When did Halloween costume's become so competitive for kids?

[Blue_Roses]

My kids are driving me NUTS! Candy, candy, candy, costume, costume, costume, money, money, MONEY! :banghead:

What happened to the days when kids just threw a sheet over their head, cut out two holes for the eyes, and went as a ghost:shrug: I love Halloween. It has always been one of my favorite holidays. The crisp, cool air makes it even better, but this year, my kids seem to think they will die if they don't have the "perfect" costume. :wtf: Where have I been and when did Halloween get so competitive at such an early age...

I refuse to buy a 20-30 dollar costume, that will be worn, ONCE just to stomp through somebody's yard to get candy. Nope. Ain't gonna do it. The "Jones'" win.

I miss some of those simple days.:(

[Richardo]

1. Since baby boomers became parents.

[eyesroll]

2. We bought a $2 piece of foam board, $3 bag of pipe cleaners and $2 sparkles.

I (poorly) cut wings out of the foam board, and Kiddo decorated it with markers and sparkles. Attached them to her with shoelaces. We then made antennae out of the pipe cleaners and a head band.

She went as a butterfly. Got lots of compliments. Had a great time.

"No" is underrated.

[Richardo]

3. Sounds great - I'll bet she looked cute as all get-out.

Mini geezer lecture: When I was a kid (mid 60s) we always made our own costumes. 1) the parents did not have the time, inclination or money to buy costumes for four boys, 2) it was way more fun and 3) made Halloween into an event, a days-long holiday.

And as your kiddo, found out, when you get compliments, they're for you and your imagination. :thumbsup:

[Sweet Freedom]

4. I just had that same issue

I told my daughter I wasn't going to spend $30 on a costume she was going to wear for two hours. So, we dug a black dress out of her closet, added some $7 halloween fabric for a cape, and a witch hat (and some tights in case it's cold out). Done and I can re-use the fabric next year.

[ThatsMyBarack]

5. Everything's competitive for kids these days.

Maybe it's the parents behind them....:shrug:

[billyskank]

6. Because everything's competitive nowadays.

Because modern life is all about WINNERS and LOSERS and you so don't want to be a LOSER, baby.