
15 Frighteningly Frugal Halloween Costumes
Here’s a freaky fact for you: Americans are planning to spend more on costumes, pumpkins, decorations, and treats this year than any other Halloween in the past decade. That’s $82.93 per shopper, mostly on costumes, according to the National Retail Federation.
If that number spooks you, fear not! America Saves has compiled our 15 favorite affordable, homemade costume ideas for any budget:
1. Slimy Snail
This snail costume can be made in a pinch with kraft paper, a backpack, and household supplies. Get the directions from Oh Happy Day. Just don’t trick or treat too slowly!
Need a frugal #Halloween costume? How about this sweet snail from @ohhappyday: https://t.co/gAaTAbvuou | More ideas: https://t.co/O6NB8ytQ4B pic.twitter.com/oA1lEeE2mb
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 11, 2016
2. Oh Deer
For a costume that everyone will fawn over, use makeup colors that you already have on hand to create a doey-eyed deer look. Top it off with construction paper ears and antlers made from twigs. Cheap Frills and Thrills has the tutorial.
An affordable #halloweencostume idea to fawn over! Tutorial by @Shannicat: https://t.co/xoZB2AbHe8 | More ideas: https://t.co/O6NB8ytQ4B pic.twitter.com/pPTOtIracr
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 11, 2016
3. Jellybeans
This easy and clever costume idea is so sweet, you might get a toothache! Inflated balloons (water balloons are the perfect size) and a clear plastic bag instantly becomes a bag of jellybeans. Get more inspiration from Buzzfeed.
Here's a sweet, cheap, easy #halloweencostume: bag of jellybeans! V/ @BuzzFeed | More frighteningly frugal ideas: https://t.co/O6NB8ytQ4B pic.twitter.com/KwJdTNloyr
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 12, 2016
4. Ice Cream
This Halloween costume will leave you screaming… for ice cream! It can be whipped up last minute with some construction paper sprinkles and cone hat. Get the rest of the scoop from Treasures & Travels.
Scream on #Halloween... for ice cream! Affordable costume from @treasuresandt: https://t.co/UyRAB0Arsy | More ideas: https://t.co/O6NB8ytQ4B pic.twitter.com/JVHtJnCYZA
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 13, 2016
5. Fairy Tale
All you need for a frugal last-minute costume is an old book. With a sewing machine or stapler, you can turn the pages into a clever storybook costume. Or make a similar comic book hero costume using the funnies section of your newspaper.
Quirk Books explains how to make this fairy tale costume.
Searching for DIY #costume for a bookworm? How about @quirkbooks' Fairy Tale: https://t.co/uPRlq4r1Bx | More ideas: https://t.co/DGZbuUjTgD pic.twitter.com/Cvr31biZc1
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 18, 2016
6. Spooky Spider Web
This no-sew spider web can be spun with felt from the craft store or an old sheet. Add some hot glue and contrasting yard, and you have a simple DIY costume.
Get step-by-step directions from Pretty Plain Janes. Or see a similar version with cutouts instead of yarn from Delia Creates.
Here's an affordable no-sew #Halloween #costume from @pretty_plain_js: https://t.co/5EN4A0xWSL | More #costumeideas: https://t.co/DGZbuU2hS3 pic.twitter.com/H3GPKrhBLM
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 19, 2016
7. Spookier Spider
Every spider web needs its spider! This last-minute Halloween costume can be put together with black clothing and stuffed black socks. If you don’t have googly eyes on hand, you can make some of your own with construction paper.
Get the full instructions from Mad in Crafts.
Eek! Need a cheap last-minute #costume? Here's one from @madincrafts: https://t.co/sGHF3LS5ZV | More #costumeideas: https://t.co/DGZbuUjTgD pic.twitter.com/crP7fzg97i
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 20, 2016
8. Jellyfish
Don’t get stung by the price of store-bought costumes. An umbrella and streamers of any material (tissue paper, fabric, yarn, ribbons) are all you need for this homemade Halloween costume. Add some holiday lights for a really special look.
Almost the Real Thing walks you through the steps.
Don't get stung by $ of store-bought #costumes. Jellyfish by Almost The Real Thing: https://t.co/OUL1mcFfr2 | More: https://t.co/DGZbuUjTgD pic.twitter.com/s7R4HSm5eZ
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 14, 2016
9. Bugged Out
This quick and easy costume is giving us the creeps, but it’s too good not to share. Hot glue plastic creepy crawlers to a pair of nylons for a memorable look.
