Three Easy Costume Ideas for a Happy Halloween

Ghostbusters

The day we’ve always looked forward to is still here to have our backs, because now, more than ever, we all need a little escapism. And Goodwill has always been my escape year-round, which makes it the perfect place for Halloween costumes, too! But don’t take it from me. The originality factor that’s available at your fingertips is off the charts at Goodwill!

Plus, let’s face it: Halloween at Goodwill to seasoned thrifters like us is like big box stores and Christmas to other people.

Have an itch for something retro? Right now, my boys are in a big Ghostbusters phase, and I’m SO here for it. (Plus Ghostbusters Afterlife was filmed right here in Alberta!) I may or may not even have an adult-sized Mr. Stay Puft Man costume on hand to surprise them with. But this costume is great because all you need is a khaki jacket or shirt, and a NO GHOSTS patch, sticker, or cutout with some tape, and — VOILA! — you’re suddenly Dr. Peter Venkman, getting slimed in the basement of the New York Public Library by an adorable ghost. Honestly, I’d wear this year-round.

For Our Pets

Our pets are our babies and they deserve to get in on the costume fun with us for a little escape. There are a TON of cute costume ideas out there that you can put together yourself. A few pieces of felt and a strip of elastic can go a long way. I can’t promise you that your furry friend will allow it to stay on long, but I can promise it’ll be worth it for a funny photo. Who wouldn’t want to dress up their cat in a petal tutu?

Barbie

The Barbie movie has taken the world by storm as one of the most popular box office films of all-time, winning the record for highest-grossing opening weekend film for a female director. This is fitting, considering the empowering feminist themes woven throughout the movie. I won’t give away any spoilers, but there are a few reasons why Barbie has been the movie to see this year, and how it’s started a movement that reminds women to dream big and be whoever they want to be. A movement, full of pink of course, that is going to make Barbie the most popular Halloween costume of the year – yup, we’re calling it already!

Halloween is the perfect time to tap into nostalgia and pop culture trends. Barbie’s feminist reinvention has meant a lot to women who like to play dress up and embrace their more feminine sides. Leaning into this everyday is becoming more of a norm thanks to the movie’s successful message, and a resurgence of bright pinks in addition to more fuchsia Valentino pink has popped up everywhere from busy city streets to the workplace. It’s also a nice tie to Goodwill’s mission to support local communities through empowered job training and resources. Each purchase you make at a Goodwill store goes directly to the organization’s programming that helps incredible people reach their professional potential.

I love this time of year and the escapism it provides. The crunchy leaves, the cooler weather, the opportunity to dress up as whatever makes my heart happy. And Goodwill not only makes my heart happy, it makes our communities happy, by providing job training to our neighbors in need and an outlet for our creative souls. By shopping for your costumes at Goodwill, you’re helping reduce the amount of goods from entering the waste stream.

Now, that feels good any time of year. Find a Goodwill near you to put together your last-minute costumes today!