Halloween is a fun holiday and it doesn't have to mean spending tons of money. You can get creative and make things yourself, or even swap with other families. Here are some simple Halloween ideas that can save you some cash:

• Hold a "trade day" for Halloween costumes and switch with other parents in the neighborhood. Instead of everyone buying new, you can re-use costumes and they will be "brand new" to the kids that are wearing them this year. A great way to cut down on waste and costs as well.
• Create costumes out of items you have around the house. Make "claws" out of paper plates or use makeup to make a particular look happen instead of buying costume kits.
• Make Halloween decorations yourself instead of buying them. It is amazing what some crayons and construction paper can do for your windows. You can also stuff old clothing and make scarecrows for the front porch.
• Carve a pumpkin. It is inexpensive, and you can use the insides to make toasted pumpkin seeds as well. For something truly different, take a look at the recipe for "Red Hot Pumpkin Seeds," which uses melted red hot cinnamon candies as a coating.
• Go retro and use a pillowcase for a trick-or-treat bag. It holds a lot of goodies, is washable and free!

Halloween is a holiday where you can let your creativity run wild and come up with fun things to make and do as a family. Some of them may work out so well that they become a yearly tradition. Take a few of these great tips and try them on for size to see which ones your family will enjoy.

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