to borrow things like hot glue guns or craft scissors. If you don’t craft all year long, there is no need to buy all the tools that you’ll need for an hour. After you have acquired all the tools you need, factor in the weather. If you live in a location that is known to be freezing during Halloween, plan on adding an underlayer to the costume so your little one doesn’t get frozen during trick or treating! It can be as simple as throwing on a black long-sleeve shirt before the costume.

This is Brinley’s Pebbles costume from last year and I literally used a pillowcase, felt, and ribbon. I used a simple pattern for the bloomers and a bone clip from amazon.

Step 3: Assemble

Now the fun starts! Put everything together and watch your kiddo light up when they see it! Here are some tips!

• Start early. I started brainstorming in August and actually made the costumes in September, just in case they were a bust!
• Don’t break the bank! Reuse, recycle, and borrow! One of the perks of making the costumes is to save money!
• Keep the weather in mind when planning!
• Hand-me-down costumes are still cool, especially for toddlers! So if you don’t think your younger kids will wear it in the coming years, donate it or pass it to a family friend!

Happy crafting friend! And congratulations on being a cool mom!

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