So Halloween’s coming up fast, and I kept seeing basic costumes everywhere last year. Decided early to hunt down fresh 2024 ideas before everyone else copies ’em. Dug out my dusty inspiration journal and hit the craft store first thing last Tuesday.
The Research Rabbit Hole
Tore through Pinterest for hours scrolling makeup tutorials and DIY pages. Saved 37 wild concepts on my phone – way too many obviously. Realized half needed $200+ prosthetics or sewing machines, which ain’t happening in my tiny apartment. Coffee helped.
Hit thrift stores Thursday after work. Found shredded flannel shirts perfect for zombie lumberjacks ($3!) and glittery fairy wings someone ditched. Almost bought inflatable T-rex suit but remembered last year’s fail when it popped climbing stairs.
Testing the Top Contenders
Friday night became testing lab time with my niece. We mashed up cute/scary combos like:
- Cupcake zombie – Frosting blood splatter on apron
- Upside-down demon (wig worn backward with reverse makeup)
- Melted ice cream cone using wire hangers & cotton batting
Third eyelash glue attempt failed spectacularly. Note: Dollar store glitter gets EVERYWHERE. Niece declared zombie cupcake “cute but gross” – perfect reaction.
Final 10 List Assembly
Crossed off anything needing more than 1 shopping trip or advanced skills. Prioritized:
- Stuff using normal clothes
- Under $25 total
- Funny unexpected twists
Wrote descriptions while paint dried on our failed T-rex repair. Most satisfying part? Thrift store scores becoming legit terrifying costumes. That $3 flannel? Added corn syrup “blood” and sticks – instant cursed camper.
Here’s what survived the cuts:
- Cuddle cult leader – Teddy bear army on bathrobe
- Gooey bubblegum monster – Pink trash bags + slime
- Bug-eyed investigator (magnifying glasses taped to goggles)
- Error 404 ghost – Sheets with computer error spray paint
- Spicy taco vendor – Pepper spray prop instead of hot sauce
Proof you don’t need fancy crap for laughs or scares. Might still try the melted ice cream cone though – Pinterest owes me redemption.
