Halloween in the Houssse!

​Halloween is going to be different this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued recommendations and guidelines for low- and high-risk Halloween activities. Those guidelines can be found here.​ The guidelines are advising against traditional activities like door-to-door trick or treating. But New Mexico's parents are getting creative and thinking of ways to celebrate Halloween in the house!

"There is no way the pandemic will stop our Goodwill DIY shoppers from celebrating Halloween safely. Those we have spoken with tell us they are not going door-to-door, instead, they are planning to have fun in the house. They also want to spend way less money to celebrate. This makes Goodwill a perfect place to shop for Halloween décor and clothing pieces for DIY costumes", says Goodwill Marketing Manager, Pamela Russom.
​
Goodwill wants all New Mexico kids and kids-at-heart to have fun this Halloween! So, we put our heads together and did a little research to determine what parents across the country are planning. Here are some of the fantastic Halloween ideas we found!  

​Costumes     ​

DIY Halloween costumes from Goodwill are the trend for 2020! Parents are looking for old clothing that can be altered, distressed, or repurposed. Among the most popular costume ideas are everyday heroes like police, doctors, and nurses and the good old-fashioned choices such as zombies, kitty cats, and creepy dolls.

Our team of Halloween "experts" this year are kids ranging from 7 – 13 years old. Within 10 minutes of starting their shopping adventure at our Goodwill store on San Mateo Blvd, they found inexpensive clothing, shoes, and accessories to create their DIY costume. Each costume should cost you less than $20 even after you include the price of make-up and other accessories that you may not find at Goodwill.  
​
Here are supply lists, prices, and our "easy to make" ratings for the three DIY costumes we tried:

Zombie = $10.96

Rating: Easy 
What you need: a light-colored t-shirt, long-sleeved shirt (flannel is perfect), jeans, shoes, simple make-up like black eyeliner, red lipstick, and light-colored foundation or powder and scissors.

You can pick up perfect Zombie clothes at Goodwill if you don't want to distress your existing clothing. Below are the everyday prices at our retail stores.
​
 Kid’s tee = $1.99
 Kid's long-sleeved shirt = $1.99
 Kid’s Jeans = $2.99
 Kid's shoes = $3.99 and up

Kitty Kat = $6.97 
​
Rating: Easier
What you need: a black pull-over shirt, black leggings, a headband, some cardboard, black paint or markers, simple make-up like black eyeliner, pink or red lipstick, scissors, and glue.

Goodwill is chock-full of black pull-overs and black leggings. Below are the everyday prices at our retail stores.
​
Kid's black pull-over shirt = $1.99
Kid’s black leggings = $2.99
Hairband/Accessories = $2.99

​Creepy Doll = $8.97

Rating: Easiest 
What you need: a black pull-over shirt, black leggings, a headband, simple make-up like black eyeliner, pink or red lipstick, and black ribbon.
​
Kid’s dress = $2.99
Kid’s striped leggings = $2.99
Hairband/Accessories = $2.99

​Décor ​

Interest in supplies for Halloween craft projects is at an all-time high at Goodwill. We narrowed our DIY choices to the easiest and most entertaining projects we could find.

Spell Book = $2.99  (price may vary) 
Rating: Easy 

What you need: Old books from Goodwill, mod-podge (make it yourself) paper towels, string or yarn, candle, black, brown, white paint (make it yourself) 
​
This spell-binding project is only moderately messy. Prep your
​workspace with a trash bag or paper bags to avoid mishaps. 

---

Trash Bag Spider Webs = $.99  (price may vary)
Rating: Easier 
​
What you need: black trash bags, plastic spiders, scissors
You may not need to leave the house to pull off this project. Although, the Halloween section at your Goodwill has tons of plastic spiders looking for a good home. Plus, kids of all ages will enjoy this inexpensive project. Just watch the younger children if you allow them to use scissors.

---

​Head in a Jar = $2.99  (price may vary)
Rating: Easiest 

What you need: A jar or glass container, a rubber Halloween mask
This is a hands-down favorite of Goodwill. We always have old jars (containers) and Halloween masks on hand. Plus, even the youngest
​kids can handle this craft project. So easy, so spooky, so fun!

---

In-House Fun 

Ok, Albuquerque Moms and Dads, what's the Halloween plan? The New Mexico Governor's Office has shared CDC guidelines on high-risk Halloween activities. Guidelines call for no door-to-door trick or treating. Boooooooo! 

But don't get witchy about it! Instead, cast a spell to create your own indoor fun! Would you like a few fun and economical ideas for celebrating in the house? Don't worry; Goodwill’s got you covered on supplies for affordable fun!
​

Hand-made piñatas' –$1.99  (price may vary) 
Rating: Moderate Difficultly

What you need: Poster Board, Flour Paste, Tissue Paper, Newspaper, glue, tape, lots of candy!

Piñatas are another fun way for anyone to get candy on Halloween! All you need is a little bit of creativity and to get in touch with your crafty side! You can easily find tissue paper and craft supplies at Goodwill! Follow this How to, on HGTV’s website:https://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/how-to-make-a-candy-corn-pinata-for-halloween

​Candy bucket toss –$4.99  (price may vary)  
Rating: Easy

What you need: Halloween candy buckets, candy, prizes

Place 10 candy buckets from your local Goodwill, in a pyramid shape. Players stand about 6 feet from first bucket and take turns trying to toss a piece of candy into the buckets, removing one each time they score. The player to get rid of their buckets first wins a Halloween prize. 
​
Candy hunt –$2.99  (price may vary)   
Rating Easiest

What you need: candy, Halloween candy buckets

This idea is a perfect way to get the kids moving! Similar to an Easter egg hunt, hide candies throughout the house and let the kids go hunt for them using Halloween buckets found at your local Goodwill!

For more ideas check out our Pinterest Halloween Boards!