Where to Buy Halloween Costumes in the East Bay

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 that he and I most looked forward to. He would have a costume in mind and I would get to figure out which components we were going to make, and which we need to buy.

Once, I made this clown costume from scratch, having bought the material 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 buy costumes and materials to make them yourself in the East Bay.

Second-hand clothing stores. In October, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other thrift stores often sell used, but originally store-bought 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)
• Chloe’s Closet (Berkeley)
• Kelly’s Corner (Oakland)
• Mommy’s Trading Post (Alameda)

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:

Hayward, 24011 Hesperian Blvd, former Toys R Us
Union City, 30761 Dyer St, next to Video Only
San Lorenzo, 15928 Hesperian, next to Straw Hat Pizza
Concord, 5100 Clayton Rd, near the Garden Shop

Lots more locations >

Party and Decoration Stores

Party City (Alameda and Richmond)
I have already extolled the virtues of Party City for Halloween.

Paper Plus Outlet (Berkeley)
This San Pablo Ave shop has typical packaged costume items and accessories. Need Harry Potter glasses? You’ll probably find them here.

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: 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.

East Bay Costume Swap

Please be sure that the costumes you want to swap are clean, in good condition, and appropriate for children. Be prepared to bring costumes in and choose others.

Swings and Wings (2307 Blanding Ave Suite E. Alameda)
Drop off gently used costumes in advance of October 21 and receive a special token. Bring token to the event on Sat., Oct. 21 from 4 pm to 6 pm. Use your token to select a costume and get admission to play.