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Homemade Costumes

An Inexpensive Tradition

By Jessica Williams

Dressing up for Halloween is great fun for kids, but it can be a financial strain for parents. Between buying candy for the neighborhood trick-or-treaters, decorations for the yard and house and costumes for the family, it can seem like an early holiday season when you sit down to balance the checkbook! But instead of buying or renting a complete costume, why not make your own?

Materials for homemade costumes can be less expensive than store-bought costumes, and they're fun to make! Also, if your child has his heart set on dressing up in a particular way, you aren't limited by the pre-made outfit. Instead, your creativity can lead the way as you gather and assemble bits and pieces to fashion the perfect costume.

If your kids are old enough, have them draw you a picture of what they want to be. This is your starting point. While looking over the picture, remind them of certain accessories, props or other items that can enhance the costume.

For example:

Ride 'em Cowboy: If your child wants to be a cowboy, perhaps he's imagined a cowboy hat, vest and holster. But why stop there? Get really creative and make a trusty companion! With a box, an old pair of jeans, a pair of cowboy boots, some stuffing and some paint, you can make it look like your child is riding a horse.

Want to see more?

• Cheap Scares: Halloween Costumes on a Dime
• Creative Costumes for Two or More
• Policeman Costume
• Read more Halloween articles.
• Talk about it!