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Some of our favorite frugal costumes.

As much as I enjoy Halloween and all the dressing up, candy and fun, I don't enjoy the often costly costumes on the market. With 5 kids to outfit still (the teens knew they were  on their own once they hit 13), the cost can escalate very quickly without even getting  halfway done. When I was a kid there were two very basic choices; make your own costume or purchase pre-made plastic costumes with the window-box front. Chances  are, you didn't run into anyone who had the same costume as you did. There was a lot of individuality then.

So, when it comes to getting my kids outfitted, we put our heads together to come up  with fun, but frugal, costume ideas. We start with what we already have in the kids' dress -up box. There are several items that can serve more than one purpose: wands are good for princesses and fairies alike. That eye patch belonging to Jack Sparrow also lends itself well to One-Eyed Jack. An old bridesmaid's dress works for Prom Queen or just queen.

Last year we found a woodland fairy costume, a wizard robe and the one-piece outfit part  of Bob the Builder's costume at a local thrift shop. Both costumes went into our dress-up  stash and when it was time for Halloween we added a yellow construction hat that we  already owned to the Bob the Builder outfit, and my youngest son was all set. My oldest  son added a wizard hat he already owned to the robe, a scepter we had on-hand, and  his outfit was complete. Many thrift shops will have a section devoted to costumes year- round and set up special displays this time of year. It's worth a look.

Another of the outfits (see the first photo) was a "corpse bride" made from a length of  white satin fabric draped to fit and secured with a belt. We added make-up, a hair wreath  and artificial flowers. My then-youngest daughter wore the Belle dress she had gotten for  her birthday with a pretty hair-do to top it off. If we can't find ideas that we like in our ready-made costumes, we use a few of these other frugal ideas:

• Ghost--Too easy--a white sheet with eyeholes cut out of it. Add cobwebs and chains for an extra effect.
• Angel--Use the same white sheet with a larger hole cut out of it so your child's head will fit through it. Add a halo and wings made from wire hangers and tin foil.
• Princess--Any pretty dress will do! Add a crown made from tin foil and/or a scepter or  wand from the dollar store. A little time with the curling iron and a tiny bit of blush will make the costume complete.
• Hippie--Pair a tie-dye or bell-sleeve shirt with bell bottoms, add a peace sign drawn on  your child's cheek, a pair of round sun glasses and a long-haired wig.
• Gypsy--Lots of scarves is the trick here. A long skirt, a scarf covering the head and tons  of big jewelry will make anyone think you're a gypsy. Add a crystal ball made from a  Styrofoam ball covered in glitter and tell everyone their fortune!
• Scarecrow--Dress your child in jeans and a flannel shirt and add straw hanging out of the  legs and arms of the outfit. Top off with a straw hat and a corncob pipe.
• Hobo or Bum--Any old clothing will do. A handful of dirt rubbed over everything will make  it look more authentic and a bandana tied to a long stick is the best accessory.
• Grapes--Blow up 20 or so purple or green balloons and attach them all over a purple or  green outfit. Add a green hat and you now have a bunch of grapes!
• Bath Time--Blow up 20 or so pink balloons and attach them all over a pink or skin-toned  outfit. Add a shower cap, rubber ducky, back brush or washcloth.
• Nerd or Geek--Pants that are too small with a shirt that is buttoned wrong, white socks,  pocket protector and big black glasses work for this. Grease down the hair and carry a  "smart" book about math or science.
• Play on names--(Second photo) One-Eyed Jack was achieved with an eye patch and a  nametag. Like wise for Black-Eyed Susan; a blackened eye and a nametag. Tie a baby  doll around your child's waist so it rests just behind their tush and label them, "Babysitter".
• Street Sign--Get two pieces of poster board and decorate like a common street sign:  Speed Limit, No Parking, Pedestrian Crossing etc. Tie together with strings-leaving an opening for your child's head-and wear like a sandwich board.
• Little Old Person--A granny dress, hat and purse with an old wig or gray spray on hair  color will make you look "grandmotherly". Trousers, a button front shirt, suit coat and an  old hat does the trick for "grandpa". A cane added to either one is a great idea, too.

Whatever costume you decide on, keep these tips in mind:

Small kids need an adult with them at all times.
Make sure costumes are not too long, in front AND in back.
Any swords, knives or pitchforks should be made of flexible material and pointed downward when possible.
Flashlights and reflective tape make for a safer outing.
Make-up is safer than a mask for visibility, but if your child uses a mask, make sure they can see clearly out of the eye holes.
Plan your route ahead of time.
Tell the kids to save the candy for HOME. Don't let them delve into it until you've checked it first.      

Just remember the goal here; Have FUN!

Check out Disney Family.com's group Halloween blog, The Ghoul's Guide, for more stories and tips.