Gifts for costumers
Thursday, December 4th, 2008 by tcgChristmas and Hanukkah shopping lists get harder to create every year. It can be even more difficult when someone has interests that you know nothing about. Do you have a budding costumer? A loved one that loves to dress up? This is the list you’ve been waiting for. Here are ten great costume related gift ideas for your friends and family.
10. Gift cards. Normally I’m against gift cards as they show a lack of thought about the recipient, but I’ll allow it here. Costumers don’t always know exactly what they need until they get into the store. I suggest getting small amounts for fabric stores like Hancock, craft stores like Joann’s, and hardware stores like Home Depot.
9. Sequined surprises. Look for outrageous items that can add spice to their daily or special occasion wardrobe. Sequined bow ties and beaded scarves add some nice flash to any look.
8. Stuffed Stockings. Fill the Christmas stocking with accessories. Stock up on the season’s big sale item: costume jewelry. Add hair clips, pins, and falls to the stocking. Don’t forget belts, ties, scarves, glasses, and tights.
7. Sewing How-to. Eventually all costumers need to sew something. Give them a beginner book like The Complete Book of Sewing.
6. Gift Set. Drugstores and department stores stock makeup gift sets this time of year. They range in price from $5 - $50. The diverse colors lend themselves to experimentation. Pair a makeup gift set with a travel case or tackle box for makeup storage.
5. Makeup How-to. There are lots of great make up books on the shelves. I like Kevyn Aucoin’s Face Forward. It begins with basic makeup technique and evolves into to trick makeup and extreme looks. Face Forward is written for the beginner and the advanced makeup user.
4. Wig. Pick out a fun crazy wig or classic cut and color. If you know your costumer is working on a specific design, try to find a wig that matches. You don’t have to bust the bank shopping for a real hair wig. Shoot for something in the $30-40 range and it will be fine.
3. DVDs. Pick out a DVD that has great costumes. The Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog is in pre-order right now. Or the very vivid Pushing Daisies season one. The old Hollywood spectacle musicals had great costumes. Don’t forget to buy wide screen.
2. Convention tickets. Is your costumer into a particular genre? If so, give him or her passes to Wizard Con, Dragon Con, or Anime Expo.
1. Rockin’ New Year’s Costume. Give the gift of fun. Surprise your friend with an Elvis jumpsuit and glasses. Share the girl power with a Madonna costume. Think exciting. Rock idols and movie stars are perfect for big nights like New Year’s Eve parties.
There you have it. Ten gifts any costumer would love. You can personalize your gifts buy adding a little pizazz to the packaging. Use remnant fabric for the wrapping. Tie some bobbins to the bow. And top it all off with a small pot of body glitter.

















