Halloween is a multi-billion dollar business with Americans expected to spend close to two billion this year. Candy, costumes, decorations, pumpkins, party accessories, events, and more this children’s holiday has evolved into a grand party where collecting a few pieces of candy is simply not enough. The history of this holiday is often skewed and forgotten, but the basis is routed in traditional harvest celebrations and is closely related to All Hallows Even or the night before the mass-day of saints and All Souls’ Day (November 1 and 2 respectively). The tradition of trick-or-treating has evolved from the poor going from house to house asking for food in return of prayers for the dead to a fun night of mischief for any and all ages to participate in. The following will provide several ideas on homemade costumes that will help keep cost low, but increase creative thinking and ingenuity.

How to Create a Costume for Halloween

One night events for children often cost the most such as prom dresses, homecoming gowns, and for Halloween costumes. Many store bought costumes can range from $10 up to $100 or more depending on the realism of the costume. Costumes can be purchased at such places as Meijer or from online at Shindigz.  To save money you can simple create your own costume using items from home or reduce the cost by combining items you already have with small accessories you buy.

Originally costumes focused on supernatural figures such as monsters, ghost, ghouls, witches, and devils, but have also include fictional characters, Presidents, celebrities, and other well-known or popular icons from the recent past. Many children like to dress up like pirates, princesses, or Ninjas and it may be based on the ease of creating such costumes for little cost. Here are a few costume ideas that take items from around your house or for a small purchase to create a great look.

Simple Costume Ideas

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about what you have and what you can create for a terrific Halloween Costume:

• Cat or Black Panther
• Pirate
• Scarecrow
• Ninja
• Charlie Brown Dressed as a Ghost
• Princess

The items needed for most of these costumes are simple such as sweat pants and a sweat shirt, old jeans, face paint, material remnants (small pieces of material), scissors, glue, or staples. Taking what you have around the house can help reduce the cost of Halloween, but still allow your child (or you) to enjoy the traditions of such a fun holiday.

Do you have any suggestions for making or creating a cool Halloween costume? What have you planned for this year or what have you made in the past? Feel free to post a comment or suggestion for our readers.