Oct 27th 2010 at 5:35AM by The Budget Fashionista

Halloween is here, and while those expensive costumes and decorations are oh-so-tempting, spending a paycheck on zombie babies and a Lady Gaga get-up is hardly practical. Darn it. So, we've gathered our favorite
budget Halloween shopping tips to help you be fab and stay on budget, leaving you lots of bucks for the rest of the holidays.
1. Be Creative
If you're good with sewing or crafting, then think of your closet as a gold mine of materials. Use old clothes, bedsheets or even curtains as fabric for the multitude of easy
do-it-yourself projects and costume ideas on the internet. Feel free to Google. You have our permission.
2. Shop at Thrift Stores
Thrift stores have tons of cheap costumes (or potential costumes), accessories and decorations. Keep an open mind and think mix-and-match to to create the look you have in mind.
3. Buy Online
Let's face it -- nothing is easier than shopping online. There are plenty of great -- and cheap-- second-hand costumes on
eBay or Craigslist, and a lot of online costume stores offer coupon codes for additional discounts and even free shipping. Don't see a code? Go to Retailmenot.com and search the store name.
4. Swap with Friends
Friends and relatives are a great source of costumes and accessories. One person's trash is another person's treasure and all that. The best part? Usually totally free. Nice.
5. Shop Early
Whether it's for costumes, decorations or even treats, your best bet to save and get what you're looking for is to shop early. Take advantage whenever there's a good discount, even if it's in July (too late this year, we know). Planning ahead is key -- much of the time prices on Halloween items drop significantly after Halloween or, on items in general, after
Christmas.
Photo Credit: Amazon.com
**For more fashion tips and advice, please visit TheBudgetFashionista.com
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