While Canadians spend on average $87 on their Halloween costumes according to a HelloSafe report, a Richmond teacher offers some tips on how to save you cash, and the environment to boot.
Akiko Kato, a home economics teacher at McMath secondary, said inflation has increased the price of everything, especially fabric.
She encourages her students to embrace the “upcycling” trend, while learning about the textile industry and its impact on the environment.
“Upcycling and recycling material is really popular now,” said Kato.
“You can buy old clothes from thrift stores, which can then be cut and sewn together to create something new.”
Last year, her students came up with some great anime costumes, some of which were used not just for Halloween but could be worn to anime conventions, said Kato.
Those void of sewing skills needn’t worry, assures Kato. Fabric glue can work fine for these kinds of projects.
Even cardboard and paper can make a great costume — like a Starbucks coffee cup.
And it’s not just the wallet and the environment that benefits from DIY ideas, so do our imaginations, said Kato.
“Using recycled materials instead of buying costumes or fabric promotes creativity in kids.”
Finally, Kato said make sure you recycle your costumes within the family.
As a mother, Kato has always made Halloween costumes for her kids, but found it a waste if they only wore them once.
She quickly learned to swap costumes with other family members as it’s “important to reuse things.”
But most importantly, said Kato, “let the kids get creative. They don’t need to feel left out because Halloween can still be fun without spending too much money.”
