October is here, and the question has surely been asked, "What are we going to be for Halloween this year?" Like most parents, spending $50+ on a costume the kid is going to wear for a few hours isn’t really high on your list of fun things to do. So this year we are going to try to help you come up with some fun, and inexpensive, costumes you can mostly make out of stuff you have already—with maybe a few small purchases.

Some of the easiest costumes are animals. Get a pair of sweats in the color of choice, and then buy the ears and tail to go with the animal, add a bit of make-up and you’re set to go! Old Navy is selling sets of ears and tails for a mere $6.00 this year. The sweats can be worn all winter, so it’s a bargain all the way around.

While we’re on the topic of cheap accessories from Old Navy, they also have fairy and angel wings. Add that to a leotard and pair of tights, and you’ve got an instant costume for your little princess. Again, the clothing can be re-worn and the wings are always great to have for playing dress-up!

One of my favorite costumes growing up was to go as a 50s girl. Not the poodle skirt one, but the cuffed jeans, bobby socks, big white shirt and scarf around the ponytail/neck one. It’s cute, fun and you probably have all the stuff in your closet for it right now. It’s just as easy to do it for your son too. Get a pair of jeans, white socks, a white T-shirt, black sunglasses and grease back his hair. Instant cool 50s dude!

Dressing up for Halloween doesn’t have to mean wearing a silly costume! I once borrowed my Dad’s cummerbund and bow tie from his tux and wore it with black pants and a white shirt saying I was “dressed up” for Halloween. An old prom/party dress could work just as well for the girlie-girls.

Have an apron? Toss it on, grab a bowl and spoon and you have a chef! The bowl can also be used for the candy collection. How about wearing your bathrobe and slippers, carrying your teddy and calling yourself ready for bed! Rollers and a brightly-colored face cream make for an extra-funny addition for the girls.

For other great ideas on costumes to make for your little goblins and ghouls, check out these websites:

Family Fun: Wickedly Easy Halloween Costumes
Kids Domain: Costumes for Halloween or Pretend Play
Quick and Easy Halloween Costumes
Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas
20 Halloween Costumes You Can Make with Items Around the House

For those of you who are not as crafty as others, Womens-Place has some great Halloween Costumes to order from our Amazon links and on our shopping page. Use your imagination, look around your house or just order a great costume online. No matter what method you choose, we want you to have a Happy Halloween with your family!

Host Julie is the mother to two little goblins and wife to one goofy guy. She is hoping for a fun-filled Halloween now that she and her family are finally back home in Illinois.