The Toledo Area is showing signs of fall and with that comes a host of harvest time activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. But putting thought into what you and your family will wear takes time and patience, in which you must consider what is popular, what you can afford and how unique you want to be. The best costumes are always the ones that are the most creative, so perhaps tweaking, sewing and throwing together what you already have will suit you best. Here are some costume ideas that will help you and your family get an early start this Halloween season.
The most popular costumes this year according to ezines.com, are Harry Potter, and Toy Story Buzz Lightyear and Woody. Long gowns and magic wands seem to be most popular with the girls and the boys, even though the girls are tending to go with the more traditional costumes such as a witch or Alice in Wonderland.
If you plan on taking your dog to some events that offer pet costume contests, squido.com has a list of the most popular. Hot dog costumes with ketchup and mustard for weiner dogs, snuggie, headless horseman and cowboy costumes. Dinosaurs and lobsters are on the list, but you might also consider superdog and a pirate costume which are equally adorable. Matching child and dog costumes are always a favorite among the judges. For example a small dog with long white hair would look cute with a broom handle attached to it (resembling a mop) and a girl could be dressed as the maid.
Different online retailers right now are offering costume discounts. One site in particular, buycostumes.com, is offering up to a 95% discount on their selected clearance merchandise. They offer a large variety of child and pet costumes and accessories. You never know what you might find and It may take some time, but a bargain is worth a look.
If you are looking for more affordable costumes try checking out thrift stores such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill. Shop early as much as six to eight weeks before Halloween, basically as soon as the costumes begin to come out. This is when you get the best variety. If you wait until two weeks before Halloween, the costumes will likely be picked over. But if you just happen to be a last minute shopper, be creative and mix and match, come up with something new. For example, a werewolf mask, a top hat and an old suit will make an interesting, creative new costume. Try new things and see what works.
Another idea is to check what’s on ebay. Once again, when you are looking for a costume on ebay shop early because of the bidding and shipping time. Once you win the item, it can take up to two weeks to receive it, especially if it is standard shipping, and a lot depends on where you live. Also if something is wrong with the costume, you may have to return it, so its a good idea to think ahead.
The best and most affordable idea yet is to take some clothes and throw them together. The idea is meant to be fun for you and your child but it can also be the most frustrating, having to come up with everything you need for one particular outfit. So instead of asking your kids what they want to be, have them come up with at least five different costume options. Then if you can’t find what they want for one thing, you can help them find items for something else. This opens up their minds to creativity and they are likely to change their minds several times before its all said and done, seeing what they have and what they can do with it. Accessories can be bought and added for little cost and if you or your child were creative enough, you could make them yourself saving even more money. In the end, your child will appreciate the time you spent with them on this project and in being able to create something that is uniquely their own.
So no matter what you decide to do in the Toledo area this fall, or wherever you happen to be, just remember its all about family, good times and of course the candy. Have fun and enjoy!
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