This post brought to you by MrCostumes. All thoughts and opinions are my own, as always.
Can we talk about kids’ Halloween costumes for a minute? By this point, you’ve either got yours all ready to go, or you are scrambling to put something together. And some of you are burning the midnight oil to make the perfect creation.
Sound Off
So I want to hear from you: have you ever made a cute kid’s costume? And if not, is that something you would be willing to consider doing in the future? I don’t want this to turn into any sort of judgement over whether or not OTHER people should or shouldn’t make their kids’ costumes. Lord knows we all deal with enough judgement or perceived judgement from others every day of the year (sort of goes with the title of “parent”, unfortunately).
So I’m happy to share my own thoughts with you since I’m asking for yours. I have ZERO sewing skills, and on a scale of 1-10 for how interested I am in learning how to sew, I’d give it a 3. Which means IF I ever learn to sew, it probably won’t happen until my kids are too old for Halloween costumes!
Now, when you combine the fact that I don’t have BASIC sewing skills with the reality that to make a rockin’ Halloween costume, you likely need ADVANCED sewing skills, well, then the odds of me ever making a Halloween costume for my children went from highly unlikely all the way down to “better odds of winning the lottery than of sewing up something fabulous.” Which reminds me…I should play the lottery!
For me, it just doesn’t make sense to sew a costume for my kids because the learning curb is so steep. It does, however, mean that the options for Halloween costumes for my kids aren’t limitless. They get to choose from what is available for purchase online. But with the popularity of Etsy, and the AMAZING skills you can find there, I could even order a handmade costume in most any design my kids desired, if the budget allowed for it (which it pretty much doesn’t, but I digress).
Acts of Service and Love
And I’ll tell you truthfully, I used to think that parents who poured dozens of hours into making costumes for their kids were kind of ridiculous. Because it didn’t make sense for me, I assumed it couldn’t make sense for anyone. But I’ve matured quite a bit when it comes to that view, thankfully. What I have come to realize, is that for some people, that creative process is therapeutic and relaxing (sounds crazy, I know, but it honestly is true!). And it is a true joy to get to do something like this for their little ones. An act of service and love, if you will.
And don’t we all have those? I certainly have spent an unnecessary amount of time turning meatloaf into a mummy in order to see that sparkle in my daughters’ eyes. And I choose to cloth diaper, which for me is an act of love for my kids, the environment and for my budget. But for some, that’s just straight-up crazy! I get it, I really do. I don’t think it is the right choice for every family just because it is the right choice for mine.
Your Turn
My mom used to make our costumes each year, and they were better than anything you’d find in stores. Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit her talent, so I buy my kids their costumes.
Im a 54 year old grandma and i LOVED making costumes when i was youn. It was fun to see my creations every year
I have never considered making a costume. I am sadly, not at all crafty. I do price compare and go with the best option.
I’ve done both. More recently, as the work schedule got busier and kids’ schedules busier as well, taking the time to make costumes is one thing that got cut. I do enjoy the process, but when there are some great costumes out there off the shelf, I don’t feel too bad. And ebay has been great for buying this year’s costumes and selling last year’s so I end up breaking even now.
I love making our own costumes, however there has been a couple times I’ve bought store bought. Store bought ones are cute, but my favorites are definitely the ones we’ve made.
I have made some totally cool costumes for my kids-some that I was still sewing right up to the minute before we left the house! I have also put together some costumes in mere minutes- opps! And I’ve bought my share of costumes too.
Love that you’ve done a little bit of everything! Which is a good reminder that our needs and desires can change over time. What might be wrong for us one year could be totally right the next!
The premade costumes can be the less expensive and less stressful way to go. I like the really creative ones where the kids get involved
I just hope the kids are happy at their parties and going trick or treating
Love that idea of letting your kids get involved in making the costumes! Would definitely require a parent with more patience than I have, though!
I normally do, and I just couldn’t this year. Honestly with the prices of costumes the way they are now, I couldn’t justify it financially either. Usually I spend about $30 on supplies and it was just easier (it was done!) and about the same price as worrying about making it, spending all that time, etc.
I totally hear what you are saying. Layah’s costume retailed for around $35, and when people have seen pictures, they have asked if it is hand made (just has that look to it). Even if I was an excellent seamstress, it probably would have been tough to make it for that same amount of money…nevermind the time spent!