Need a Halloween Costume? Make It and Save

What’s your favorite thing about Halloween? Is it the candy? How about the costumes?

Costumes let you explore your imagination and creativity. You can pretend to be somebody–or something–else. It’s fun to dress up for trick-or-treating and Halloween parties. Making a great costume doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. The best costumes are usually the ones you make yourself. Just remember to start early so you have enough time.

Before you get started, decide what you want to be:

· Cute or scary? Ghosts, witches, and angels always make good costumes.

· A furry critter? Cat, mouse, or leopard?

· An unusual object? Have you ever thought about being a Christmas present, bag of jelly beans, or bunch of grapes?

· Someone else? Dress up as a ballerina, clown, movie star, or athlete. Check your library for books and magazines with more ideas.

Once you make a decision, look around your house for supplies. Collect old clothing, ribbon, gloves, neckties, and buttons that you can use for your costume. Remember to look for extras like masks, jewelry, boa scarves, and wigs.

When you’re done, ask your family members to judge your costume. Listen to their suggestions–even the silly ones can help make a great costume.

If you can’t find everything you need around your house, ask your grandparents, neighbors, and friends if they have something you can use. Or, go to a second-hand store or costume shop. Once you have everything, try it on. Check yourself out in the mirror. Be ready to show it off in front of friends and family! And lastly, don’t forget a picture!