Would You Buy a Halloween Costume at a School Costume Swap?

Updated on September 23, 2011
J.B. asks from Boston, MA
11 answers

Hi - a member of our PTA has proposed a costume swap as a fundraiser. We are a middle school. The idea is that we would promote the event at all of the schools. Those who donate a costume would get a ticket for a discount off of a costume purchase (e.g. either 50% off if we have different price points or something like $5 off if all costumes are $10). On the day(s) of the sale, anyone could come in and purchase a costume and we would keep the proceeds. We are opening it to other schools because we anticipate that a lot of the donations from our middle school families will be for costumes from when their kids were younger.

I googled this and it looks to be pretty popular as a straightforward swap (bring a costume, take a different costume) but I don't know how people will feel about bringing a costume and then having to pay for a costume. Most parents I know spend around $20 per costume and have a bunch of old costumes taking up space in the garage and closets so I think that $5 or less for a costume is a pretty good deal and you get to de-clutter some old stuff, but I'd like to get some other feedback. Please let me know what you think and if your school has done this, how did it go?

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Featured Answers

T.K.

answers from Dallas on

I'd rather swap for free. But yes, I would buy one to save money on a costume and help the school. It's much better than many fundraisers I've suffered through. I bet you could sell a lot of other things to the pareents when they show up for the swap too. You could buy colored hairspray or other dress up stuff in bulk and then sell individually. You could sell dollar store flashlights for $2. Glow Sticks, etc. If you have crafty moms, they could make up a whole bunch of capes to sell.

6 moms found this helpful

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K.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

we have spent up to $50 on a costume...

if this is going to benefit a school - why not?

I would love to donate older costumes...it sounds like fun!

2 moms found this helpful
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J.L.

answers from Chicago on

sounds like a great idea! I never ever pay full price for a costume! :)

2 moms found this helpful

L.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Tracy K. has some great ideas for more items to make the sale more profitable...

2 moms found this helpful
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F.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

That’s a great idea and I would definitely take my kids and there old costumes, you just never know what you’re going to find!! :)

1 mom found this helpful

R.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

Great idea! Clean out your closets, get a new (to you) costume for only $5, AND make money for the school, sounds like a win-win for everyone : )

1 mom found this helpful
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R.J.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I would think maybe in Elem school but I know my sin in Middle School would never have gone for it

1 mom found this helpful
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A.C.

answers from Boston on

I think this is a great idea. Especially for low income families that can't afford to pay full price for a new costume.

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C.B.

answers from Boston on

Just make sure to wash everything or put it in a dryer for 30 minutes or freeze for 5+hours. Swapping head-wear (or collars that touch hair) is the way head lice get transmitted most often, so be careful about trying everything on at the fair.

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R.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Our elementary school has a fall fair fundraiser the weekend before Halloween. People donate their old costumes and we have a sale booth at the fair. Usually they are divided into 2 to 4 categories depending on how elaborate the costume and how many accessories it comes with - i.e. a pile of simple costumes priced at $5.00, fancier ones for $10, etc. Usually there are no costumes left after the first hour or so. I also like the idea of selling hair spray and the like alongside - might steal that for our fair this year....

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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

I don't think you'll have a hard time selling the moms on this idea. Middle School kids may take issue with it though.

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