This post is part of the 100 Days ’til Christmas Challenge — one small step each day to make the holiday season less stressful and a lot more fun.
Halloween may not be Christmas, but it sure has a way of sneaking up on us while we’re in the middle of fall schedules, football games, and holiday prep. Halloween costumes are one of those things that feel small…until you’re standing in the store on October 30th with nothing left but a half-ripped clown outfit and neon tights in the wrong size.
This is why today’s task is all about considering halloween costumes now—before they sell out, before the prices jump, and before the busy fall season sweeps you away.
Think Through Your Family’s Halloween Costume Needs
Costumes aren’t just for kids trick-or-treating. They show up everywhere:
- Kids’ halloween costumes for school parades, classroom parties, or the big night itself.
- Adult halloween costumes for neighborhood parties, work events, or themed dinners.
- Even pet halloween costumes (and those adorable ones sell out faster than you’d think).
If your family likes to coordinate with a group or theme, that takes even more planning. Those pieces don’t always come together at the last minute.
Revisit What You Already Own
Before shopping, do a quick inventory of what’s tucked away in bins or closets:
- Old halloween costumes that can be reused, swapped, or updated.
- Accessories like capes, wands, wigs, hats, or face paint that make simple outfits feel complete.
- A “dress-up box” approach works great if you’ve got multiple kids—it stretches your dollars and sparks creativity.
Get Inspiration: DIY vs. Store-Bought
This is where your personality and bandwidth come in. Some families love the creativity of DIY halloween costumes, sewing outfits, or cobbling together thrifted treasures. Others lean heavily on store-bought costumes.
One of my favorite tools for inspiration is Pinterest. A few years ago, we went to Disney in October and I scoured Pinterest for ideas. I ended up finding adorable matching witch costumes for my daughter and me. We made them with tulle, striped tights, and tank tops—super easy, super affordable, and so cute. Sometimes, the best halloween costumes are the ones that come together with a little creativity and a simple plan.
The good news? You don’t have to pick one lane or the other. Buy a simple base costume and DIY the accessories, or purchase one elaborate piece and fill in the rest from what you have at home.
Budget Considerations
Halloween costumes don’t have to break the bank—but they will if you don’t have a plan. A few things to remember:
- Set a budget before shopping.
- Don’t forget accessories, props, or makeup—they add up fast.
- Spread purchases out so the expense doesn’t hit all at once in October.
Costume Ideas for Everyone –
Easy & Fun Halloween Costume Ideas that You Can Find on Amazon Right Now
Need inspiration? I put together a roundup of fun, affordable Halloween costumes on Amazon for kids, adults, and even pets. They’re quick-shipping, stress-free options so you can check this off your list and move on to enjoying the season.
Today’s To-Do List
- Talk with your family about halloween costume ideas.
- Check bins and closets for reusable pieces.
- Decide whether you’ll DIY, buy, or mix the two.
- Set a budget for costumes and accessories.
- Write down early ideas so you’re ready to act before things sell out.
