With the needs of our families growing much faster than our budgets could handle, a group of friends and I decided to pool our resources and invent the costumes our children.

Each of us committed to donating $10 apiece and we were able to formulate our costume budget. Before we would part with one cent of our money, we turned our attention to our closets, attics and basements.

Unbelievably, with the items, we already had on hand and the purchase of some felt, sweat pants and sweat shirts. All purchased on sale and from every irregular bin we could find. We created costumes on a relatively small budget, that even the children, who at first, were threatening a mutiny, were thrilled with the finished costumes.

My friends and I spend all year hunting for our inexpensive treasures at garage sales and second hand stores. We are sale savvy, and take advantage of being able to save money where ever and whenever we can.

Here is just a small sampling of cheap costumes that anyone who can wield a glue gun can produce.

The budget bug: all you need is some red felt for the wings, black felt for the spots, black sweat pants and black sweatshirt. Cut two ovals from the red felt, glue on some spots. When dried, glue the two ovals together; remember to leave an opening to add stuffing. For the finishing touch, get a black headband, two pipe cleaners and two red pom poms.

With very little effort, one of the kids was able to be transformed into a bunch of grapes. Start with a sweat suit (purple or green), and attach purple or green balloons all over.

Penny-pinching pound puppies can be created with a dark colored sweat suit, matching felt for ears, headband and makeup. Attach felt ears onto headband, use black makeup for nose and whiskers.

Do not let money dictate how you will celebrate this Halloween season, formulate a budget, stick to it and have fun. You might find that being a bargain hunter is well worth the effort it requires.