It’s still a month away but we’re already getting excited for Halloween here in Vancouver. It’s not just for kids either, Ol’ Hallow’s Eve has become essential fun for every age and audience. Here are some great ways to get involved in the festivities this year, no matter your age or comfort level…
Host A Party
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJxuUjN_vV4
Decorating for Halloween is a lot of fun, because the theme, decorating options and creativity have no limits. You can find everything you need to quickly, affordably and spookily turn any living room into a haunted graveyard, Egyptian tomb or Alien nest. Looking for something lighter? Try theming your party to Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones with mid-evil touches. You’ll find a lot of items like skeletons, cobwebs and bamboo can be used in a number of settings. And be sure to factor in reusability into your purchases. If you have a place to store tombstones and skeletons, invest in the sturdier variety so they last a few years. Before you know it, kids in your neighbourhood will tell stories of your Halloween ingenuity. Don’t forget the creepy tunes and sound effects!
Book An Activity
From Fright Night at Playland to numerous interactive Zombie immersion experiences, there are a ton of interesting, exciting ways to experience Halloween in the weeks leading up to it. Check out some of the amazing haunted houses private citizens put up, visit the Ghost Train in Stanley Park and check out Halloween Town and the Burnaby Village Museum. Don’t forget simpler, more child friendly activities like visiting a pumpkin patch in Aldergrove or Richmond and be sure to make a day of your halloween costume shopping!
Costumes
Speaking of costumes, we’ve got a ton of ideas for dressing up without spending a ton. Visit your local Value Village, Salvation Army and vintage clothing stores for out of the box ideas. Want something everyone will be talking about this year? Try dressing up as a Guardian of the Galaxy or Orange is the New Black character. Piece together a soldier costume at army surplus stores or go goofy with something home made. We’re pretty sure nobody is going as an iPhone 6 but if you did you’d be the talk of the party with just a little cardboard and creativity. Need more ideas? Try pulling your costume from the headlines and a bit of wordplay to keep friends guessing.
Top 2014 Costume Ideas for all ages:
- Elsa from Frozen
- Any Orange is the New Black Character
- Captain America
- Zombies & Ranger Rick from Walking Dead
- Any Robing Williams Character (Mrs. Doubtfire, Mork, Genie, Peter Pan or Patch Adams)
Movie Marathon
A movie marathon is a hassle free way to get the most out of Halloween while relaxing at home without a lot of chaos or cost. Invite close friends, set your playlist and theme your snacks to the films you’ve picked. Watching the original Alien? Try dying some hard boiled eggs green or putting floating eye balls in that punch for Carrie. Put some fake spiders in the snack food and a pass around the peeled grapes and pasta noodles for some classic blind folded fun. This year we recommend some classic scary films. Check out the family friendly Poltergeist or the spooky Gremlins. Nightmare on Elm Street and Halloween are also good fun this time of year. And you can always start with The Great Pumpkin for the kids.
Finding What You Need
Having trouble finding what you need? We recommend unconventional treasure troves like Army Surplus stores, Thrift Stores and Vintage clothing stores for some of the best finds, but for the more conventional spooky supplies, there are a lot of options in Vancouver and surrounding areas. Some of the best are listed below. A lot of these are temporary locations that pop up just for the month, so be sure to check the websites or call for directions and hours. Good luck and happy hunting!
Vancouver:
The Party Bazaar
http://www.thepartybazaar.com/
1296 Station Street, Vancouver, 604-873-5241
Dressew Supply
337 W. Hastings, Vancouver, 604-682-6196
Halloween City on Robson Street
http://www.halloweencity.com/
1160 Robson Street, Vancouver
Surrey:
The Costume Bank
http://www.thecostumebank.com/
105-11558 132A Street, Surrey, 604-583-4037
Halloween Alley
http://www.halloweenalley.ca/
101-17770 56th Avenue, Surrey, 604-542-9913
Port Moody:
It’s My Party Shop
http://www.itsmypartyshop.ca/
2424 St Johns Street, Port Moody, 604-931-6040
Langley:
The Party Bazaar
http://www.thepartybazaar.com/
#100 – 19888 Langley Bypass, Langley, 604-510-5585
North Vancouver:
Boolala Costume Rentals
152 East 2nd Street, North Vancouver, 604-986-4880
http://www.boolalacostumes.com/
Burnaby:
Halloween Alley
http://www.halloweenalley.ca/
150 – 3355 North Rd, Burnaby, 604-558-1550
New Westminster:
Columbia Costume Rental
42 Sixth Street, New Westminster, 604-524-0413
Need more ideas for Halloween? Leave a comment for us on Facebook and we’ll make some suggestions! Be sure to visit your local 123 Dentist this Halloween as many clinics offer Trick R’ Treaters candy and tooth brushes to match, not to mention fun decorations and prizes. Find out if your 123 Dentist is getting into the Halloween spirit by calling to book a check-up today!
