How does Halloween manage to sneak up on us every year? You know it’s coming and think you have plenty of time to get a costume together—and then, all of the sudden, you need to be at a party in an hour and you’ve got nothing! Well, not this year. We’ve got you covered with 10 creative costumes that won’t break the bank.

1. Charlie Brown

Start with a pair of black shorts and a plain yellow T-shirt. Then use black duct tape to make the zig-zag line around the bottom of the shirt. To complete the look, carry a football or bring your dog with you.

2. Circus Performer

This is a glamorous option—you basically get dressed up with full makeup and add a feather to your hair. The more sparkle the better.

3. Medusa

All this DIY headpiece requires is toy snakes, a headband and some twist ties or glue to attach the snakes. Give your creation a coating of gold spray paint and—bam!—you’ll be the evil monster from Greek mythology in no time.

4. Snail

Use craft paper and ribbon to make a wearable shell, and a headband, craft paper and painted styrofoam balls for eyes.

5. Rosie The Riveter

High-wasted pants, button-down shirt and a red bandanna—it doesn’t get easier than that. You may have to do a few pushups before you head out. If you’re going to be flexing all night, you may as well have those biceps popping.


6. Strawberry

Add some white or black spots to a red shirt or dress and then glue together a green stem hat. This could work for various fruits, from pineapples to grapes. Get some friends together and go as a fruit salad!

7. Bat

After dressing head-to-toe in black, you will have turned into a bat. Good thing you had that old black umbrella on hand.

8. Baby

Get out your adult-sized footy pajamas—you know you have some or at least want an excuse to get them. Then snag a stuffed animal and a pacifier (or ring pop, for a sweet option), and you’re done.

9. Mime

This will require a black-and-white stripped shirt with a red bandana tied around the neck. Add a bowler hat from the dollar store and perhaps some white gloves, and voila—you are a mime!

10. Garden Gnome

The reason this costume works is because there are so many different ways to put it together. Any pants with a button-down shirt will do. Maybe throw a brown belt around your waist. A pointy red hat could be made from paper or felt depending on your time frame. Finish it off with a beard.