No matter how tight you're pinching the pennies this year, you've still got to come up with Halloween costumes for the kids. Why not start the fall social season off right with a get together that's as much fun as it is frugal. Invite friends, family, and neighbors to a Halloween costume exchange and you'll be the most popular parent on the block.

When to Hold Your Costume Exchange

If most of the people you know have small children, or if you belong to a playgroup that meets at a regular time, a weekday might work. However, if you plan on having school aged children, you'll probably want to plan for a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. Fall schedules can be crazy with new sports and activities. It's not absolutely necessary that the kids attend, but it's more fun and in the end a smart move because kids can choose costumes they like and you know they fit.

Beware: The costume exchange won't work for all kids. Use your judgment and if you envision fight to the carpet over a Batman costume, maybe you need to hit the store instead.

Stocking the Costume Pile

At the minimum, you'll want to ask everyone to bring one costume for each child attending. Many people will have more costumes lying around the house. If you want to have even more costumes to choose from (and who wouldn't?) ask guests to pick up one or two from the local thrift shop or garage sale. Don't forget accessories. Old make-up, hats, and costume jewelry make wonderful embellishments to costumes. An old handkerchief can be a lot of things in a child's imagination.

Don't forget to let the grown ups in on the fun. Adult Halloween costumes can get expensive. Why not let the parents participate too?

Make It a Party

Exchanging Halloween costumes is fun, but your event will be more fun if you make it festive. Think of it as the kickoff to the fall social season! The kids will love early Halloween treats and the way the stores rush the seasons, you'll have no trouble finding decorations. While you're in the Halloween aisle don't forget to pick up supplies for your Boo Baskets and remember to make plans during the costume exchange to start the Boo in your neighborhood.

See Also:

How to Make Balloon Arches

Halloween Boo Poems and Signs

Kids Halloween Costumes: Quick and Cheap Homemade

Halloween Jokes For Kids

Kids Halloween Party Ideas