The best Halloween costumes are those that require some thought and effort. Home-made costumes show imagination, creativity and pizzazz. Here are some really great Halloween costumes that utilize recycled items. This helps to keep costs down and is kinder to the environment too.
Box costumes
Get a large cardboard box from your local store. Cut out a large rectangular square out of one side of the box. Open the bottom of the box and cut a hole in the top for your head and two small holes in the sides for your arms. Cover the rectangular hole on the side of the box with plastic wrap. Paint the outside of the box or cover it with gift wrap to finish off the costume.
The Claw arcade game: You can fill the box with soft toys and other prizes from the dollar store and use your hand as a claw. Tape a plastic container to the front of the box. When people put a quarter in the container, use your ‘claw’ to see if they are able to get a soft toy prise. This works really well if you have an old joystick for the front too.
Zoltar: Wrap a towel around your head and draw on a moustache. Tape a button to the front of the box. When people press the button, push a fortune out of a slot which you cut in the front of the box. You can write the fortunes yourself or print them out for added effect.
Fish tank: Cut out pictures of fish or draw your own fish. Hang them inside your box. Add some underwater plants or coral too.
Puppet master: Use your box as a theater to perform puppet shows at your Halloween events.
Fun costumes
Crazy Cat Lady: Pin stuffed animal cats from the dollar store to an old housecoat. Put curlers in your hair or wear an old hat.
Jelly fish: Get a clear umbrella and attach long strips of clear plastic. Dress in white and carry the umbrella. It would work best if you moved the umbrella up and down when you walked.
Ironic costumes
A fork in the road: Dress in black and pin forks to your shirt. You can add a white stripe down your middle with masking tape too.
Chick magnet: Pin Barbie dolls to your outfit.
Junk in the trunk: Pin garbage to the back of your outfit.
Black eyed Peas: Use eye liner to create a black eye and pin a paper ‘P’ to the front of your outfit.
Killer Bee: Pin a paper ‘B’ to your shirt and splatter it with red paint or ketchup.
Self-portrait: Hold a large, empty picture frame in front of your face.
