Scary Thrift Store Deals

All Hallows Eve.  Halloween.  The Witching Hour. 

Is it a night to scare little kids with horrifying decorations?  An occasion to release one’s inhibitions and assume the identity of something perhaps on any other day would land us in the loony bin?  A chance to collect masses of sugary treats, much to the delight of dentists nationwide? An opportunity to people watch as throngs of ghouls, goblins, cowboys, princesses, and the occasional political figure traipse from house to house on a quest to divest one’s neighbors of their cache of candy?

While any one of these definitions may prove applicable, there remains one truism to this special day when we can send forth our kids without compunction demanding handouts from friends, family, neighbors, and even perfect strangers. 

It’s fun!

Now before you get all nervous about the underlying “dark side” to Halloween, I’d hazard a guess that most, if not all, of the kids you’ll see this year with their pillowcases in tow are not really considering any historical reference to this candy free-for-all.  They’re more interested in the size of the haul at the end of the evening.

And the adults hosting parties replete with fog machines, spooky music, eerie decorations, and strobe lights illuminating their makeshift boneyards probably are not too concerned about the long-term psychological damage potentially wrought upon their guests.

It’s supposed to be fun. 

For one night, folks all the way from infant-size bundled in their buggies to geezers telling creepy tales of Halloween days of yore, it’s okay to relax and perhaps release their inhibitions a bit. 

And what better way than to dress up?

I mean, who doesn’t want to be a witch, scarecrow, wrestler, mummy, zombie, or diva for a night? 

But I’d also guess that unless you work in the entertainment industry, your access to costumes is pretty limited.  I don’t know of many folks who own their own feather boas or bones-through-the-head headband. 

And since this dressing-up thing is remanded to one night, what sense does it make (unless you really want to be the Bride of Frankenstein for the next 20 plus years) to buy an expensive costume at a retailer?

Where to go?

Thrift stores.

Right now, places like Goodwill are chock-a-block with every imaginable combination of costume, probably at least one of which will allow you or your kids to channel their inner ghostie or rock star (or doctor, or zombie, or policeman, or army guy, or robot, etc.) 

And you can probably put together a fabulous costume (and maybe a few for the next few  years) for pennies on the dollar you’d spend at one of those magical Halloween stores that pop up in strip malls this time of year.

At my local Goodwill, for example, I watched as a teen modeled a slinky vampire dress complete with long black wig and even fake blood and glow-in-the-dark teeth, plus the obligatory cape all for under $20.  Her giggling companion also was a vision in a sequined jumpsuit and plastic hair, gold-tone sunglasses, and a microphone from the dump bin.  Instant Elvis.

So next time you are in the market for some groovy Halloween gear, look no further than your local thrift shop. You’ll be amazed at how quickly  and inexpensively you can transform yourself for that most creepy of nights!

Happy Halloween!

 From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!
~Scottish Saying

 Photo courtesy Rainbowi at SXC.hu