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 buy costumes | Where to get stuff 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.
Berkeley Public Library – North Branch
Whether you need a costume, want to donate one, or both, this swap is open to all. Bring clean, gently used costumes and accessories.Â
Saturday, October 5, 2024
11 am – 12 pm
Spooky Swap at Bon Marché (1245 Solano Ave)
Drop off a costume at Umami (1178 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.
Saturday, October 5, 2024
11 am – 4 pm
Swings and Wings
Drop off a gently used costume at Swings and Wings and kids can get 2 hours of free play while browsing for a new costume.Â
Friday, October 11, 2024
3 pm – 5 pm
San Leandro Library – Main Branch
Drop off clean, gently used costumes to the Main Library through Oct. 10 to receive a ticket to swap for a costume at the event on Oct. 12. Stay to enjoy a craft and Halloween cookies. Â
Saturday, October 12, 2024
2 pm – 3:30 pm
Alameda Public Library – Main Branch
Starting October 1st, bring your gently used costumes and accessories to the library and exchange them for a ticket for entry to the Costume Swap on October 20th.
Sunday, October 2o
1 pm – 4 pm
“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. I stopped by Grove Street Kids and they are already ready for you. Check out the following used clothing stores for baby, toddler, and preschooler sizes.
- Grove Street Kids (Berkeley)
- 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 locations already open:
Emeryville, Bay Street
San Leandro, 699 Lewelling
Hayward, 680 West Winston
Union City, 1650 Decoto Road
Fremont, 43598 Christy Street
Party and Decoration Stores
Party City (Richmond)
One-stop-shop at Hilltop Mall. Take advantage of ordering online for curbside pickup.
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:
Jo-Ann’s (El Cerrito Plaza and San Leandro)
Make sure to download their app before you go for coupons at this massive fabric store
Michael’s (Emeryville, Alameda, Pinole)
Less 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 that have supplies and space to build a DIY costume.
Costume Lab at Berkeley Public Library’s Central Branch
Create your own costume; a variety of supplies will be available for use.
October 12, 2024
2 PM – 4 PM
Costume Lab at Berkeley Public Library’s West Branch
Fabric, sewing machines, cardboard, notions and a variety of supplies will be available for use.
October 16, 2024
4 PM – 5:30 PM
Sewing Studio at Berkeley Public Library’s North Branch
Use the sewing machines to work on your own project. Great for people who have working knowledge of a sewing machine.
October 23, 2024
5 PM – 7 PM
