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Tag: halloween diy
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THREE SPOOKY WAYS TO GET YOUR HOME HALLOWEEN READY
It’s never too early to start decorating for a new season — especially for one as short as spooky season! It can take some time to get your home looking like the perfect balance of scary and stylish, so it’s no surprise that, for many, decorating has already begun.
Fall colors and Halloween-themed pumpkins come out of storage, fall-colored book stacks begin to appear on tables and shelves alongside gourds and witchy signage. It’s the unofficial start of the season, kicking off a celebration of all things Halloween — from candy to and mystical creatures.
Home décor has become more important in the last few months, as people have been forced to spend more and more time indoors. Even if this year’s Halloween looks a bit different — socially distanced gatherings and taking safety precautions while trick-or-treating instead of what may have normally been an indoor party — creating a fun spooky Halloween ambiance can have its own benefits for you and your family.
According to a study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, putting up decorations early for a favorite holiday can make people happier. By decorating early, you begin to believe the holiday isn’t that far away, and you can start a countdown to your favorite holiday!
Plus, if you want to go all-out on spooky Halloween decorations this year, you won’t need to break the bank. By shopping for decorations or DIY craft materials second hand at Goodwill, you’ll find what you need for a mere fraction of the price you’d pay at another retailer. And, at the same time, you’ll be paying tribute to the environment by diverting these gently used goods from a landfill, instead putting them in the spotlight on your walls and mantle.
Below are a few Halloween décor ideas created by Goodwill shoppers that will be sure to delight any ghost or ghoul this year.
Witchy Welcome Wall
There’s nothing like a nice reminder of the Halloween season every time you walk through your front door. These thrifted entryway decorations are perfect for entering any witch or wizard into your home and will keep your family in the holiday spirit. You can repurpose an umbrella holder to hold witches’ brooms, both items easily findable at your local Goodwill.
THREE SPOOKY WAYS TO GET YOUR HOME HALLOWEEN READY 5 Creepy Corners
It can be a scary surprise to walk into the kitchen for a midnight snack and find a gleeful skeleton in the corner! Set up a few of these startling decorations throughout the house to add some hocus pocus to every room.
THREE SPOOKY WAYS TO GET YOUR HOME HALLOWEEN READY 6 Custom Cemetery DIY
I LOVED finding the creativity this Goodwill shopper had. She found the church on the left for a $3 steal at her local Goodwill and, with a little bit of black paint, transformed it into the creepy mausoleum that’s now part of the DIY cemetery stationed behind her kitchen sink. A spooktacularly wallet-friendly idea for an eye-catching and elaborate decoration!
THREE SPOOKY WAYS TO GET YOUR HOME HALLOWEEN READY 7 -
Pickleball for Beginners
The Easy, Thriftable Group-Friendly Halloween Costume To Ace Them All
Pickleball has taken Canada by storm this year as it has become the fastest growing sport in the country. Cities and towns are racing to install pickleball courts for residents and pickleball clubs have become more and more popular. A cross between tennis, badminton, and ping pong, the game creates a fast paced and fun competition – as well as a cute and trendy costume.
Pickleball for Beginners 12 You don’t have to go all out Sporty Spice to break out comfy athleisurewear this Halloween. Grabbing a group of friends, you can easily form the world’s cutest pickleball team. The best part about this easily thriftable DIY costume is that everything you wear for it can be repurposed – whether you play pickleball or not. You never know what you might find at your local Goodwill store, but sometimes it’s a pleasant surprise like the one I spotted at this Goodwill store.
There were racks and racks of Polo shirts in a range of colors, and so many of each shirt in different sizes – all new with tags! It was almost unnerving to look at the rack, which at quick glance looked like I was staring at a rack in a retail store. The difference could be found when I moved closer to the shirts and saw that while the retail store tag priced them at $109 each, the Goodwill tag priced them at $8.99. Score! So many people were in that section finding shirts in their size to take home. And at that price, which could be even lower if you go to Goodwill on a special discount day, you can create a more affordable Halloween costume for your friend group, or even your family.
Pickleball for Beginners 13 Inspired by these polo shirts, I went over to the shorts section to find a pair of classic khakis. I was in luck because the pair I picked up were like new Brooks Brothers, a high quality brand. You can mix and match shirt and khakis, but if you’re planning to go trick-or-treating or to a Halloween party as a team, you may want to pull together a more cohesive ‘uniform’ look and stick with the same color all together.
