Wwhow, look at these savings!

It’s October and fall has begun. Every where you turn you see pumpkins and seasonal holiday décor. Candy and Halloween costumes line the shelves of retail stores, reminding you that soon your kids will need new Halloween costumes.

What’s a parent on a fixed budget to do? Get crafty and make homemade costumes!

Homemade Halloween costumes can be simple and inexpensive to make while store bought costumes typically run over $20 each. Store bought costumes are made in the thousands for each style while a homemade costume is one of a kind. People also tend to remember and compliment the homemade costumes, while the store bought ones are nothing special.

Here are some easy Halloween costumes you could whip up in an afternoon:

• Scarecrow-all you need is an old pair of overalls or jeans with either a t-shirt or flannel shirt underneath. Stuff some newspaper or bags in the clothing to make it puffy, and let a few strands of straw hand out of the pockets. Add a little makeup and like magic you have a easy scarecrow. You can even go a little farther with your costume by adding an old or straw hat.
• Skunk-all you need is a pair of black sweat pants and a matching black sweatshirt. Paint, draw, or tape on a white stripe down the back. Ta da! You have a skunk costume. If you are feeling extra craft you could add on a tail.
• Snowman-just as easy as the skunk, but instead of black sweats you need a white set. Color on black circles with a permanent marker or sew on some big black buttons. Add a toboggan, a little orange makeup on the nose, and a scarf as easy accessories.
• Ghostbusters-Grey sweatpants or gray coveralls work equally well for this costume. Add a backpack with a vacuum cleaner hose hanging out to complete the look. If you are a sewer you might make your own Ghostbusters appliqué patch and sew it on. If you draw well you could draw the Ghostbusters logo on the sleeve. In this east costume your child would be the talk of the neighborhood! They could say they’re working on Halloween, just rounding up some ghosts that have been hanging around.
• Grapes-Purple sweatpants or leggings are needed for this costume. Blow up a bag of purple balloons and attach them to the costume.

One thing to think about if you are making costumes for more than one child is a group theme. One child could be green grapes and the other purple grapes. If you have a bunch of boys in your household you could make the whole Ghostbuster team!

The options for homemade Halloween costumes are endless. Before you go out and buy supplies check your closet to see if there’s anything you could use. Remember that an old bridesmaid dress can turn into anything from a princess, Miss America, to a dead prom queen. With a little imagination and some elbow grease you can save money, stay under budget, and turn out a one of a kind masterpiece!