Unique Halloween Costumes

Jessica Baumgartner is the creator and author of a blog for parents that includes humorous tales, travel information and product reviews.
Jessica can be reached at momonthego@woutanet.com

While staying close to home during our new normal, many of us have become very crafty and honed our creative senses. So, why not use Halloween to show off your most unique costumes? Incorporate things from around the house or, if necessary, take a quick trip to the craft store.
When creating for the kiddies, think of who they are obbsessing over, or if they have a favorite storybook character/cartoon. A quick and easy costume for boy siblings or a father and son duo, are the characters from the movie UP. Russell’s costume is simple and quick: a plain yellow shirt, brown pants, a yellow hat and a boy scout sash. To add a personal touch, use felt when making the badges for the sash, labeling all your child’s accomplishments from the year. If you prefer to be Carl, his costume can be as simple as black pants, a white shirt, blazer, bowtie and pair of dollar store sunglasses (with the lenses taken out of course). For a more crafty Carl, have your child decorate and hold the balloons the duo is known to carry, or if you have a dog, throw the character Dug into the mix!
A great unisex costume is a bubblegum machine. All you need is a simple pair of red pants, a red shirt or  dress covered in colorful pom poms and you’re bound to be a big hit. Also, don’t forget to print a large picture of a quarter to add the finishing touch.
Families that play together stay together. For a quick family costume that fits any sized group, try the T-Birds or The Pink Ladies. A few black and pink jackets with personalized vinyl lettering, high ponytails with gel, and you’re all set!!
For the reluctant husband, boyfriend or son, a chef’s coat and matching hat, with a plastic rat and battery powered candle underneath, and he’s instantly Linguini from the hit Ratatouille. Another great option is to be a ringmaster. Black jeans, a red coat and hat, and now you have the power to rally up the tigers. To make it family-friendly, have everyone dress as different animals for a large imaginary circus.
After you’re done crafting for the family, don’t forget to create your own. Makeup is an incredible and cheap way to turn an ordinary costume into an extraordinary one. Don a little black dress and paint a day of the dead skull onto your face to become an instant show stopper. Even a butterfly, half-faced skeleton or delicately constructed Mardi Gras mask can transform something boring from your closet into something stunning!