Halloween is just around the corner, and despite inflation, thousands of consumers will be shopping for costumes for kids and adults alike.

                By                    Sam DiSalvo

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent $10 billion on Halloween in 2021, up significantly from $8.05 billion in 2020 and a record-breaking all-time high. Individually, Americans spend just over $100 each on Halloween.

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An estimated $3.3 billion of that chunk of change went toward Halloween costumes. That’s an awful lot to spend on an outfit you’ll wear maybe three times max (and that’s only if you’re planning to attend multiple parties, perhaps in addition to trick-or-treating). 

It’s looking like pop culture figures are top of mind for those planning to dress up. Expect plenty of recognizable characters from hit shows like “Stranger Things” and “Umbrella Academy,” as well as get-ups that are Barbie-inspired, thanks to press for the upcoming movie. 

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The problem with these popular costumes is that when you buy them off the rack, they tend to cost a pretty penny. That’s because retailers know just how much you want them; but fear not on this most happily fearful occasion, craftiness can go a long way in helping you save money.  Here’s a look at how to create pricey Halloween costumes on a budget. Get ready to break out the sewing machine and hit up the local Goodwill.

Barbie

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Dr. Strange

Chrissy’s Hawkins’ Cheerleader Outfit From “Stranger Things”

Chrissy’s iconic getup will cost you $49.99 at Spirit. However, you might be able to find a secondhand cheerleading outfit on eBay for less. Another alternative is a green cheerleading outfit on AliExpress for $15.29. You can sew on the HHS letters, which will run you about $3.50 each on Etsy.

Student from “Umbrella Academy”

Bluey

If your toddler is obsessed with Bluey, you might be tempted to pay $39.99 for a Bluey costume at Spirit. However, you can easily piece together a much cheaper costume. Get footie pajamas from BuyBuyBaby for $9.90, and a Bluey hat from Etsy for $6.00. This way, your kid can stay comfy and wear the Bluey hat whenever he or she wants.

Ladybug from “Miraculous” 

Mario From Super Mario Bros.

When all else fails, you can always rely on this classic.

“For this, you’ll need a pair of children’s overalls, a red shirt, a red cap, white children’s gloves, yellow, some white felt (which you’ll cut out and glue onto the cap with the letter “M” written on it), yellow felt (which you’ll glue onto the straps of the overalls), and a fake mustache (though you could draw one on),” said Adam Garcia, founder of The Stock Dork and a father of three.  

Nicole Spector contributed to the reporting for this article.