Are you looking for a place to donate those old Halloween costumes?
Let’s not throw them in the trashcan and bring a little spooky joy!
As a mom and blogger, Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday of the year.
Costume-planning, trick-or-treating, and Halloween brings joy into our home.
But if you’re like me, you probably have a closet (or bin) of gently used Halloween costumes your kids outgrew or stopped wearing.
So instead of letting those costumes go to waste, donating those costumes is a great way to make some holiday cheer and help families who aren’t able to afford one.
And here’s the rundown of where you can donate those costumes and a few more innovative touches to help.
Friends and Family
Sometimes the easiest way is the best. If you know kids who are younger, let them know that you have costumes.
And it’s always so nice when your old costume makes someone smile.
Local Facebook Groups
Post costumes in community Facebook groups or community apps such as Nextdoor.
If you give them away free, they’ll find a home in no time, and you’re doing a good thing by giving them away too.
Costumes, Goodwill and Thrift Stores
Large thrift stores (such as Goodwill) or smaller secondhand shops usually take costumes, especially in the fall.
They allow budget-minded families to still have Halloween without breaking the bank.
Daycares and Preschools
Most daycares and early childhood schools dress up all year for fun. Contact the local centers to ask if they might have dress-up corner needs.
Churches and Religious Organizations
A few congregations or synagogues with childcare services are open to costumes for their children’s rooms or neighborhood activities.
Elementary Schools
Elementary schools will usually accept costumes for their drama classes or donation to children that can’t afford one.
Ask the guidance counselor or principal at your local school if they’re interested.
Children’s Hospitals
Halloween at the hospital can be difficult for kids.
Many children’s hospitals take costumes (hygienic, and in perfect condition) to give away to young patients.
Be sure to research their policies beforehand as health practices differ.
WEEN DREAM
In New Orleans, WEEN DREAM donates costumes to kids all over the U.S. who otherwise wouldn’t have access to them, such as kids with special needs.
Costumes can be sent to them (you pay the shipping) and they make sure they end up with deserving families.
The Halloween Helpers
The Pennsylvanian charity collects and gives out costumes to kids in need.
They even have tips on how to organise your own costume drive that is a fun, community building project.
Spirit of Children
A program supported by Spirit Halloween shops, Spirit of Children donates costumes, decorations and money to hospitals for children so that kids can have Halloween even while they are in hospital.
You can leave the items at Spirit Halloween stores throughout the season.
TDF Costume Collection
The Theatre Development Fund’s Costume Collection accepts costume donations for U.S. theater productions.
If your costumes are old school, or drama, this is a great way to give back to the arts.
Have a Costume Swap
Plan a neighborhood or school party where neighbors trade used costumes. It’s also a cheap and green way to give costumes another life.
Plan a Community Costume Drive
Partner with businesses, libraries, or schools to have donation bins. Give the costumes to homeless families around your community then give the costumes away.
Support Animal Shelters
Did you know some shelters outfit their animals for Halloween adoption events?
Talk to local shelters if they need little costume/accessories.
Donate to Trunk-or-Treat Programs
Donate to trunk-or-treat organizers in your area who offer safe trick-or-treating for children. These are usually organized by churches, schools or community organizations.
These occasions can be churches, school, or neighborhood organizations.
Sustainability and the Bigger Picture
Giving Halloween costumes is an environmentally sound option, saving the planet and bringing joy to others.
Millions of pounds of costumes go into landfill every year, mainly synthetics such as polyester that take centuries to decompose.
Not only do costumes donate reduce waste, they also contribute to general sustainability in terms of decreasing the need for new costumes.
This reduces the high costs of fast-fashion manufacturing – high energy, greenhouse gas and water consumption.
By donating, not disposing, you’re helping to create a circular economy, where goods are reused, not dumped.
That’s a meaningful way to keep Halloween environmentally responsible.
Final Thoughts
Halloween is about having a little fun, creativity, and sharing.
When you donate costumes, you are doing your part to pass on those traditions and brighten someone else’s holiday.
So, take those princess gowns, superhero costumes and scary outfits you no longer need and give them a home.
Believe me, the smiles you’ll bring will be worth it.
Have you donated costumes in the past, or know somewhere to donate costumes, please let me know! Let’s not lose the Halloween magic for anyone. 🎃
Thanks for reading!
