Dressing up in costume for Halloween is one of the most enjoyable parts of the month of October, but costumes can be expensive to purchase. This is especially true when you’re purchasing for several people. Kids’ costumes can add up quickly in price, but you can save a significant amount of money by creating your own.

Try these frugal and fun and costume ideas for children:

• Meteorologist (Weatherman or Weathergirl) – If your child already has rain gear, such
  as a yellow jacket and rain boots, you can easily add to this attire for a
  creative costume. Outfit a large umbrella with craft paper lightning bolts
  and raindrops or snowflakes strung up on fishing line. This simple
  costume is super cute.

• Many “occupational” costumes are easy to make using materials you already have. You may need to buy a costume hardhat to finish off a carpenter or construction costume, for example, but the cost is much lower when you can use your own blue jeans and tool belt from home.

• Crayon. This is another fun costume you can make with things you may
  already have. Take a solid color shirt and pant set and adhesive-backed
  felt. Create “CRAYON” or a color label with black felt.
  
  ✴ Make accents for the wrists and ankles that coordinate with a typical
  “Crayola.” Finally, top it off with a pointed party hat in a coordinated
  color for the perfect sharpened tip.

• Animal costumes. Animal costumes are easy to make, beginning with
  a leotard or a single-colored outfit and a coordinating fabric or felt.
  Attach ears to a headband, and create a tail that you can safety-pin to
  the waistband. A little face paint goes a long way, but doesn’t cost
  much to acquire.
  ✴ Dogs and cats work well as quick animal costume ideas. Get more
  creative with lizards, birds and other animal costumes depending on
  what materials you have at hand.

• With enough planning, you can create your own costumes quickly and easily,
  often with items that you already have at home. This will allow your children to
  get the most out of their Halloween experience without forcing you to go
  beyond your budget!