EVERYDAY CHEAPSKATE

BY MARY HUNT

RELEASE: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

Go Cheap This Halloween

I have no one to blame but myself for the fact that our boys grew up favoring Halloween over all other holidays, with the possible exception of Christmas.

From the time they could walk, I poured my heart and soul into making sure they had the best costumes. One year they were Popeye's-a-Pair (two tiny boys dressed identically as the sailor). Other years we did a magician, ninja, hobo, gangster and, of course, an array of super heroes.

The boys are both adults now. While I assumed this costume thing would wind down, not long ago I found myself creating Luigi of the Mario Brothers, and let me tell you, it looked fantastic.

Just this week, I was reminded how far we've come with costumes, and I don't necessarily mean that in a good way. I'm talking about the fact that it costs at least $200 to become an authentic Kylo Ren, the villain of the most recent Star Wars film. My friend's husband is seriously contemplating this, and I understand that $200 might be a low estimate to get an authentic hooded cape, robe, belt, gloves, voice-changing mask, electronic lightsaber and boots. When I heard about this I had only one thing to say: Ack! Even that got stuck in my throat.

Here's the problem I see with going the pricey route (learn this well, because it's a tactic you could use with your kids): There will be too many Kylo Rens this year. Imagine showing up to a party only to see triple of your disguised self. It won't matter who's the most authentic. Quantity will diminish quality; you will be reduced to one of many. The way to avoid this is to be unique and clever. Be one of a kind. Be cheap! With these considerations, several ideas come to mind.

STATIC CLING. Wear any clothing that's a solid color — all white or even all black. With safety pins attach items to yourself, such as socks (no matching pairs allowed), underwear and dryer sheets. Spray your hair straight up in the air, and you're good to go.

MISS AMERICA. Bring out an old bridesmaid dress or prom dress (and you thought you'd never wear it again). Add a pair of gloves, a tiara, some oversized jewelry and heels. For the banner, write your title of choice in glitter on a wide white ribbon.

1960s HIPPY. This one is difficult because the style has curiously returned these days, making us wonder what is real and what is costume. Still, it's a worthy contender. You'll want tie-dye clothing, a long wig, sandals, a headband, anything with fringe (vest, purse, etc.), pale-colored sunglasses — you get the picture.

THE ALL-AMERICAN TOURIST. Guys can wear a loud Hawaiian T-shirt, shorts (if weather permits) and a large straw hat. Gals can wear a bright-colored dress, flats, a big sun hat and a straw bag. Don't forget to don a camera, maps and that "We're lost!" look.

NERD. Slick back the hair, and grab pants that are too short, a white shirt, white socks, penny loafers (or lace-up oxfords), a pocket protector with lots of pens, dark-rimmed glasses (don't forget to tape the nose piece) and a briefcase.

This year, use what you've got to make a costume. And if all else fails, there's always a ghost. In the midst of all of those authentic but pricey getups, you'll definitely be unique.

Whatever you decide, the good news is you've got time. Halloween is still days away. And don't forget, I'd love to see pictures.

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at [email protected], or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Debt-Proof Living," released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.