Halloween costumes on a budget

October 7th, 2009

costumepumpkin OK. I know this post may be a little close to Halloween, but if you are like most people, you are still undecided. Not only that, but costume prices are pretty outrageous considering they will probably only be worn once. Dressing up the little tricksters doesn’t have to be a budget-breaker. With a little imagination, you can use mostly what you have at home to create an award-winning costume.

For the younger trick-or-treaters, think of something that will go with those all-over pajamas. If they have something brown, make their face up like a lion, or pink can be a cute bunny. One year, we gutted a stuffed over-sized teddy bear that was falling apart and put my son in it, made up his face and taught him to growl like a grizzly.

Most of us may want to forget the seventies, but like it or not, that is a popular theme this year. Dig in your closet, or visit local thrift stores for seventies apparel. Don’t forget the gaudy necklaces and the open shirts that were popular. Or dig out that tie-dye and go as a hippie. Don’t forget the hair.

A geek is an easy one. Take some pants that the legs are too short, black socks and tennis shoes. Button up shirt with a pocket protector and lots of pens. Add slick hair and some glasses to complete the ensemble.

You can use the old ghost standby. Take an old white sheet and cut eyes in it and voila! If you don’t have one, you can probably pick up a cheap one at the dollar store or other deep-discount store for a few bucks.

You can make a good hobo by just using old clothes that have holes in them, or are very worn. Use makeup to smudge dirt on the face.

Using those gosh-awful loud shorts and shirt, an old camera, those old disney maps (or others), a cap with a tourist attraction logo on it can make a good tourist. You can use your imagination and have fun with this one.

There are plenty of other ideas out on the internet, click here to find them.

Used with permission from author Chris Corrigan