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SALT LAKE CITY — It's that time of year again when parents are racking their brains to come up with a clever Halloween costume for their kids without breaking the bank.
Even adults are faced with the creative rut for their own costumes as invites to costume parties roll in.
According to a National Retail Federation survey conducted by Proper Insights & Analytics, the average person will spend about $74 on costumes, candy, greeting cards and decorations this Halloween.
If you're looking to save money on costumes by making them at home, these ideas are for you.
1. Mary Poppins
It's sure to be a jolly holiday if you dress up as Mary. For the magic nanny, you need a white button-up shirt, a red bowtie or bow, a navy blue or black skirt with a red waistband, a black umbrella and hat and if you'd like, a floral handbag. Hopefully, you can find most of these items lying around your own house or a friend's house. Don't forget to add some small flowers to your hat. Watch Datev Gallagher's tutorial on YouTube.
2. Mario and Luigi
This costume is simple, but cute. Each will need a pair of overalls. Luigi will need a green shirt and cap with the letter L colored in green on a circle cut out of the material you wish. Mario will need the same ensemble in red with the letter M. You can cut out yellow material "buttons" for the front of their overalls, and some fake mustaches will complete the look. See the finished result at Instructables.
3. Minions
According to a National Retail Federation survey conducted by Proper Insights & Analytics, minions will be one of the most popular costume this year. Luckily, it doesn't look like it takes too much work to put a great minion costume together. All you need is a pair of overalls, a yellow hoodie, some yellow face paint or makeup, some type of coke bottle glasses, black pipe cleaner and black gloves and shoes. You can color the Gru logo on their overalls and hot glue the pipe cleaner to their hoods for hair. See Coolest Homemade Costumes for the look.
4. Where's Waldo?
This classic children's book character looks like a pretty awesome and easy costume. You probably already have the jeans, and now you just need a red and white striped shirt and beanie and some round glasses. If you're feeling ambitious, find the pattern for a crocheted beanie at Repeat Crafter Me.
5. Minnie Mouse
There are a variety of ways one can assemble this costume, but from what I've seen, they turn out great. For a simple look, wear a black shirt and black leggings with a red and white polka dotted skirt. The skirt can be made by attaching some white polka dots to a red tutu. Mouse ears can be created from a headband and some craft foam. See a Goldstar Glitter tutorial on YouTube. Add some yellow heels to complete the look.
6. Rosie the Riveter
This costume is probably the easiest of the bunch, but creative nonetheless. All you need is a denim or dark blue button-up and a red bandana with white polka dots. If you strike the pose, it's all the more accurate. See a full tutorial at She Knows.
