by Amber Benge

Created on: October 22, 2008   Last Updated: March 21, 2011

It's the week before Halloween and you have had no time to track down the perfect costume for your little spook. What's a mom to do? Costumes are outrageously expensive these days and they get less inventive every year. So the solution to the costume in a crunch dilemma is to make it yourself! Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Bedding Costumes

Pillow cases can be used for a variety of creative costumes. Choose a brightly-colored king size pillow case and cut out a hole for your child's head. In 10 seconds, you are staring at a chicklet. Everyone knows these little gum treats!

The classic Halloween costume is still fun for kids. Use a plain old white sheet and cut out eye holes for your child's peepers. An old sheet and a pair of scissors have transformed your little one into a spooky ghost.

If you have some pillows handy, you can make a variety of costumes with just a little nip/tuck. Stuff a pillow in the back of your kid's shirt and...Poof! Now he's Quasimodo. If your little pixie loves baby dolls, stuff one in her belly and hand her baby doll and a mop. Now she's a miniature mom. If your little guy adores football, stuff him full of pillow-muscles and he's a buff and tough football player.

If you have several children who want to dress as a matching set, take one white sheet and cut out a hole for each child's head. Drape the sheet over everyone and use flour/makeup to whiten their faces and hair. Now your children are a walking Mount Rushmore!

2. Kitchen Costumes

Everybody has some aluminum foil stuffed in their kitchen cupboard. A foil-wrapped child makes an adorable baked potato! Foil can also be sculpted into antenna for a cool alien headpiece. Dress in green to complete the outfit.

Ever heard of The Spice Girls? You can turn your little princess into a "spice girl" just by duct taping the spices from your kitchen cabinet all over her oldest sweatshirt.

Another great costume can be made with a plain black garbage bag. Cut out holes for your child's arms and head. Let your child wear the trash bag with a pair of black sunglasses. Now he is a rocking California Raisin!

3. Costumes from the Dresser Drawers

Got some old panty hose? They can become a mask for your little "burgler". Dress him in black and give him a flashlight and a crowbar to complete the costume.

Pull out the old cowboy hat and boots. Add a vest made from a paper grocery bag to make a complete cowboy ensemble.

When all else fails, your kid can go as a homeless orphan. Mismatched torn clothes and matted, dirty hair complete the look. He can carry a sign that says, "Will Work For Candy ".

These are just a few of the many options for last-minute costumes when you get creative. Mix it up and have some fun! Let your child decide what costume sounds the coolest and then get busy making your Halloween happy, fun and, usually, free!

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