Halloween is fast approaching and parents and children everywhere are beginning to look for inspiration to feed the imagination.  The beauty of Halloween is that for one day, people of all ages have license to create beyond what is typical, usual, or expected.  The act of pretending is a terrific exercise for body, mind, and soul.   So the sky’s the limit this Halloween.   Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering your family’s Halloween costumes.

• Catalogs – You may have already started to receive Halloween catalogs in the mail.  Feel free to hand them to family members and ask them to circle or cut out their favorites.
• Online Search – Browsing sites like Amazon’s Halloween Store will provide plenty of great ideas and good prices on costumes and accessories.
• Budget – Beginning this process with a solid budget will allow you to control spending and inform your family of any financial limitations.
• Family Meeting – Scheduling a brainstorming session may be the single best step in planning Halloween costumes.  You may not even realize the great ideas your child has been considering for dress up.  Once you decide on a costume, then begins the work of putting one together.
• Pencil & Paper – Don’t rely on your memory to keep costumes and tasks straight for planning.  Delegate when possible.  Assign research to one person and purchases to another.  Map it all out on paper to give you and your family a clear understanding of what it may take to create the perfect costume(s).
• Blocks of Time – Costumes rarely create themselves.  Even if you mail order them, there is still an amount of time management that needs to occur.  There should be time to make a costume decision, purchase the costume/supplies, sew or organize, try on, and make adjustments.  Be sure to schedule some blocks of time to complete any costume details.
• Supplies – It is a good idea to have a stock of supplies that you are likely to use for your costume preparation:  scissors, measuring tape, thread, needles, safety pins,  and a little patience never hurt anyone.

What are your costume ideas for this Halloween?  Will you buy or make your family’s costumes?