This post was written as part of the monthly Simplicity Parenting Carnival hosted by The Lone Home Ranger and S.A.H.M. i AM. This month we are discussing how we simplify the holiday season. Be sure to read to the end to see a list of the rest of the excellent carnival contributors.
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I love Halloween! Dressing up, getting goofy and a little scary, candy, cute kids running around with many variations of "Trick or Treat!" But, that doesn't mean we have to spend a lot to enjoy ourselves! We like to mix commercial costume apparel with on hand pieces or thrift store finds. We also have no qualms with reusing a theme!
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Our first Halloween with L1 we found a pea pod bunting and wore Mike's culinary school uniforms.
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| Our first Halloween with L2 we started our Star Wars theme. Our little Ewok was a second hand bear suit with some scrap fur and a leather vest. (Yes, I know better than to use this kind of outfit in the carseat now.) |
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| More thrift store finds as well as a jedi tunic that was really just a bolt of muslin fabric! The robes were made from fabric a friend found while downsizing their stash. |
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| Because Jedis were baby wearers too! |
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| Reusing the bolt of muslin to fashion pirate shirts, adding party favor accessories. My rainbow fairy is courtesy of a hippy wardrobe and some borrowed wings! |
There is no need to overspend or even create more waste with a brand new retail costume every year. This year my boys have chosen whole new costume ideas, so we are on the lookout to pieces to complete them. I can't wait to see how they turn out! Where do your costumes come from?
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Thanks for reading the Simplicity Parenting Blog Carnival! We hope you’ll take time to read these other great contributors’ posts:
- Choosing Your Battles - Molly at Molly Makes Do talks about ways to keep your holidays simple and remain on speaking terms with your relatives.
- Making Halloween - JW at True Confessions of a Real Mommy says “No need to spend a lot this Halloween! Check out some easy, frugal ideas for dressing your family up!”
- Hibernating During Halcyon - Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children and her family are gearing up for the Halcyon celebrations and enjoying some quiet time as a family.
- Savoring Family Time (or, Simple Homemade Gifts) - Emily at S.A.H.M. i AM is trying to prepare for the holidays early so she can slow down and enjoy time with her family as the days grow shorter and a new baby enters their lives.
- 7 Green Gifts for Toddlers - Shannon at GrowingSlower shares unique green gift ideas for kids this holiday season that are sure to be green mom approved.
- Less is More: Simplifying the Holidays to Make Room for More of What Matters - Amy at Anktangle shares a few easy strategies she uses to keep the holidays manageable, stress-free, and fun!
- buy nothing x-mas? - mama lola at bear & lion describes what christmas is all about to her and her family; treats, music, crafts and LOVE!
- DIY holiday fun - Justine at The Lone Home Ranger revels in thrifting for and making her own holiday gifts and decorations.
I love homemade costumes too! Finding items from around your house is even better. I can remember doing that activity many summer camp dress-up days. I think it encourages kids (and us!) to think outside the box at everything we own. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm finishing up my children's costumes today!
ReplyDeleteLove the costumes! Growing up I always made my costume (and my brother's costumes)...the last few years our costumes have been a combo of homemade and thrifted items/second hand costumes. This year however, I made my costume from items around the house and clothes I already own...but I bought L's costume. She wanted to be spiderman/rapunzel and this pregnant mama needed to simplify!
ReplyDeleteThe planning and making of the costumes is half the fun! I love that you've found a way not to contribute more garbage to the waste stream and still have fun at the holidays!
ReplyDeleteYou're brilliant! I think making costumes from things you can find and repurpose is so much fun. I never had store-bought costumes growing up, and it still would feel like cheating to me. :)
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