This idea comes from Martha Stewart.
This shockingly easy #costume from @MS_Living is also just shocking: https://t.co/DAAY9AAc9i | Get more ideas here: https://t.co/DGZbuU2hS3 pic.twitter.com/triJuvFb1H
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 21, 2016
10. Crazy Cat Lady or Gentleman
The purr-fect costume for cat lovers! Hair rollers, a bathrobe, and cats (lots of cats) are all you need for this affordable Halloween costume.
See more pictures at Costume Works.
Here's another frighteningly frugal #costume idea for you from @costume_works: https://t.co/pttelq3soU | More ideas: https://t.co/DGZbuUjTgD pic.twitter.com/CuDfzZFs2x
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 13, 2016
11. Bank Robber
Keep you money in the bank by making this cheap costume. A bank robber comes together right before your eyes with a mask and ski cap. Use electrical tape to make the dollar sign on a sack.
See how this bandit costume was made at Make It and Love It.
Keep your $ in the bank with this affordable costume from @MakeItAndLoveIt: https://t.co/65UmKOJOiy | More ideas: https://t.co/DGZbuU2hS3 pic.twitter.com/I2QbvTJA9p
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 22, 2016
12. Lions, and Tigers, and Bears
You’ll roar over how shockingly simple this free costume idea is. Just print one of many animal masks from Coolest Free Printables. You can even color your own! Laminate the mask, if available, for extra durability.
Need a #Halloween2016 #costume? How about a mask from Coolest Free Printables: https://t.co/Czmg5aQ5Vj | More ideas: https://t.co/DGZbuUjTgD pic.twitter.com/20QOb9nDZD
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 15, 2016
13. Flower Pot
A laundry basket or storage tub and dollar store flowers can become this year’s Halloween costume with just a little bit of creativity.
See how this clever costume was made at Dukes and Duchesses.
Need an affordable #costumeidea? We love this flower pot by @DukesnDuchesses: https://t.co/OwDCvsF8gS | More ideas: https://t.co/DGZbuU2hS3 pic.twitter.com/foxos5JoVB
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 14, 2016
14. Bulletin Board
This 2016 Halloween costume idea isn’t just cheap and easy, it’s also interactive! Wear a brown t-shirt, and bring a pad of sticky notes and pen with you. Ask people to leave messages on you throughout Halloween day and night!
Take note at Woman’s Day.
Here's a fun, frugal #Halloween #costume idea from @WomansDay! Bulletin board: https://t.co/gyS9GE1rGy | More ideas: https://t.co/DGZbuU2hS3 pic.twitter.com/8UcFEiT0R1
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 15, 2016
15. Wind-up Toy
You are guaranteed to have these supplies on hand. A paper towel tube and scrap cardboard are all you need to complete this costume. Make this key in 1-2-3 from eHow.
Don't get wound up searching for a #costume! Here's an easy idea from @eHow: https://t.co/CPBVh0wKga | More ideas: https://t.co/DGZbuU2hS3 pic.twitter.com/jWdCX6wGZM
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 16, 2016
16. Tron
Here's a bonus from the America Saves team! Our very own Halloween hero Katie crafted this glowing homemade costume with black clothes and a roll of reflective white tape.
17. Battlestar Galactica
This sci-fi couples costume was made with just a grey shirt, black tank top, and washable markers.
Searching for the perfect homemade costume? We have 15 frighteningly frugal #halloweencostumes >> https://t.co/DGZbuU2hS3 #SoSayWeAll pic.twitter.com/8EEvuVCSfa
— America Saves (@AmericaSaves) October 16, 2016
What to do with the Money You Save on Costumes
Savvy crafters and DIY-ers can save lots of green this October with these cheap and easy costume ideas. But don’t just spend less! Put the money you save into a savings account to plan for future expenses. Saving just $500, for example, can save you from a lot of scary unplanned expenses, and not just during Halloween.
And did you know those with a savings plan are twice as likely to save successfully? Why not let America Saves help you reach your savings and debt reduction goals. It all starts when you make a commitment to yourself to save. That’s what our pledge is all about. Learn more about how to save money for the future here.
Looking for even more costume ideas? Check out 25 Effortlessly Frugal Last Minute Halloween Costumes.
Need a costume? Here are 15 frighteningly frugal #Halloween #costumes from @AmericaSaves >> bit.ly/2e0C3Yg Tweet this now
- Written by Madeline Daniels
- Category: Blog
- Published: 11 October 2016