Things We Take For Granted: Halloween Costume Swaps and Sales

The tiger-pant-chapeau-wearing toddler. Photo by Kate McFadden.

Buying a tiger at Costco just felt wrong. And sure enough, in the days that followed we were offered a ladybug and a hamburger. But, as you see, my toddler really likes putting the tiger pants on her head. But you can bet that costume will have at least five years in rotation thanks to the parent swap culture in our neighborhood.

Here on Capitol Hill, the Halloween costume swapping starts early. On the Moms on the Hill (MOTH) list-serve, you’ll read posts like “I’ll trade you my fairy for your pirate” or, “The monkey is yours as long as you pick it up TONIGHT.” And then there are the bargain basement prices. You couldn’t pick up a highly flammable piece of costume for the $5 and $10 these costumes go for (OK, I’m really talking plasticized, as in those scary hard Cinderella masks). Plus, I don’t want to make a trip to Party City or Target. I’m sure there are lots of $50 designer costumes out there too -yours for a sizable discount. My tot may be enchanted with peacocks, but her college fund can use the $88 flashy green and turquoise this get-up costs. Its sequin choker is extra.

Monkeys’ Uncle has a growing selection, and they’re taking in new things all the time. At press time, you can deck your kid out as a hotdog, lobster, sheep or dragon. And they’re collecting costumes up til the week before Halloween, pointing out that there are always princesses in September that want to be superheroes in October.

What is it about seeing infants wrapped up in bee, pumpkin and elephant costumes? Oh yes, there’s the photo op at Hilloween. The epic early evening Halloween extravaganza, complete with Clydesdales, will be held on Halloween, despite its being a school night. Our little tiger wore her infant duck costume for all of 20 minutes, because being tucked in stroller bunting does not count. And, typical of this mom, I can’t find that damn duck. My ever-shrinking closet  is not pleased.