Halloween is just over two weeks away, and kids of all ages are looking for the perfect costume. In fact, discount stores pedaling costumes and accessories are popping up all over the country–but don't be tricked into spending your money! The 3rd Annual National Costume Swap is this weekend (October 13th), providing a great way to reuse and recycle while reconnecting with members of your community.
Last year, Americans spent an average of $70 each on costumes and other spooky paraphernalia. Most of these outfits and accessories are made from low-quality materials, and even if they last, who wants to be the same thing two years in a row?
Times are hard, budgets are tight. The last thing we need is to waste money on costumes that are likely to end up in the landfill. Making your own costume, or fashioning one out of thrift store finds is better than buying new, but free is always better than buying.
Sponsored by Green Halloween and Kiwi Magazine, the National Costume Swap helps communities get organized to hold local swap events. So far, there are costume swaps happening in 37 states, Washington D.C. and three Canadian provinces. These events follow the rules of a traditional clothing swap: bring your clean, gently used costumes and trade them for someone else's. Keep in mind that some swaps are only interested in children's costumes, while others are open to anything Halloween related.
Image via National Costume Swap Day Facebook page
If you're looking for alternatives to store-bought costumes or just don't have time to make your own this year, the Natoinal Costume Swap is a fun and practical solution! Search here to find a swap happening near you. Or, if you'd rather host your own swap, register it on the national website here. You can also interact with the National Costume Swap community by visiting their Facebook page or following @CostumeSwapDay on Twitter.
Previously on Shareable:
- The Adventures Of EagleMan: A DIY Halloween Story
