Ideas for Cheap Halloween Costumes

Looking for inexpensive ideas for Halloween or playtime costumes?  Here's a few ideas that you can start with:

• Punk Rocker
• Princess
• Super Hero
• Doctor
• Ghost
• Cowboy
• Hippie
• Farmer

Start with the children's dress up clearance racks in your local stores or better yet head to the thrift store for items that you can convert or use as part of the costume.  If all else fails, head to yours or your kids closet and see what can be converted.   Buying Halloween costumes at the end of the season for next year's use is a good idea too as well as from sales. 

You can put a pair of bib overalls and an old plaid shirt together for your son's Farmer costume.  Can't find a pair of bibs, what about a pair of jeans with a rope belt.  If you have a old handkerchief around, hang it from his back pocket or an old pair of work gloves from the Dollar Store.  Add a straw hat and a galvanized bucket to collect the treats and you're good to go.

A Ghost is an easy one.  Buy an old sheet from the thrift store and get to work on the eyes, mouth and nose. 

Go for the mismatched, I don't care what I'm wearing Punk Rocker look.  You can head to your child's closet for this one.  Find a sweater, pair of leggings with a skirt, rip a few holes in an old pair of jeans, mix polka dots and stripes, whatever.  Spike her hair in some manner, add some funky earrings and bracelets from a discount store and add tons of make-up, which she will love.  Sneakers will work with this look or a pair of boots. 

Know a Nurse or Nursing assistant?  Seek out old scrubs or a lab coat.  You may be able to find them at your local thrift store.  If you can sew, cut down an old pair of scrubs to fit your child.  Buy a toy doctor's kit with a stethoscope and use the medical bag to gather treats.  Print out a label to identify your little doctor.  If your child decides to be a surgeon, don't forget the shower caps to cover their head and shoes.

A Hippie is an easy one.  Rip a pair of old jeans and insert fabric to create bell bottoms.  Tie dye a tee-shirt with your child.  Tie a bandana around his/her head.  If it's your daughter, create an afro or curly hair effect.  Top off your costume with a poster protesting a cause or just make a colorful peace sign. 

Use your imagination and be creative.  The possibilities are endless.  If you have ideas, please leave us a comment so we can share with other readers.  We would love to hear from you.