I recently read about a new type of house party gaining popularity with women. It draws on the old-fashioned swap meet for inspiration. Invitees come with clothing and fashion accessories they no longer want. The fun begins in checking out the collected treasure and then exchanging with one another. Everyone walks away with something different and interesting and no money has exchanged hands.
I was thinking, why couldn't this idea be extended to Halloween costumes? About this time of year, children begin talking about what they want to be for Halloween. Usually this process involves a trip or trips to various stores in an attempt to put together the perfect costume. After the trick-or-treating is over, the creation is forgotten and shoved to the back of the closet or boxed away in the attic.
A costume exchange would save parents time and stress this fall, not to mention money. Kids would enjoy socializing and trying on different costumes, something they can't do with packaged items in stores. Think of it as a pre-Halloween party to get everyone excited about the holiday. Better than dreading it, right? More important, you'll be reusing instead of purchasing new, which is good for the environment.