Pickleball for Beginners 14 Something a lot of people miss at Goodwill stores is that in addition to the racks, most Goodwill stores also have bins and shelves of other treasures. Not only can you find your Halloween outfit at Goodwill, but the accessories to go along with it. In this case, scan the shelves for things like matching visors and sweatbands, and don’t forget to pick up some pickleball paddles to complete the look! Have a fun thrifted DIY costume idea? Tag us on Instagram @GoodwillAB
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Halloween Ideas: Thrift Store Costumes Perfect for 2020
Check out additional Halloween Costume guide ideas from previous years.The trending question this month – What are some good Halloween costumes? Coming up with Halloween ideas can oftentimes be daunting. However, the ever-unfolding events of this year provide plenty of available options for those who prefer a topical costume. If you’re not sure what you’re going to be this year, you’ve come to the right place! From outlandish worldwide events to Netflix hits, there’s no shortage of recognizable possibilities. What’s even better – all of these costumes can be put together from pieces at your local thrift store.
Our Top 6 Halloween Ideas
Tigers are king
Did Carole Baskin kill her husband? Who knows. But, what we do know is that Carole Baskin costumes will be all the rage this Halloween. So, grab a flower crown and pedal bike from your local thrift store and join the rest of the “cool cats and kittens” taking part in the Tiger King costume theme this year! Heard of the Netflix sensation Tiger King? We’re betting you have. This Netflix special created quite the buzz around the globe, resulting in TikTok trends and a social media frenzy. So, whether you’re on Team Carole or Team Joe this costume theme is sure to be a hit.
For the Carole Baskin loving folks out there (whether or not you believe she killed her husband and got away with it), it’s easy to pull off this cool cat’s getup. Put together your very own Carole Baskin costume using common articles found at thrift stores – a fashionable flower crown, some bright animal print, oh and a bicycle, if possible!
Looking for something a little more glamorous? There’s no one who won’t recognize you as the Tiger King himself. Pull off Joe Exotic’s signature look with the help from Goodwill Alberta thrift stores. All you’ll need to accomplish this – a bleach blonde wig, handlebar mustache, flamboyant button-down shirt, a good pair of jeans with a belt, and a camo ball cap, to top it all off.
Something cheer-full
Cheerleader costumes are in this year, as Netflix’s Cheer makes a splash. Chances are you’ve dressed as a cheerleader at least once in your Halloween career. If not, it’s guaranteed a friend or sibling has. While cheerleaders are a staple when it comes to Halloween, those dressed in cheer uniforms this year will have a bit more of a back story.
In early 2020, a documentary series, known as Cheer, debuted on Netflix and instantly became a hit. Following the lives of competitive cheerleaders, Cheer brought excitement, tears and a whole new perspective on cheerleading as a sport.
Feeling inspired by the Navarro squad? Grab your pom-poms and visit some thrift stores to find the following items: a skirt, cheer top or tube top, and a big bow for your hair.
And, don’t forget the male athletes on the team. All you’ll need for this consume is a tight pair of black track pants, a sweat-wicking workout shirt (preferably branded with a school name), some sweatbands for your wrists and arms and running shoes.
The Schitts
Celebrate your favourite Schitt’s Creek character with the help of some faux chic thrift store attire. Are you a big fan of Schitt’s Creek (if not, are you even Canadian)? With 2020 being the Canadian series’ final season, there’s no time like the present to get dressed up as your favourite character.
If you’re looking for some Schitt costume advice, we suggest bringing out your inner Moira. The show’s beloved Moira Rose exudes high fashion so, opt for some costume jewelry, large accessories and an outlandish outfit perfect for a runway. Don’t forget to stick to black and white and to add a chic wig in true Moira fashion.
Is David a little more your style? Much like his mother, David Rose has a keen sense of fashion – and opts for a black and white colour palette. If you’re putting together a David Rose costume, check your local thrift stores for patterned sweaters, skirts, and black tights or ripped jeans.
