How to Survive Purim without Going Bankrupt

Purim, one of our merriest holidays, is also one that often hits the pocket. Costumes for children account for the majority of the expenses. Queen Esther costumes are no longer handed down from sister to sister, and Cop and Indian costumes are no longer handed down from brother to brother. Every year new idols pop up and kids want to dress up as them. How can we send our little princess to kindergarten without her Elsa Ice Princess costume?

• Preparation conversation: before shopping find out what your children would like to dress up as, and set a spending budget.
• If your child wants to dress up like a new star, find out why. Do they recognize the movie and the characters? Or is it because everyone is dressing up in that costume?
• Substitutes: check online what the costume of choice entails. You might be able to substitute parts of the costume and accessories or borrow from friends.
• Keep the accessories to a minimum: Elsa can rein the ice with just the dress. A wand, crown, blonde wig and new shoes are not all imperative to the costume. Decide which accessories are must-haves and which are expendable.
• Compare: check the prices of the costumes and its parts online and in stores to find the lowest possible price. Finding similar products that differ in price can save you hundreds of Shekel. Shop around.
• Make sure the costumes and accessories you purchase are up to standard. Even if you make your own, avoid highly flammable materials such as paper or cotton balls.
• Purim Packages (Mishloah Manot): everyone sends and receives them. How many Hamantaschen can you possibly eat? Instead – donate to Paamonim!