The ghosts and goblins are out and so are the creepy crawlers. But what can be downright scary are the endless options of choices and prices when it comes to choosing a Halloween costume. But don't be frightened; we have ideas.
Tip Number 1: Ditch the full costume; go for the accent pieces. You can save big by stopping in at the dollar store to pick up the accessories.
Whether it's sweet or scary, you can outfit a basic costume. At the 99 Cents Only store located off Westheimer and Hillcroft, we found wings, teeth, tiaras and masks for 99 cents each.
Tip Number 2: Don't assume the discount stores are always a great discount. We found this witch costume at Target for $30, but at Kroger, a similar costume retails for $14.99. That's half the price.
Accessories at the grocery store also are better priced at the super market versus the discount store.
Tip Number 3: For the greatest selection of sizes, the speciality pop-up shops like Spirit Halloween may be your best bet.
"He has a fascination into Adventure Time and some of these super heroes, so I find that coming to this speciality store has a better selection," mom Michelle Casas said.
And you probably think you might spend a little more at the speciality store. Well, maybe. Costumes can cost as little as $19.99 or as much as $99.99.
We price compared several items, like this clown mask we found at Spirit Halloween for $25. At Target, a similar mask costs $20. But at Kroger, their clown mask is $9.59. An Angry Birds costume is $40 at both Target and Spirit Halloween.
Tip Number 4: Hit the thrift store, resale shops or a seasonal consignment sale like the Just Between Friends sale.
"We offer children's and maternity items at a fraction of the retail price, usually 50 to 90 percent off," said Melanie Newell with the Just Between Friends Consignment Sale.
There are seven sales in the greater Houston area, and one of the most popular sections of their fall event are Halloween costumes with prices for costumes as little as $3.
"Those items go through an inspection process to make sure zippers are working and snaps are snapping; no stains, tears or holes," Newell said.
For example, a Woody costume retails for $25. At the Sale, it's $6.50. A Strawberry Shortcake costume typically retails for $30, but we found it for $8.50.
Another couple of ways to save: Check on eBay for new and gently used costumes or you can even organize a swap with friends.
Find Patricia on Facebook at ABC13PatriciaLopez or on Twitter at @patricialopez13
