Easter at The Costume Shoppe: Renting vs Buying a Bunny Costume

Spring is here, which means Easter events, egg hunts, family photos, and one very important guest — the Easter Bunny.

Whether you’re planning a community celebration, a school event, a mall photo opportunity, or simply adding a bit of seasonal magic, the right bunny costume can make all the difference. At The Costume Shoppe on Blackfoot and 42nd Ave SE in Calgary, we help customers every year find the perfect Easter Bunny solution.

One of the most common questions we hear is:

Should you rent a bunny costume or purchase one?

Both options have advantages depending on how often you plan to use the costume and how much responsibility you want when it comes to storage and upkeep.

Before deciding, it helps to understand a little about the tradition behind the Easter Bunny and the different options available.

The Origin of the Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny has a long history that dates back to European folklore. The tradition is believed to have originated in Germany with the story of the Osterhase, or Easter Hare. According to the legend, this hare would visit children during the Easter season and leave decorated eggs for those who had behaved well.

German immigrants brought this tradition to North America in the 1700s, where it gradually evolved into the Easter Bunny we know today.

Today, the Easter Bunny has become a familiar and beloved character at springtime celebrations. From community egg hunts and school visits to shopping centre photo booths, the bunny mascot plays an important role in creating memorable Easter experiences.

Why Use a Bunny Mascot?

A bunny mascot instantly adds excitement and atmosphere to an event. Children love interacting with characters, and the Easter Bunny quickly becomes the centre of attention.

Mascots are especially popular for:

• Community Easter egg hunts
• School celebrations
• Charity events
• Shopping centre photo opportunities
• Family events and festivals

A well-presented bunny mascot creates photo opportunities, engages families, and adds a festive element that helps make an event feel complete.

Renting a Bunny Costume

For many organizations and event planners, renting an Easter Bunny costume is the easiest and most practical choice.

Renting allows you to access a professional-quality mascot costume without needing to worry about long-term storage or maintenance.

Advantages of Renting

Renting a costume offers several benefits:

• No long-term storage required
• No cleaning or maintenance responsibilities
• Access to professional-quality costumes
• Flexibility if a different performer wears the costume each year
• Ideal for one-time or occasional events

For many community events or businesses hosting an Easter celebration once per year, renting simply makes the most sense.

Purchasing a Bunny Costume

For organizations that host Easter events every year, purchasing a mascot can sometimes be the better option.

Owning a bunny costume means it’s always available when you need it and can become part of your organization’s seasonal traditions.

Advantages of Buying

Purchasing a mascot can be beneficial if it will be used regularly.

Some advantages include:

• Long-term cost savings for frequent use
• Immediate access whenever it’s needed
• Consistency for annual events
• Ability to build a recognizable character presence

However, owning a mascot costume also comes with some responsibilities.

Maintenance, Storage, and Upkeep

Mascot costumes require proper care to keep them looking their best.

When purchasing a mascot costume, you’ll need to consider:

• Safe and dry storage space
• Regular cleaning after use
• Proper handling to prevent damage
• Maintaining the shape of the costume and headpiece

Mascots can be bulky and delicate, which means they need to be stored carefully between events.

Renting eliminates this responsibility, which is why many customers prefer that option.

A Common Challenge With Buying Mascots

One disadvantage of purchasing a mascot costume is sizing.

Mascot suits are typically purchased for a specific performer or body size. If the person wearing the bunny costume changes from year to year, the costume may no longer fit comfortably.

This often means organizations need to purchase a new mascot suit if a different performer takes over the role.

Renting can solve this issue, since different sizes and styles can be selected depending on who will be playing the bunny that year.

Different Types of Bunny Costumes

Not all bunny costumes are the same. Depending on the event and atmosphere you’re creating, there are several styles to choose from.

Some customers prefer a classic mascot-style Easter Bunny, which features a full character head and plush suit. This option works well for large events, community celebrations, and photo opportunities.

Others may choose lighter character costumes or accessories, which can be easier to wear for longer periods of time.

At The Costume Shoppe, we help customers compare different bunny styles to find the option that works best for their event, performer comfort, and overall look.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Event

Whether you decide to rent or purchase, the most important thing is choosing a bunny costume that helps bring your Easter celebration to life.

For many customers, renting provides convenience and flexibility. For organizations that host large Easter events every year, purchasing may make more sense long-term.

Either way, the goal is the same — creating a memorable experience for families and children.

Celebrate Easter With The Costume Shoppe

The Costume Shoppe has been helping Calgary bring characters to life for decades. From mascot rentals to full costume purchases, we carry everything needed to make your Easter event a success.

If you’re planning an Easter celebration this year, stop by and explore our bunny options.

You’ll find us in the Big Dark Blue Building on the corner of Blackfoot and 42nd Ave SE in Calgary, ready to help you hop into Easter with the perfect costume. Come try on a costume and ask our Experts questions.

We’ll see you soon. ?