Where to find free Halloween costumes

Budgeting around Halloween may feel more like a trick than a treat. The National Retail Foundation estimates that in 2025, Americans will have record-high spending around the holiday, totaling, on average, $114.45 per person, with a majority of the cost spent on a costume.
But you don’t need to spend a ton of money to celebrate Halloween. Using community resources, nonprofits, and events, there are plenty of ways for families on a budget to find free Halloween costumes this season.

Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app
1. Find costumes through Buy Nothing groups#1-find-costumes-through-buy-nothing-groups
The “Buy Nothing” movement offers a way for people to share, lend, and gift items for free to their local community.
You can search listings in your area to find free items for a costume, or you can create your own post and explain the items you’re looking for. From there, you can set up a local exchange.
- Download the free Buy Nothing app
- Search for “Buy Nothing” groups on Facebook—many cities and towns (and even neighborhoods) have their own local Buy Nothing group for offering and getting free stuff
2. Go to clothing swaps (especially kid-focused ones)#2-go-to-clothing-swaps-especially-kid-focused-ones
Clothing swaps are popular ways for people to refresh their wardrobes without spending a dime. You can bring items you'd like to contribute to the swap, or simply select from what others bring.
- Browse bulletin boards at your local library or community center
- Follow Instagram accounts that promote local events
- Check the calendars of nearby small businesses that host community gatherings
- Search Eventbrite for “Halloween costume swap” events in your area
3. Ask in local parenting groups#3-ask-in-local-parenting-groups
If you’re looking for a free Halloween costume for your kids, consider reaching out to your local parenting group for resources. Whether in-person or online, other parents are bound to have costumes their kids have outgrown, and may even want to swap costumes for free.
- Search Facebook for local parent groups in your area
- Reach out to community centers in the area to see if they host local meetings for parents
4. Check Freecycle#4-check-freecycle
Similar to BuyNothing, Freecycle users offer items for free or to lend to local members. You can browse listings on the Freecycle website and reach out to coordinate pick-ups.
5. Browse Nextdoor “free” listings#5-browse-nextdoor-free-listings
Community members in your area may use the network Nextdoor to list items they want to give away. Join your local Nextdoor group and see if any free listings could work as a Halloween costume.
You can also post on your local Nextdoor page to see if members can share any insights on upcoming costume swap events or local nonprofits hosting costume giveaways.
6. Visit public libraries#6-visit-public-libraries
Finding a free Halloween costume could be as easy as checking out a library book. Visit your local library branch to see if they’re hosting any Halloween costume swaps in October.
While your library might not be hosting a free costume swap of its own, the librarians might be able to point you towards other local resources that provide free or low-cost costumes.

Balance your grocery budget and get access to deals with Propel
7. Check out local nonprofit or charity programs#7-check-out-local-nonprofit-or-charity-programs
Similar to school supply drives, nonprofit organizations like the Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club, and United Way, may host Halloween costume swaps or giveaways for children.
Nonprofits in your area may host similar events.
- Call or visit 211.org for community resources
- Reach out to local mutual aid or community groups to see if they’re hosting any events
8. Use your closet#8-use-your-closet
Your free Halloween costume might already be hanging in your closet. Find creative ways to use the items you already have to create something for the holiday.
Here’s a couple simple, low effort ideas to get started:
- A white sheet: Cut two eye holes to create a ghost costume, it’s a classic for a reason
- Jeans and a red plaid shirt: Create an axe out of cardboard and you’re a lumberjack
- Socks and tape: tape a couple of stray socks to your outfit, and you’re static cling
- Headband and cardboard: Cut out animal ears and glue or tape them to a headband for an easy costume
You can find inspiration from your own wardrobe to create a fun and recognizable costume. It might just take some time and creativity.