(Ed. Note) It’s no secret that the unemployed like to or have to save money where they can.  As such an important component of our lifestyle it was only right to team up with FrugalNYC, a premier resource for frugal city living, as we present Frugal Fridays! Enjoy.

It’s almost Halloween and that means it’s time to eat lots of candy and dress up in ways you never would any other day of the year.  You could spend a bundle and get the latest costume for Halloween, but if you are on a budget, here are some tips to get you started.

1. Trade costumes with friends, neighbors or family members.  They may have something they don’t want to use this year you may have something they might like.  You can mix it up a little and use parts from different costumes.  Use last year’s costume and mix it with a little fake blood, makeup & fake fangs and you have a vampire costume.
2. Borrow.  If you don’t have any costumes, you can always borrow costumes from friends or family.  Again, there is no cost to you in this method.  You can also go through your closet for old out of date clothes that my signify a period or a fad that is no longer popular today, but makes a good costume.  If you don’t have older clothing that fit this role, check your local thrift shops, you might end up buying something to wear for your regular wardrobe as well.  You could pick up boots for your cowboy, scarves and jewelry for your gypsy etc…
3. Rent or borrow from community theatres and schools.  They may have pieces they no longer use from plays.  Another alternative is to utilize makeup and face paint that you may already have around.

Here are some ideas for costumes:

• Headless horseman - Get a large trench coat and be like a turtle.
• Be President Barack Obama (or someone else with a suit).  You just need to pick up a plastic and rubber mask.
• Dress up in tights and wear a Super Hero Cape
• Pizza Man - know someone who delivers?  Borrow their uniform.
• Security Guard - know a security guard?  Borrow their uniform.
• Paint your face red and dress in a black hoodie - You’re a frugal Darth Maul
• If all else fails, there is always the never-fail backup costume: the classic sheet ghost!

Do you have any inexpensive Halloween costume ideas for adults OR kids? Let us know in the comments section!

Happy Frugal Haunting Everyone!

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