With Halloween just weeks away, it’s time to get serious about this year’s costumes. Whether you’re the one getting dressed up or you have to outfit your kids, buying costumes can be really expensive — nearly $40 per costume on average. That’s a good chunk of change, especially since most costumes will only be worn once. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to go all-out on Halloween costumes without spending a lot. Here are five ways to save on Halloween costumes:  

Borrow or Trade

For the kids, see if you can borrow last year’s costumes from friends and family with kids around the same age, and offer them your kids’ past costumes in return. Everyone gets the fun of wearing a “new” costume without anyone spending a dime.

Let Pop Culture Be Your Guide

Popular movies and TV shows are great sources of costume inspiration. The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, Frozen, Toy Story and many more all have iconic, instantly recognizable characters that you can copy in costume form.

Shop Thrift Stores

Many thrift stores arrange special Halloween pop-up shops featuring costume-ready merchandise. Along with clothing from every decade you’ll find hats, capes, wigs, scarves and other accessories, plus new — and discounted — Halloween makeup. Thrift stores are perfect for finding unusual items that ensure your costume will be one-of-a-kind.

Use What You Have

Many kids are happy to simply dress up in things they already have such as dance recital costumes or sports uniforms. You can add to the look with creative makeup or face paint to make it special. Or craft a homemade gold medal to add to a sports uniform to turn your child into an Olympic champion. Getting creative with items you already have is one of the easiest ways to save on Halloween costumes.

Shop Deep Discounts After Halloween

Costumes and other Halloween merchandise go on deep discount immediately after Halloween to clear space for holiday merchandise. You can save 50% or more if you buy and put it away for next year. And while you’re shopping, be sure to pick up discounted bags of wrapped Halloween candy to freeze and use later.

Looking for other fun fall activities? These seasonal favorites let you experience the season on a budget.