PHOENIX — Dressing up isn't cheap.
It’s Money Saving Monday and we’re talking about how you can save some big bucks this season on Halloween costumes. After all, spooky season is now just more than a month away.
The National Retail Federation projected Americans were going to spend a record high of $12 billion last year, with the average consumer spending the expected amount of $108.
But there are plenty of ways you can cut costs on costumes for the whole family by doing a do-it-yourself costume or thrift shopping.
At Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, you’ll find something for everyone.
"Pretty much my whole outfit is thrifted," said Mjellma Gashi, who found a "Little Red Riding Hood" costume for very little cost-wise.
"The cape is about $3,” she said. “The basket here is 99 cents."
Gashi added a little silk scarf, blouse and skirt, which altogether tallied just $15.
"Honestly a fraction of the cost compared to buying it at a big box store," Gashi said.
Nathan Alberts found a referee costume that costs next to nothing.
"The shirt, maybe about $4… the pants about $7 or $8," he said.
And Becca Stepp found everything she needed for a 1950s costume.
“A little bow on top… pearl action… this really fun hoop skirt, with a little poodle on it," she said.
You can save big by thrifting.
"…while stretching your dollar and saving some money," said Rodney Scearce, senior director of communications for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona.
Scearce said you can find some great discounts if you shop the whole store and do a DIY costume or if you buy one of their new or used costumes.
"Generally, you can out of here for $15 or $20,” said Scearce. “…an incredible savings, because if you get a brand new costume at another store, you might be spending 60, 70, 80 dollars."
Another must-stop if you're costume shopping this year is the Bender Performing Arts in North Phoenix.
“These are costumes that were either worn in productions and are not being used anymore or parents have never opened a costume and donated it to us," said co-owner Kevin Bender.
Bender said their annual Halloween costume sale is a great way to go if you're on the prowl for that perfect costume or just something fun and creative on a budget.
"…hundreds of costumes, shoes, props, hats, wigs," he said. “Prices probably range anywhere from $5-$30."
He said some items have never been worn.
"…that you can take advantage of for a real economical price," said Bender.
It's not only a chance to get a great deal, but it's also a way you can give back to the community. The sale supports Bender's nonprofit outreach programs that help send local kids to see their performances for free.
And let's be honest, if you find a costume you don’t end up wearing it for Halloween, there are opportunities year-round.
“There are parties,” he said. “There are times you maybe go to a park, somewhere like Disneyland, and you know you can use costumes all the time."
The Bender Performing Arts sale will be held from Sept. 23-28, 2024.
Goodwill store locations can be found here.