How To Get Your Halloween Costume On A Budget In Boston

The key to a costume that is low budget is giving yourself the time to find the right combinations and supplies to make it work. It's very simple to put together a one-of-a-kind trick-or-treat masterpiece that looks store bought from a high-end store on Newbury Street. Think ahead. Give yourself some time to collect key objects to work around this year and pay attention to quality low-cost stores to find what you need. Some of the very best costumes are homemade, easily assembled and fun. Put your creative side to work, enjoy being original and stick to the budget.

Sew Low Discount Fabrics Inc.
473 Cambridge St.
Cambridge, MA 02141
(617) 661-8361
www.sewlowdiscountfabrics.com

Hard-to-find, one-of-a-kind costumes are cleverly included at Sew Low Discount Fabrics Inc. Low-cost, quality fabrics and notions were put together for the first time for Bostonians because of a couple's (the owners) love for homemade design. Sew Low's large iron-on decals are perfect for a quick change from comfy dungaree to billboard for cartoon characters as well as Gothic scary. If the time is available, costume patterns are always in stock. The website for this couple's discounted fabric store has step-by-step video instructions for all types of costume designs, with an archive of past seasons' ideas. Gather supplies or just give them a call for ideas.

Related: Take $10 off your order of $30 or more PLUS always a free shipping option at Halloween Express!

Playtime, Inc.
283 Broadway
Arlington, MA 02474
(781) 648-3230
www.rhinestones.com

For big families with a wide range of school-aged to older children, keeping within the budget may mean to start with a box or leotard and work some magic. Contact Playtime, Inc as a dependable source for costume ideas and arts and crafts supplies, even design ideas. Its wonderful group of artists work with children individually and in group sessions daily, expanding the world of art into holidays and costumes for every age group. Any idea the family comes up with can become simple and economical once yarns, beads and ribbons are crafted together to make functional costumes. Playtime Inc. puts fun on the agenda every day, making this place a special treat for Halloween.

Dorothy's Boutique
190 Massachusetts Ave.
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 262-9255
www.dorothysboutique.biz

Dorothy's Boutique has set the pace for Halloween, offering the best and biggest collection of costumes year round. At exceptional prices and in every shape and size, this conveniently located shop is a must. Dorothy's doesn't just stop at costumes, pick up a wig, hat, make-up and just the right shoe. It is easily the one-stop shop for Boston's Halloween needs this season. Remember the little extras you need before heading out, or make the decision once you've arrived. This business has been a staple for families and neighbors in the area for over 60 years. This mom-and-pop boutique confidently boasts, "If we don't have it, you don't need it."

Related: A Guide to Halloween in Salem

Don's Joke Shop
1505 Hancock St.
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 479-8577
www.facebook.com/donsjokeshop

Don's Joke Shop has every type of practical joke, gimmick and fun gag supply at cheap prices. Once the costume of the day is decided on, comical and coordinated accessories are a must. For example, a white-sleeved shirt and black jeans could be the beginning of a comfortable pirate costume. Add a trash-talking parrot from Don's Joke Shop, an eye patch or a saber that bends and bleeds when prodding a costumed deck hand. Accessories easily transform everyday clothing into a perfect, within-the-budget Halloween outfit. Make a simple dress fancy by draping long beads, pinning a lace hankie here or there, adding a few long strands of fake hair and become a princess for the day's office party.

A Matter of Face
425 Hanover St.
Boston, MA 02113
(617) 742-5874
www.amatterofface.com

Some of the most stunning Halloween costumes are centered completely around face make-up. Boston loves masked balls on many secular occasions, Halloween is only one such event. Part of the mystery of trick-or-treating is not to be recognized. Take a trip to A Matter of Face and get some design ideas, make-up suggestions or a little help placing jewels or scars in just the right place. The artists and stylists here have funky hair, chunky colors and sets that last only for the evening too. Get the imagination pumped for the holiday. The bigger the list of ideas, the easier it becomes to find the extra pieces at budget costs that make a costume great.

Related: 5 Sext Halloween Costumes For Less Than 20 In Boston