October is here, so it’s crunch time for parents who promised to make their kids’ Halloween costumes.
A new survey says 52% of parents are going the DIY route this year, especially in Colorado, Iowa, California, Maryland, and Arkansas. Somewhere out there, a mom is already crying into a pile of felt.
Money is the big motivator. Store-bought costumes are averaging more than $70, while a handmade creation usually runs under $40. That’s a huge deal if you’ve got more than one kid, because nothing says “spooky” like spending $210 on matching polyester jumpsuits… that get worn once… and disintegrate before next Halloween.
But it’s not just about cash.
Parents say homemade costumes feel more creative, unique, and sometimes just… necessary, since the store-bought options are either flimsy, overpriced, or completely sold out.
For some families, it’s even a tradition. (The tradition being: panic-shopping at Michaels on October 29th.)
Then there’s the social media pressure. A whopping 81% of parents say they feel the need to make costumes Instagram-worthy. Idaho parents are the most stressed about it, followed by those in Missouri and Connecticut. Nothing says Halloween spirit like comparing your kid’s glue-gun disaster to a Pinterest mom’s hand-stitched masterpiece.
As for what kids are demanding, Pokémon is still going strong, Taylor Swift costumes are in the mix, and Labubu is unfortunately a thing.
You’ll also see the classics (witches, skeletons, vampires, werewolves) and of course superheroes.
And then there are “unique creations,” which is code for “your kid saw it on YouTube once, and now you’re up at 2 a.m. turning a cardboard box into something unrecognizable.”
So here’s wishing all the crafty parents good luck. May your glue sticks last, your sewing machine not jam, and your child not suddenly decide they actually want to be Elsa… the day before Halloween.