Clever Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas

Growing up, I was that kid—the one whose parents weren’t willing to buy me a “real” costume.

Every year in elementary school, I’d shamefully go to my school’s Halloween parties dressed as some nursery rhyme look-a-like or something equally unimpressive. It wasn’t that my parents didn’t want me to enjoy myself, it’s that they saw the value in being resourceful when it came to an outfit I would wear only once.

They may not have had the most ingenious ideas, but I see the merit in their effort.  

Looking back, it makes sense. Why would you drop exorbitant amounts of money for something you’ll wear once your entire life (wedding dresses are the exception)?

Costumes don't have to be expensive to be great. And they don't have to be store-bought. There's probably already stuff in your home that you can use to make one-of-a-kind costumes. I’m talking about finding the knick-knacks in every home and creating an awesome outfit that’ll give you the “I’m walking away with the best costume award” kind of swagger.

Don’t be like me as a kid. Rock your costume with pride. To get you started, here are a few ideas of costumes you can make from household materials.

Charlie Brown

Supplies: A plain yellow shirt, black construction paper or black paint, stocking cap (optional).

• Simply take the yellow shirt and create the trademark "Charlie Brown look," with a consistent line of black construction paper, or black paint.

Chipotle Burrito

Supplies: Tin foil, tape, black marker, scissors

• Wrap yourself in several layers of tin foil around the torso, arms and legs

Old School Television

Supplies: Cardboard box, scissors, duct tape, wire hangers, black marker.

• Take a large cardboard box and cut a hole in one side of the box, resembling an old television screen.

Zombie Mom

Supplies: Cooking apron, knife (toy knife is preferable) or household appliance, red nail polish or ketchup, powder make-up, color lipstick (preferably red and green), ripped clothing, cooking flour.

• Use the various supplies to make yourself or your child look like a zombie parent.

Favorite Athlete

Supplies: A jersey of a professional athlete, pillows or blankets, dirt, sports equipment.

• Lots of kids want to grow up to be sports stars, so use that to your advantage when planning a costume

• Take a jersey you already have (Ravens, Yankees, Lakers) and fill out the rest of the outfit.

• Depending on the sport, you may need to “buff up” the costume to increase the appearance of muscles.

• If you only have a generic jersey that resembles a team but not specifically a professional team shirt, write a famous players’ name on the back of the shirt.