Halloween Costume Ideas - What To Do With Used Costumes

By Brenda Prevost

If you have a costume that is still in good shape but won’t be worn this year, don’t just toss it away. Here are some ideas on how to put your (or your child’s) outfit to good use.

DONATE IT

Women’s Shelters - These make excellent places to donate a used Halloween costume. Many single mothers are faced with the heartbreak of not being able to afford a Halloween costume for their kids. Can you just see their child’s little face smile when they realize they’ll be trick-or-treating in a great costume after all? Even adult costumes would be appreciated. Mom may want to dress up too!

Children’s Hospitals – This is a very rewarding Halloween costume idea. During any special season, the hospital staff have to try extra hard to keep their little patient’s spirits up. If you have an adult costume that someone on their staff can dress up in and visit the kids, it makes a great way to cheer them up! In some cases the hospital will allow the kids to “trick-or-treat” within the facility. Your child’s old costume could put a big grin on a little patient’s face.

Church (depending on the denomination) – If your local church recognizes Halloween they may know of a family that can’t afford Halloween costumes. Many families prefer approaching their Church for help because they can remain anonymous, thus avoiding any awkwardness. Check with a Church official ahead to make sure they’ll welcome the donation. Using this Halloween costume idea will definitely warm your heart.

Charity (i.e. United Way, Goodwill, etc.) – As with churches, these valuable organizations can always use donated items, including Halloween costumes. In some cases they may sell them in their own stores to raise money or they also might know of the perfect recipient for your old Halloween costume. Either way, your old costume will be helping out those less fortunate.

Hospice Stores – Many of us know first hand how valuable hospice services and their staff are. They do so much and ask for so little. Most hospice services have small retail stores where you can donate unwanted items. They will take just about anything, including a used Halloween costume that is still in good condition.

Donating your used Halloween costumes also give's children a valuable lesson in the rewards of helping others.

SELL IT

This Halloween costume idea is a good way to budget yourself for next year’s costume.

Consignment shops – Many bargain hunters will shop at these stores first when looking for a Halloween costume. You just drop off your old costume and they sell it for you. The shop will receive a small percentage of the total sale and give you the rest. How easy is that!

Online auction sites – If you prefer to sell it yourself, you can consider using the internet. There are a number of online auction and classified sites to choose from. Be sure to thoroughly read their terms and conditions before proceeding. You can’t be too careful! Avoid donating masks or wigs, even if they are part of the costume. There are health issues that can deem them useless to anyone reselling them.

There are many ways to avoid just throwing out an old Halloween costume. Some of these Halloween costume ideas are actually quite rewarding given the great feeling of helping others in need. As long as the Halloween costume is in good shape, there is always someone who would gladly wear it.

Brenda Prevost is owner of http://www.allholidaytreasures.com which sells decorations, lights and costumes for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, St. Patrick's Day and other special occasions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Prevost

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Halloween Costume Ideas - What To Do With Used Costumes