Do you remember your childhood Halloween costumes? How about your favorite costume?
For me, one of my favorite childhood costumes was dressing as Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz” as a toddler. I had it all: white and blue checkered dress, ruby red slippers, a little basket with a stuffed Toto the dog in it.
I loved the film as a kid, so of course, I loved the costume. However, I loved it a lot more because it was a pre-loved costume.
My older sister wore the same Dorothy costume as a toddler four years earlier. I loved my costume, because I could feel the love and happiness it brought my sister when she wore it. Even now as an adult, I look back so fondly at that costume and other costumes that were passed down to me, because it reminds me of the joy we all must have felt while enjoying our Halloweens.
Personally, I think one of the best ways to make a Halloween costume special is to borrow or utilize pieces that once belonged to someone else. Not only does it save you money in a time where the cost of living itself is already seemingly rising every day, but it also continues to give life to clothing and accessories that could otherwise be discarded after a single use.
According to the National Retail Federation’s annual Halloween consumer survey, an estimated $4.3 billion will be spent on Halloween costumes this year in the U.S., and it is estimated that the average person will spend $115 for their entire Halloween, with costumes, candy and decorations making up the cost. For those providing for families and kids, this cost can get higher and scarier (and not the fun kind of scary).
Another scary stat? About 35 million Halloween costumes are discarded and end up in landfills each year, according to a 2025 Forbes report. Most costumes are only worn once.
In efforts to give back to the community and make Halloween more accessible, affordable and sustainable, several establishments across the tri-county area are holding Halloween costume drives, swaps and grabs for local children and adults. Some held donation collections that will be distributed to interested folks for free with no donation necessary on their end, while others hold swaps where, in order to get a costume, its required or recommended you give away an old or never-worn costume of your own.
And hey, if you are just looking to get rid of some old costumes this year, consider dropping them off at a drive, so someone else can experience the same joy from a Halloween costume as you did.
Here are just a few places in the Burlington, Camden and Gloucester county areas that you can check out this Halloween season.
Annual Free Halloween Costume Exchange by Michelle Cassin Group
This marks the fourth year the Haddonfield-based Michelle Cassin Group with Compass Real Estate will be running its Free Halloween Costume Exchange. Through Friday, October 9, donate any gently used or untouched Halloween costumes off at either Haddonfield Middle School or Tatem Elementary School. To “shop” the costume collection, head to the Haddonfield Farmers Market on Saturday, October 10 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the Haddon Heights Farmers Market on Sunday, October 18, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can browse the costumes for free, or you can bring and exchange a costume while you are there. Contact Cassin with any questions at 267-250-2347.
CHPL will host a costume “shopping” event on October 14.
Cherry Hill Public Library Halloween Costume Drive
The Cherry Hill Public Library (CHPL) is accepting gently worn Halloween costumes for all ages through Sunday, October 11. Donations can be dropped off in the Youth Services section or in a donation bin by the Welcome Desk. On Wednesday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., come to “shop” for you or your family’s new Halloween costume for free. No donation or swap is required to partake in the event.
Medford Green Team Halloween Costume Collection and Shop
In a first of its kind event in town, Medford Green Team in partnership with the township and local businesses is hosting a Halloween Costume Collection and Shop. The Green Team decided to host this event in attempt to keep costumes out of landfills, as well as give back to the community. During the entirety of September, people had the opportunity to donate children, adult and pet Halloween costumes off at A Wild Bird Oasis, Love Thy Nature Refillery and Dory’s Mediterranean Grill. On Sunday, October 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Green Team will host a free Halloween Costume Shop at Cranberry Hall Senior Center, where members of the team will assist you in finding the best costumes.
Jersey Cares Halloween Costume Drive at Rowan College of South Jersey Gloucester Campus
One of the state’s most popular initiatives comes from Jersey Cares, a non-profit organization that helps others connect with other non-profits and volunteer opportunities. Its annual Halloween Costume Drive is based in Livingston, Essex County, however, establishments across the state can sign up to host their own donations. These donations will then be sent to Jersey Cares and distributed to families in need this season. In South Jersey, there is a costume drop-off site at Rowan College of South Jersey Gloucester Campus in Sewell, sponsored by the Volunteer Center of South Jersey. Donations are accepted through Monday, October 12 at the Education & Humanities Center in Room 410. Email taylor@sjvolunteers.org with any questions or concerns.
Moorestown Library Halloween Costume Drive
Since early September, Moorestown library has been collecting Halloween costume and accessory donations that will be available for free at its annual Halloween Costume Drive on Saturday, October 17. Costume donations will be accepted through Friday, October 16, and they can be dropped off in the Youth Services room. The Drive is free to attend, and there is no swap or donation necessary: you can just come, get a costume and prepare for a great Halloween.
Gloucester County Library System Mullica Hill Branch Halloween Costume Swap
The Mullica Hill library is currently hosting its annual Halloween Costume Swap. The swap began on September 1, and it will run until October 31 or while supplies last. Bring a gently used costume(s) to the library for an even exchange of another costume(s). If you do not want to participate in the swap, you can still donate any gently used costume to the Mullica Hill branch or any of the Gloucester County Library System Branches: Glassboro, Greenwich Township, Logan Township, Newfield, Swedesboro and the newly open Clayton branch.
Happy Halloween 2026 from the ghosts of Donnelly.Media’s past!
