Halloween is just around the corner and each year I try to come up with simple ideas that are unique, yet affordable and leave my kids saying “That was an unforgettable Halloween.” A fun way to save on costumes is by making your own at home. Homemade costumes can be a huge hit too as each year my kids receive tons of compliments and love going from house to house.

So let’s get started and make this Halloween one you and your little one won’t forget for a long time.

• Shop the clearance racks or your local thrift store for clothes that might spur ideas for a homemade costume. Things like mismatched socks and jeans with holes can be bought for a bargain and can easily be turned into a masterpiece of your own.
• Look through your own closets! Clothes that are worn or no longer fit can also be great to use for that perfect Halloween costume.
• Check around the house! Use old hats, decorating items or craft supplies that you already have to put the finishing touches on your costumes.

A couple of costumes we’ve made in the past include an adorable scarecrow, a hilarious clown, and a hardcore rocker! Just by using items from around the house and for keeping an eye out for great deals, each of these costumes only cost us about $5 each. Plus, we had lots of fun putting them together. Pictures are priceless and the fun is unforgettable!

Now, that you have an idea of how and what to do about a costume to send your little ghost or goblin off to trick-or-treat on Halloween night, how about decorating your house or classroom on a budget as well? I love to do simple crafts, like the bucket idea below.

There are great Halloween decorations that you can make at home and still keep within your budget.

• Shop your local stores and discount retailers to find Halloween themed items such as orange or black buckets, ribbons, and stickers. You can use them to create inexpensive decorations that everyone will love!
• Check your craft stockpile for inspiration. To get everyone in the mood for Halloween, you can use everyday items to make fun decorations that everyone will love. Try making a pumpkin with orange tissue paper or even a spider web with black yarn.

These are just a few ideas to get you started with your Halloween parties this year. As you think about what fun foods to serve too, be sure to look for products like Betty Crocker Fun-da-middles and General Mills Cereal Treat Bars for Halloween treats that will make a great addition to your festivities and can help your local school at the same time! Check out the Box Tops for Education website to get the entire list of participating products.

I was asked to write this post by Box Tops for Education for their Box Tops for education Newsletter  and Box Tops for Education will provided  5,000 Box Tops to a local school of my choice.