Halloween costume ideas on a budget

Thinking of being Betty and Don Draper for the evening? A trip to the thift store or a vintage specialty shop may be the ticket to getting a perfect 50's inspired cocktail dress. Tightwad has compiled some ideas for inexpensive costume ideas for this weekend's Halloween howler so the only thing you have to be scared of is that creepy bowl of peeled grapes and cold spaghetti that people seem to put out every year.

How to save? Shop at home! Bet there are lots of goodies stashed in the basement or attic. Shop at a thrift store, which could give you the inspiration you need if you haven't decided on your costume yet. Craft stores may help provide inspiration too.

Here are some other ideas:

The Classic - A Ghost: Really, how hard is this? Get a sheet, cut some holes in it and go! If you don't have a white sheet, bet there's one at the thrift store. Grab a Sharpie and customize it with spider webs and stuff.

Another classic - Greek Goddess: Rearrange that white sheet into a stylin' toga, stick a few leaves in your hair, put on some bangles and heavy eyeliner and you're good to go!

Angel: Another use for a white sheet - spray paint it with some clean lacquer paint and toss glitter on it before it dries. Make a halo and wings out of clothes hangers covered with foil. Sweet.

Sexy (?) Nerd: Wear ill fitting clothes, button your shirt wrong, slick down your hair, find some white socks and accessorize with big glasses and a calculator. Easy, right? Can double as clown, with addition of red nose and facepaint.

Hobo: Dig up hub's grubbie gardening or old work duds. Can double as an ornithologist or arborist. Confuse people!

Hot Ninja: Black clothes. 'Nuf said. Can double as bad ass rock star, with jewellery and enough 'tude.

Tourist: Hawaiian shirt, camera, big hat, maps sticking out of every pocket, GPS system, black shoes and white socks. Perfect.

Hippie: Find inner peace with tie dye duds, beads and Birks.

Christmas present: Find a box, customize it to fit you, and cover it with Christmas wrap and ribbon. Downside: you have to stand all night.

Christmas tree: Wear all green and spin in a set of lights. Get to the party and plug in!

GI Jane: go all cammo

Static cling: Dress in all one colour (white or black is good) and pin miscellaneous clothing (socks, etc) and dryer sheets to your outfit.

Fridge: Find a white lab coat and attach fridge magnets and a fridge handle.

Freudian slip: This is Tightwad's fav: wear a slip, and a sash that says 'Freudian'. Great, right?

With a little creativity and imagination, you can easily put together a great costume with items you already have at home, or can find at a thrift store. This will this save you cash and also promotes recycling. It's a win win!

What are your ideas for an inexpensive Halloween costume?