Sep 24, 201208:43 AMThrifty Mom
Let's be Thrifty Together
Chillingly cheap costumes
Two years ago, I found out I was expecting and the very first piece of baby clothing I bought was a cute monkey costume that was on clearance at Target.
Last year, I put the Lil’ Stinker in the costume and took lots of pictures. We even sat on the sidewalk and watched the Mechanicsburg Halloween parade — although little baby ears weren’t very happy when the emergency vehicles came rolling along.
But this year … this year, Lil’ Stinker is old enough to (at least vaguely) understand the joys of Halloween. In my search for the perfect costume, I came across this cute version of Elmo and thought, I can SO make that for way cheaper than $30.
The plan: Find red pants and a long-sleeved red shirt (I wanted something a little warmer for that chilly October air). Make a red tutu using elastic and tulle. (It’s really easy and no sewing involved.) I originally planned on trying to make a hat like the one found here, but I’m not that talented. Instead, I found this one at Wal-Mart with matching mittens. (It’s fluffy and soft!) Red shoes or even Elmo slippers would be an added bonus, but not a must.
To top it off, I plan on trying to find a cheap plastic fish bowl, punching some holes on either side and creating a handle with red ribbon. I’ll draw Elmo’s goldfish Dorothy on the side. A super cute candy tote!
If I calculate what I’ve spent so far, I’m at around $20, but I haven’t gotten the materials for the tote yet. Keep in mind, that costume from Target likely would never be worn again. I plan on using the pieces of Lil’ Stinker’s costume throughout the winter; even the tutu can be used over again to play dress up.
There’s also girly Cookie Monster and Big Bird costumes. Switch everything to blue or yellow accordingly. Wal-Mart also has a Cookie Monster hat/mitten set, but not Big Bird. You could always just make your little one a yellow beak, though!
Tutu costumes are so easy and fun for little girls. Do a Google search and find tons of inspiration. Next year, I might have to try this Mulan-inspired costume; I’m determined to have Lil’ Stinker look up to this fierce Disney “princess.”
Do you have any chillingly cheap costume ideas? What about outfits for boys?
CVS:
Glade spray, 9-oz.
(Sale) Price: $0.99
Buy six for $5.94
Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner
(Sale) Price: $3
Buy two for $6
Use three $2 off two Glade products from RightAtHome.com
AND use one $2 off two Scrubbing Bubble bathroom cleaning products from Sept. 23 SS
Pay $3.94 OOP, receive $4 ExtraBucks
Final price: FREE (100 percent savings!)
ThermaCare Lower Back & Hip Heat Wrap, one-count
Price: $3.79
Pay $3.79 OOP, receive $3.79 EB
Final price: FREE (100 percent savings!)
Alteril Sleep Aid Shot, two-pack
Price: $5.79
Pay $5.79 OOP, receive $5.79 EB
Final price: FREE (100 percent savings!)
Maybelline Shine Sensational Lip Gloss
Price: $6.79
Buy two for $13.58
Use two $1 off one Maybelline New York lip product from Sept. 9 RP
AND use $4 off $12 cosmetic purchase from the CVS Coupon Machine
Pay $7.58 OOP, receive $3 EB
Final price: $4.48 or $2.29 each (66 percent savings!)
Biore Deep Cleansing Nose Strips, eight-count
Price: $5.99
Biore Balancing Cleanser
Price: $5.89
Use one Free Biore cleanser when you buy any Biore pore strip from Aug. 12 SS
Pay $5.99 OOP, receive $5 Target gift card
Final price: $0.99 (92 percent savings!)
In perusing this week’s circulars for Weis and Giant, I really didn’t find that many great deals. However, Giant did have some good BOGO offers, so I ‘d recommend checking them out.
And at Weis, I did score a cool s’mores-making contraption in the clearance section for just $5. I love me some s’mores.
Index:
OOP — Out of Pocket
EB — ExtraBucks (from CVS)
BOGO — Buy One, Get One
SS — SmartSource (insert found in your local Sunday paper)
RP — Red Plum (insert found in your local Sunday paper)
P&G — Proctor & Gamble (insert found once a month in your local Sunday paper)
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Last year my daughter wanted to be a spider. Being tight on money and 3 kids who trick-or-treat, I needed to find a way to make everyone happy. So I cut out a red hourglass from some felt and sewed it on the front of a black long sleeved shirt. Along with some black pants...she was almost there. The last touch was legs. I took wire hangers, cut them into different lengths, covered them with batting, then covered them with black felt. Held together with whip stitches. The legs were then sewn over the side seam of the shirt to keep them centered. Last but not least, the legs were attached to each other with fishing line then attached into the sleeve with fishing line. So when my daughter lifted her arms...the fake arms moved as well. A set of black gloves and the costume was complete. The only downfall was she couldn't wear a jacket right. We had to keep slipping it over her shoulders. But hey...thrify moms don't always think of everything, lol. From start to finish..that costume cost me $0 cause I had everything on hand. :)