Business on the top
Working from home this year? Grab your usual COVID employee outfit and turn it into a fun Halloween costume. The real focus of this year has been the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. Along with this illness came many changes for businesses and employees. One of the biggest – working from home. Why not carry on with what you’ve already become accustomed to and turn your work attire into one of the best 2020 Halloween ideas.
Need some thrift store inspiration to take your costume to the next level? Check your local Goodwill for some business-on-the-top-party-on-the-bottom-esque attire. You’ll need – a formal business top (button-up shirt and suit jacket) and lounge pants or boxers for bottoms. No shoes needed for this one – after all, no one can see your feet on Zoom, right?
RBG
Honor Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg this Halloween. If you’re looking for something a little more meaningful, consider celebrating the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg – a true hero in her time. While matching her contributions to society won’t be easy, putting together a costume to honour her will be. Look for a black robe, a lace collar, large earrings and some eyeglasses to round out the ensemble. If you’re unable to find a lace bib, you can make your own from lace trim found at your local thrift store.
The true heroes of 2020
Celebrate the doctors, nurses and other front line workers that have helped keep us safe this year. 2020 has been one for the books. Doctors, nurses, police officers, paramedics, grocery store clerks and other front line workers have stepped up for us this year. To help celebrate those who have protected us and put their lives on the line to ensure our health and safety, consider going as a front line worker for Halloween this year.
Check out Goodwill’s local thrift store for some scrubs, grab your mask and you’ve got a costume!
Whether you’re looking for a classic costume or something a little more extra, thrift stores are the perfect place to find all the pieces you’ll need for these Halloween ideas!
Check out Goodwill’s online thrift store to see what’s in stock. And, using our new online system, purchase gently used, donated clothes & items from the comfort of your own home. Halloween has never been so easy!
Armed with these topical 2020 costume ideas, you’re ready to get shopping. Have fun and Happy Halloween!
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Halloween Look Book: The Spookiest Of Them All
We’ve got your Halloween costume sorted at Goodwill Alberta. If you need a quick solution, we have ready-to-wear outfits and accessories for your convenience, but where’s the fun in that! October 31st is the chance to get crafty and creative. We’ve produced a Halloween Look Book available at all our stores to guide you in your DIY endeavors.
Keep your costume traditional by choosing a classically spooky look. Be inspired to cause a fright on the night with these ghastly outfit ideas!
Skeleton Scat
Sometimes the ‘bare bones’ approach is the best. To keep it cool as a jazzy skeleton, you need a white shirt, braces, and a trilby. Then it’s time to get crafty! Grab some black pants/slacks and a black t-shirt and draw your skeleton on with fabric pens or some stick-on white vinyl. Don’t forget the face paint to give someone an extra scare!
Puppet Show
Nothing is creepier than a ventriloquist’s dummy that comes to life. Make people jump by bringing a living doll to the party! One person needs to dress as the puppet master with a bow tie, white shirt, and suspenders, and the other comes dressed as a Victorian doll. Want to make it even creepier? Bring along a real vintage doll with some gory fake blood.Interview With A Vampire
There’s no Halloween costume as classic as a vampire. Pale face, fangs, cloak, no reflection… If you add some fake blood and bring along a victim, people will be scared to stand next to you at the party. You better get practicing your evil laugh!
Night Of The Living Dead
TV programmes such as The Walking Dead and The Santa Clarita Diet have made Zombies a popular choice for Halloween. Be different by dressing up as a zombie apocalypse survivor. To be a successful survivor, you’ll need some fake blood, dirty clothes, some sturdy boots for coping in any terrain and, most importantly, a bug out bag.Witching Hour
Whether you want to be a classic witch dressed in black or love the coloured costumes from the movie Hocus Pocus, Goodwill is a great place to find long, dramatic dresses. While you’re there, why not pick up an old book to upcycle into a spellbook and, of course, the iconic witch’s hat!It’s A Pirate’s Life For Me
Transform quickly into a pirate matey with one visit to your local Goodwill. Look for white shirts, waistcoats and long boots. Adding scarves, belts, swords and maybe even an eye patch will complete the look. We’ll give bonus points if you can find some skull and crossbones accessories! Arrrr!Find more inspiration for your Halloween Goodwill costume shopping in our Halloween Look Book, available to download and in all our stores. Share your costumes using the hashtag #GoodwillHalloween.