Clearly you can order Halloween costumes on Amazon, but since the Bay Area is full of folks who think outside the box, we’re providing a list of resources for where to buy costumes locally as well as where to find materials for making your own.
[Where to trade costumes | [Where to buy costumes | Where to make costumes]
When my son was younger, this was the time of year to which he and I most looked forward. He would have a costume in mind and I would get to figure out which components we were going to make and which ones we needed to buy.
Once, I made this clown costume from scratch, having bought the fabric at Stonemountain & Daughter, but purchased the clown wig and Snazaroo face paint at the Halloween Spirit Store (locations below).
Another year, we bought the whole Santa outfit, but I assembled a crafty undershirt strategy that contained a jolly-sized belly. (Hard to see in this photo, so you’ll have to believe me.)
Here’s where to get costumes and materials to make them yourself in the East Bay
East Bay Costume Swaps
Bring costumes that are clean, in good condition, and appropriate for children. Be prepared to bring costumes in and choose others.
Bon Marché, The Costume Swap Edition
Sunday, October 5, 2025, 11 am – 4 pm
Drop off a costume at Coyote Kids (1272 Solano Ave) through October 3, then come back on October 5 to explore the Halloween costume-swapping zone at Bon Marché, a pop-up European-style, second-hand outdoor market in Albany. A costume donation earns a ticket to redeem another costume. More Details>
Berkeley Public Library – North Branch
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 4 pm – 5 pm
Whether you need a costume, want to donate one, or both, this swap is open to all. Bring clean, gently used costumes and accessories to the library anytime between September 19 and October 9. Learn more>
San Leandro Library – Main Branch
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Drop off clean, gently used costumes to the Main Library through Oct. 15 to receive a ticket to swap for a costume at the event on Oct. 16. Website>
“Local Buy Nothing groups are also a convenient option for finding or giving away kids costumes”, adds Berkeley mom of two, Maureen.
Second-hand clothing stores
In October, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other thrift stores often sell used kids’ costumes. but they also have the makings for tons of homemade costumes. An old prom dress can become a princess or fairy, for example. If you have low-level sewing skills, it’s easier to start with a manufactured garment and leverage the existing hems or zipper closures.
Kids used clothing stores start putting their costumes out during the first week of October. Check out the following used clothing stores for baby, toddler, and preschooler sizes.
- Kelly’s Corner (Oakland)
- Mommy’s Trading Post (Alameda)
- Once Upon A Child (Newark)
- Moments Shared (Vallejo)
“Poshmark is great for kids costumes”, adds Oakland mom of two, Bekah.
Seasonal Costume Stores
Seasonal Halloween Spirit Superstores. These pop-up shops enable landlords to earn some rent while occupying a vacant retail space. This year you’ll find a warehouse-style Halloween store, packed with costumes, accessories, and house decorations in these already open locations:
El Cerrito, 300 El Cerrito Plaza
Richmond, 3500 Klose Way
Hayward, 680 W Winton Ave
Fremont, 39125 Fremont Hub
Toy Stores/Children’s Stores
Five Little Monkeys (Berkeley, Albany, and lots more)
Selling capes, wings, and wands for magical costumes, as well as occupation dress-up sets such as Astronaut, Doctor, Firefighter.
Craft Stores & Maker Spaces: For DIY or mostly DIY Costumes
Fabric stores sell patterns for sewers, fabric, yarns, and notions. DIYers will find light green furry material for Oscar the Grouch, silver fabric for a knight’s cape, or velcro that will be easy to install. Try one of these:
Michael’s (Emeryville, Alameda, Pinole)
Some fabric, but more poster boards, sticky back felt, and adhesive products.
Stonemountain & Daughter (Berkeley)
Knowledgeable staff who can help you strategize your craft project
East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse (Oakland)
This Temescal shop is filled with supplies that have upcycle potential. Yarn, plastic containers, jars, magnets. If you can convince your kid to be a robot, you’ll definitely want to get inspired here.
Maker spaces are areas with supplies and room to build a DIY costume.
Visit the Costume Lab at Berkeley Public Library’s Central Branch on October 6 and 27, from 4–6 PM, to create your own costume. A variety of supplies will be available. Learn More>
Stop by the San Lorenzo Library’s Halloween Costume Lab on October 18, for help bringing your costume idea to life. Sewing machines, limited fabric paint, and cardboard will be available, or bring your own materials. Learn More>
