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Everyday Cheapskate: This Halloween, Go Cheap

Mary Hunt

I have no one to blame but myself that our boys grew up favoring Halloween over all other holidays, with the 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, we had Popeyes-a-Pair, two tiny boys dressed identically as the Sailor Man. Over the years, we did the traditional magician, ninja, hobo and gangster and an array of superheroes.

Our boys are now fully grown, and while I assumed this costume thing would have wound down by now, I still find myself creating costumes.

Recently I was reminded of how far we've come. I don't mean that in a good way. I'm talking about shelling out $200 to become an (SET ITAL) authentic (END ITAL) Gandalf. I understand from a staff member that $200 might be a low estimate by the time you figure authentic robe, authentic belt and satchel, authentic brooch, boots, beard and hat. 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: too many Gandalfs. Imagine showing up at the party, only to see yourself in triplicate. It won't matter who's the most authentic. Quantity will diminish quality as you are reduced to one of many. The way to avoid this is to be unique. Be clever. Be one-of-a-kind. Be cheap! Several ideas come to mind:

--Static cling. Wear anything in a solid color, all white or all black. With safety pins, attach stuff to yourself, such as mismatched socks, underwear and dryer sheets. Spray your hair straight up into the air, and you're good to go.

--Miss America. Use an old bridesmaid dress or prom formal (and you thought you never would wear it again); add a pair of gloves, a tiara, some oversize jewelry and heels. For the sash, write your title of choice in glitter on a wide white ribbon.

--1960s hippie. This one is difficult because the style curiously has returned, presenting the age-old "what is real and what is costume" question. Still, it's a worthy contender. Wear tie-dyed clothing, long hair, sandals, a headband, anything with fringe on it and pale-colored sunglasses. You get the picture.

--All-American tourist. Guys get to wear loud Hawaiian shirts, shorts (if weather permits) and large straw hats. Gals adorn themselves with brightly colored dresses, flats, big sun hats and straw bags. Don't forget to have a camera and maps hanging out of a purse or pockets and that "we're lost!" look.

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

This year, use what you've got to make a costume. If all else fails, there's always a ghost. Among all of those authentic, high-priced get-ups, you definitely will be unique.

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Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 18 books, including her latest, "Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill With a Credit Card?" You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

Copyright 2009 Creators Syndicate Inc.

This news arrived on: 10/13/2009

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