Buy Cheap Carnival Costumes: Top Tips to Find Affordable Outfits Under 20€

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Key Takeaways

• You can find cheap carnival costumes under 20€ without sacrificing style.
• Discover affordable costumes at thrift stores, discount retailers, online marketplaces, dollar stores, and local community resources.
• DIY costumes offer a creative and budget-friendly option.
• Shop during sales and off-season periods to find carnival costumes on sale.
• Second-hand costumes are an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice.
• Plan ahead and be resourceful to make the most of your budget.

The carnival season brings an explosion of color, music, and festivities to our streets. It’s a time when everyone wants to join in the fun and express themselves through creative costumes. But here’s the good news – you don’t need to break the bank to look fantastic! If you’re looking to buy cheap carnival costumes, you’ve come to the right place.

We understand that many people want to participate in carnival celebrations while keeping costs down. Whether you’re outfitting an entire family or need multiple costumes for different events, this guide will show you how to find amazing carnival costumes without emptying your wallet.

The Importance of Budget-Friendly Costumes

Finding carnival costumes under 20€ isn’t just about saving money – it’s about making the celebration accessible to everyone. Many people face financial constraints, especially families needing multiple costumes or students working with tight budgets.

Budget-friendly costumes often lead to greater creativity. When working with limited resources, people often discover innovative ways to create eye-catching looks. Adding personal DIY touches to simple costumes can result in unique, memorable outfits that stand out in the crowd.

The best part? These affordable options often encourage more participation in carnival events, as people feel confident they can join in without financial strain.

Where to Find Cheap Carnival Costumes?

Finding affordable carnival costumes is easier than you might think. Here are the best places to look:

Thrift Stores and Secondhand Shops

• Perfect for unique and vintage pieces
• Significantly lower prices than retail stores
• Great for finding base pieces to customize

Discount Retailers

• Stores like Target and Walmart offer affordable options
• Look for seasonal sales and clearance items
• Check both costume sections and regular clothing departments

Online Marketplaces

• Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress often have great deals
• Read reviews carefully before purchasing
• Compare prices across platforms
• Watch for free shipping offers

Dollar Stores

• Excellent for accessories and makeup
• Find props and decorative items
• Stock up on face paint and basic supplies

Local Community Resources

• Facebook Marketplace for local deals
• Community costume swaps
• Yard sales and flea markets
• Local rental shops for one-time use

Pro Tip: Shop during off-season periods, especially right after Halloween, when retailers offer major clearance sales on costumes.

Discover more ideas at DIY Carnival Clothes – Ideas and Practical Tips.

Carnival Costumes Under 20€

Here are creative costume ideas that won’t break your budget:

DIY Animal Costumes

• Use basic colored clothing (black for cat, brown for dog)
• Create ears from cardboard or felt
• Add face paint for features
• Total cost: 10-15€

Superhero Look

• Plain colored leggings and shirt
• DIY cape from old bedsheet
• Handmade mask from cardboard
• Cost: 15-20€ – check out Carnival Costume Ideas 2025 Guide

Decade-Themed Outfits

• 60s Hippie: Tie-dye shirt, bell-bottoms
• 70s Disco: Shiny shirt, flared pants
• 80s Retro: Neon colors, leg warmers
• Average cost: 12-18€

Punny Costumes

• “Ceiling Fan”: Regular clothes + “Go Ceiling!” sign
• “Social Butterfly”: Nice outfit + paper butterflies
• Cost: 5-10€

Group Costumes

• Crayons or M&Ms using solid colored clothing
• Add logos with fabric paint
• Cost per person: 10-15€ – see Carnival Costumes for Kids Guide

For more last-minute ideas, visit 8 Last-Minute DIY Carnival Costume Ideas.

Carnival Costumes on Sale

Timing is everything when hunting for costume sales:

Peak Season Sales

• Watch for pre-carnival promotions
• Sign up for retailer newsletters
• Follow costume shops on social media

Post-Holiday Opportunities

• Shop after Halloween clearances
• Check New Year sales
• Look for end-of-season markdowns

Online Deals

• Amazon Lightning Deals
• eBay auctions
• Flash sales on specialty sites

Stay Informed:

• Subscribe to retailer emails
• Join costume-focused social media groups
• Use price comparison tools

Get more tips at DIY Carnival Clothes – Ideas and Practical Tips.

Second-hand Carnival Costumes

Benefits of Going Second-hand:

• Significant cost savings
• Often better quality than cheap new costumes
• Unique vintage finds
• Environmentally friendly choice – learn more at Carnival Costumes for Kids Guide

Where to Find Second-hand Costumes:

• Goodwill and Salvation Army
• ThredUp and Poshmark
• Local vintage stores
• Community costume swaps

Tips for Second-hand Success:

1. Inspect thoroughly before buying
2. Check for missing pieces
3. Plan for cleaning or repairs
4. Consider customization options

Find inspiration at 10 Last-Minute DIY Carnival Costumes.

Making the Most of Your Budget

Smart Shopping Strategies:

• Plan ahead – last-minute purchases often cost more
• Set a firm budget before shopping
• Compare prices across multiple sources
• Consider sharing costs with friends

Creative Solutions:

• Repurpose items you already own
• Focus on standout accessories
• Use makeup to enhance simple costumes
• Mix and match pieces

Remember: Imagination and creativity matter more than money spent!

Conclusion

Finding cheap carnival costumes doesn’t mean compromising on style or fun. With careful planning, smart shopping, and a dash of creativity, you can create amazing carnival costumes without overspending. Whether you choose to buy second-hand, shop sales, or craft your own DIY creation, there are plenty of ways to join the carnival festivities on a budget.

Ready to start your costume hunt? Use the tips and resources we’ve shared to find your perfect carnival outfit. Remember, the most memorable costumes often come from creativity and personality, not a big budget. Happy carnival season!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where can I find the cheapest carnival costumes?

A: Thrift stores, dollar stores, and online marketplaces like eBay and AliExpress are great places to find affordable costumes.

Q: How can I make a costume with items I already have?

A: Get creative by repurposing clothing and accessories. For example, use a striped shirt and bandana for a pirate costume.

Q: When is the best time to buy carnival costumes on sale?

A: The best times are during off-season sales, such as right after Halloween or New Year’s clearance sales.

Q: Are second-hand costumes a good option?

A: Yes, second-hand costumes are budget-friendly and eco-friendly. They often offer unique finds at a fraction of the cost.

Q: What are some easy DIY carnival costume ideas?

A: Simple ideas include animal costumes with basic clothing and accessories, decade-themed outfits, or punny costumes using signs and props.