Halloween costumes: Cheap, easy, last-minute & creative costume ideas for the whole family

I was always the kid who had no idea what to be for Halloween. I wasn't short of ideas -- it's just that my ideas were usually impractical, expensive, or too last-minute.

My kids have fared a bit better, thanks in large part to the web. Although the holiday seems to creep up on us more quickly every year, we have at least been able to put together a passable ensemble more than just day or two before the spook-fest!

Right at home
A good place to begin your quest for this year's Halloween costume: Your own home. Look through your drawers and closets and try to see old clothes and doo-dads in a new way.

A little girl's pink sweatshirt and matching pants, for example, can help her dress up as a pig or as a fitness-fanatic princess. With dad's old cowboy boots, some jeans, a shirt and a red kerchief (even a red dishtowel could work), your child can be a cowboy.

Take a look in the garage. Maybe bring out the holiday tinsel and ornaments a little bit early, and have your kid decorate him or herself as a Christmas tree!

Cardboard boxes can be used to create everything from a robot's body to a creepy box with a live hand in it. Accessories -- such as wands and swords -- can also be created from everyday craft supplies such as cardboard, glitter and paint. (Use a branch from your garden as a stick for a wand.)

And don't forget your makeup, which can be used to make a little kitten nose and whiskers, fake bruises, and countless more effects!

More, more, more
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, fairies and ladybugs -- I now present you with a treasure map to help you discover the best Halloween costumes to help you spook, surprise, or just make someone smile.

Halloween for babies & toddlers
16 easy Halloween costumes for babies
Photo gallery: Baby Halloween costumes
Choosing a Halloween costume for your baby
Unique baby Halloween costumes

Halloween costumes for kids
Photo gallery: Kids' Halloween costumes
9 cardboard box costume ideas for kids
Halloween costumes: Traditional favorites
Homemade Halloween make up, bruises & blood
12 Cheap and easy Halloween costume ideas
Easy animal costumes
Frugal Halloween costumes: Ideas with sweatsuits

Halloween costumes just for grownups:
Halloween costumes for grownups
6 rips for painting your pregnant bellySpooky halloween costumes for moms-to-be
How to pick out a sexy Halloween costume
Photo gallery: Adult Halloween costumes

More Halloween dress-up fun!
Pet Halloween costumes
What was your favorite Halloween costume ever?