There’s always this sense of excitement in the air when October rolls around. Costumes are proudly displayed in stores, candy adorns the grocery aisles, and kids seem to talk endlessly about what they are going to be. But in a mother’s mind, thoughts of too much candy and expensive costumes are on her mind. This year, why not take the thrill of Halloween into your own hands? Find a cheaper costumer (or gasp, make it!), sort through your child’s candy bag (or eat it!), and embrace those little voices that beg to share their latest fad with you.

Here are 11 ways to find a cheaper costume for this year’s Halloween:

  1. Try the toy aisle. If costumes are too expensive for you this year, check out the regular toy aisles for every day dress up outfits. Halloween costumes can be marked up just because, so go for one of your kiddo’s favorite heroines and reuse it at your next dress up party.
  2. Go thrifting. Consignment stores are a great place to find gently-used costumes for your children.
  3. Phone a friend. Call a friend and swap your child’s Hulk outfit for his Iron Man costume.
  4. Shop online. Amazon and eBay are both great websites to use when you are looking for some more affordable options.
  5. Make your own. Get inspiration from Pinterest and find items you have laying around the house to put together a unique costume. If you are missing any items, make a list of them so you will remember to grab them the next time you are out.
  6. Use social media. Create a post on Facebook and let friends and family know that you are looking for costumes. Borrow one or “rent” one for a few dollars and save yourself a trip to the store.
  7. Check out garage sales. Garage sales are some of the best places to find costumes. Especially newborn to 12 months age where they cannot really be worn again as dress up outfits. At that age, you wear them once and that’s it. Take advantage of one mom’s love for buying expensive tutus and turn it into one of your best saving money moments.
  8. Search for deals. The Salvation Army, children’s second-hand stores, and consignment events in your area will all be carrying costumes at a discounted price this time of year.
  9. Price match. This is a big one. Stores like Walmart will actually match any competitor’s lower price. Most stores will adjust the price of an item if it has gone on sale within 14 days of when it was purchased. And honestly, it never hurts to ask.
  10. Use Layaway. If your child absolutely has to have the most expensive or one-of-a-kind costume that cannot be found anywhere, ask the store if layaway is an option.
  11. Take advantage of after Halloween sales. The number one tip for getting the most ridiculously priced costumes? Snag ‘em up right after Halloween for the following year. Most costumes are marked down by 70-90 percent off their original prices after Halloween.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your kids will be just as happy this year walking out the door in their new-to-them, cheap-to-you costumes. Less time worrying about money means more time diving into the candy. ■