Halloween is a creepy-cool holiday that allows people of all ages to dress up in costumes and have fun. And when you’re on a budget, it can be hard to decide on a great costume that won’t break the bank. We’re here to help you stay on budget and look amazing at the same time, with a list of affordable Halloween costume ideas for the entire family.

Baby-Toddler (Ages 0-4)

Cat or dog: Every child looks adorable as a kitty or a puppy, and it’s not just an affordable option, but an easy one. All you need is brown or black clothing and a little black makeup for whiskers or a nose. For just a few bucks, you can find a tail or ears for your little one to wear.

Mickey or Minnie Mouse: Both Mickey and Minnie are popular characters and their appearance is simple, classic, and cute. With a black shirt, red shorts or skirt (with some black pants or socks underneath), and some cute mouse ears, babies and toddlers will look like the cutest Disney-mouse on the block.

Garden gnome: This budget-friendly option is great for parents who want a costume that is less-commonly seen. With just some jeans or blue pants, a button-up shirt, suspenders, and of course the pointy-hat, your child will be the most darling lawn ornament on Halloween. Gnomes (and lady-gnomes) can even add wigs or beards for a more authentic look.

Kids (Ages 5-12)

Vampire: Children start venturing away from the “cutesy” costumes and want something a little more creepy at this stage. Dressing up as a vampire is both scary and easy since all you need is some black clothes, white makeup for a ghoulish face, vampire teeth, and maybe some drops of “blood” for effect.

Harry Potter: The Harry Potter world is as popular as ever, and if your young one is among the millions of fans, it won’t hurt your budget to let him/her dress up as their favorite character. You need a black cloak (or oversized jacket), a white button-up shirt, a tie, and some black pants. For Harry, add in some fake glasses or take a household broom along for the ride.

Mummy: As a Halloween favorite, mummy costumes look great on young girls and boys. With a ton of white gauze and a little bit of time, you can easily wrap your child into a creepy, cool, and easy costume.

Teens (Ages 13-18)

Rosie the Riveter: For teen girls who want to feel empowered, Rosie the Riveter is a character that inspires millions and is easy on the budget. With just the right hair-do, a bandana, and a rolled-up shirt, your teen girl can experience Halloween in a unique and cool costume.

Zombie: Teens think “scary” is cool and being a zombie is an affordable way to let them have some freaky fun. Take some old clothes and have fun making rips and tears; paint on them and make them dirty. With a little makeup and just the right walk, your teen will scare all his or her friends.

Adults (Ages 18+)

Where’s Waldo: Most adults will know who Waldo is and this costume will take you back to your childhood in an instant. Luckily for cost-saving adults, Waldo only wears black pants, with a white and red-striped shirt and matching hat. To top the look off, you’ll need a pair of large glasses. The whole neighborhood will enjoy “finding” you throughout the night.

Scarecrow: All you need for this classic look is a flannel shirt, jeans, some makeup, and a few accessories. Scarecrows are one of the most symbolic characters of fall and it’s a classic, yet affordable costume idea.

Minions/Despicable Me Characters

Not only are these movies family favorites, but the characters in them are incredibly cool and unique. Whether you’re going to be Gru, Lucy, Margot, Agnes, Edith, or a minion, there’s a great costume for every member of the family. And luckily, each character can be easily made with just a few bucks and some ingenuity.

Great for: Kids-Adults

Dominoes

Because many children may not even know or enjoy the game, this costume idea is great for adult couples or groups. With an oversized black shirt, black pants, and some white dots, you and your group can turn into a pack of dominoes in no time. And there’s no way you will see another group like yours on Halloween.

Great for: Adults

Scooby Doo Characters

A classic cartoon loved by both kids and adults, there’s a character to match the personality and size of each member of your family in the Scooby Doo brood. Your group only needs a few pieces of colored-clothing (and maybe a wig or two) to become Scooby, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne, or Fred.

Great for: Infants-Adults

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