Many of us have spent hours putting together the perfect costume for the kids (or ourselves) only for it to be worn once and then thrown in the back of a cupboard or even the bin. Even if we do keep them, at the rate kids grow, it's unlikely to fit again next year.
With this in mind, we've put together a list of 20 costume ideas made from clothes you probably already own, accessories that can be used over and over and a little bit of face paint or makeup. If that still feels too much, why not check out your local children's charity shop to grab a bargain costume that you can donate again at the ed of spooky season.
Where's Wally?
All you need is some blue jeans, a red and white striped top and some glasses or why not paint the glasses on with face paint.
Superman / Clark Kent
One of my favourites, a Superman t-shirt, trousers, shirt and, if you have them, tie and glasses. Just put the shirt over the t-shirt and partly unbutton it to become Clark as he transforms into Superman.
Minion
Denim dungarees, a yellow top, black gloves and goggles, face painted on goggles or a headband with a goggle eye attached.
Ballerina / Dancer
If yo have a dancer in your life use their dance outfit for an easy ballerina or dancer outfit.
Witch or Wizard
A witches hat and cape can be paired with casual clothes or school uniform to make an easy outfit and can be easily used again. Whether your inspiration is Meg, Winnie the Witch or Hogwarts there is an easy Witch or Wizard for all of us.
Vampire
School trousers, white shirt and a cape make a simple vampire outfit, you can also add face paint fangs if you'd like.
Barbie
There are so many Barbies to choose from whether it is original Barbie, Dr Barbie, President Barbie or Lawyer Barbie most are just a nice dress and some simple accessories like a book with a 'Barbie Law' paper cover, a stethoscope or a sash.
Mummy
Leggings and a long sleeve t-shirt topped off by some bandages round legs, arms and torso (a few safety pins will help). At the end of the night roll them up for next time.
Angel
If you have the costume left from last year's Christmas play or have a dancer at home you might have a ready made angel outfit already.
Pirate
Pirate outfits really don't need special clothes just some trousers and a t-shirt then add a pirate hat that you can use again and, if you have one, a toy parrot or shark to finish the look.
Princess
A nice party dress and a toy tiara is all you really need for a simple princess outfit and afterwards the tiara can be put away for another year.
Black cat
Dark clothes, a cat ear headband and a little face paint. Before you go out a buy a plain t-shirt, why not see if you have any with patterns or prints on that can be worn inside out.
Dorothy (Wizard of Oz)
If you have a checked summer dress from school that still fits, add some red shoes and a toy dog to make a great Dorothy outfit.
Cowboy / Cowgirl
Jeans and a shirt are most of what you need, you can add a cowboy hat and toy horse or hobbyhorse to round out the outfit.
Wednesday Addams
A black (or dark coloured) dress with a school shirt underneath, hair plaited in pigtails and the right attitude is all you need for this iconic look.
Knight
Trousers and a t-shirt paired with a cape and a toy sword, shield or helmet. There is a good chance you already have some of these at home, if not a sword or shield can easily be cut out of cardboard.
Little Red Riding Hood
A red cape over pretty much any dress instantly brings this children's classic to mind. If you have a basket or toy wolf they make great accessories too.
Jellyfish
This is a personal favourite for a British autumn or as an accompanying parent, take an umbrella (clear is best but anything colourful will do) and carefully tape streamers or lengths of ribbon to the edges to make a jellyfish that can also keep you dry. It looks even better if you dress in dark clothes too.
The Worst Witch
A school dress and a witches hat with a tie around it gives you a quick and easy Mildred Hubble.
Pretty much anything else from the kids existing collection of dress up clothes
Why not go as a fairy, superhero, police officer, dragon or bumble bee?
Leave the complicated outfits, fake blood and scary looks to other people and embrace a low waste outfit this Halloween.