Moms Talk: Halloween Havoc

Each week our Moms Council discusses a different parenting issue. Join the conversation by weighing in on a topic or ask our panel of experts your question.

We put this week's question to our Potomac Patch  for their ideas and advice. The suggestions don’t end here‚ add your own tips and advice in the comments section below.

This week's question:

As kids and parents start thinking of this year's Halloween costumes, what are some ideas that you have for parents looking for something new, creative or budget friendly? 

 I’ve narrowed down what my three kids are going to be. That took some time, especially with a fickle 3-year-old. The little one is wearing a hand me down costume. In our house, when you can’t talk yet, you don’t get to pick your costume. Instead, you are a de facto blue monster (same thing your older brother was two years ago… and next year you are likely to be a gorilla). 

As for the other two kids, due to time constraints, I knew that I would not have time to make costumes.  But I ended up saving a little money by going with costumes that are partially purchased and partially comprised of props we have at home. Another good way to save money on costumes is to borrow costumes from a friend who’s got older kids and a good assortment of costumes from prior Halloweens. We’ve loaned out some costumes in the past. I’m always impressed by the make-your-own costumes in Family Fun and other magazines, which are so creative, but the reality is that I just don’t have time. I think of my mom who made all my costumes (hand made from the Joanne Fabrics costume patterns, including Snoopy one year and Garfield the next… i.e., Snoopy dyed orange) and I’m in awe.     

As for considerations regarding costumes, I steer them clear of anything in which they might freeze or fall down. And, I’m very happy my daughter decided to be the Statute of Liberty rather than Super Girl. Nothing against Super Girl but the Statute of Liberty costume has inspired a few conversations about the statue itself. My 3-year-old is going to be a dentist, yes, a dentist.  He used to hate trips to the dentist but his recent visit was tear-free. Ever since, he’s been playing dentist on any and all willing siblings and/or stuffed animals. He’s insisting on being a dentist for Halloween. So, with a blue monster, a dentist and Ms. Liberty, I think we have a very wholesome clan. 

 We are really fortunate and have older cousins who have handed down some costumes so that's where we head first! I have them all saved in an orange bin in our attic and the boys love to pull them out and try them on.  

This year one child had his heart set on being (of all things!) a shark for Halloween. Luckily, I found a shark costume at Pottery Barn Kids! The other is wearing a hand-me-down monster suit that was also purchased from Pottery Barn Kids many years ago.

I always thought that I would make my children's costumes, and maybe one year I will, but right now I have to admit that I am happy to pay for them and move on. My hat is off to all those creative (and very busy) moms who are able to come up with awesome homemade costumes! Maybe someday that will be me.