When it comes to Halloween, sometimes the most expensive part of the holiday can be the attire. I know my roommate just spent upwards of $100 to look like Xena the Warrior Ho. While ladies feel the need to spend the big bucks for three pieces of cloth that barely cover their genitalia, as guys you should strive to wear the most hilarious thing you can come up with. And being hilarious doesn't require money, just creativity. So we here at Boosh have compiled some very simple costume ideas for the man in need so you can save the down-payment at the costume shop and instead use it at the bar. Think of it as our Economic Stimulus Plan.
Campus Safety Light
- Telephone handset
- Shoebox
- Siren Light
Using a few things you can find around your house, you can go from costume-less to the safest thing in the room. Take the shoebox, remove the lid, and affix the bottom to your shirt. Two words: duct tape. Now, tape the phone on the inside. You're a pay-phone. Costume accomplished.
Of course, to take it a step farther, track down that red/blue spinning siren light you just "had to have" for that first off campus party you hosted. Tie a string around it, slap it on your head, BAM! Now you're not just a payphone, but a Campus Safety Post. Not only will it have the room complimenting you on your ingenuity, but all the fine honeys from the window to the wall have associated you with thoughts of comfort, safety, and anti-rape. You're a hero. Get ready for the rewards.
Added Bonus: Take over the dance party with your siren head.
Pledging Statehood
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Sharpie
It's midterms. You're swamped. Getting a stellar costume has slipped your mind as your brain has focused on more important things (i.e. graduating, not failing in the eyes of your parents, life). But hey – no worries man. For the guy who didn't have time to come up with a costume, but loves America, we say go as a state.
It's easy. Take a piece of cardboard. Cut it out in the shape of your favorite state. Write the state's name across the front. Everyone will love your simple do-it-yourself costume and your grades won't suffer. Don't you look smart?
Added Bonus: Write fun state facts on the back and use them as pick-up lines. Will totally work, trust us.
"That Was Easy"
- Red Garbage Can Lid
- White Electric Tape
- String
If you watch television at all, chances are pretty good you've seen Staples trademarked "Easy" Button. Well, where they see a brand affiliation, I see an easy costume for the young business professional. Take the lid from a red garbage can (yours or your neighbors) and spell out "EASY" with white electrical tape. The tape will last longer than if you painted it on. Tie a string around it and hang it from your neck like a giant Flava Flav necklace.
Do you know how much that costume just cost you? Zero if you stole all the stuff from your neighbors. Now run with it chief. Not only did you save some serious bank, you basically laid out your sexual intentions for all the world to see. Just be prepared to be tapped on the chest all night.
Added Bonus: If people tap your chest, instead of saying "that was easy", punch them in the face.
iPod Groove Machine
- Black Clothes
- iPod Headphones
- Dancing Shoes
Also dipping into the world of advertising, everyone and their Grandma has seen the iPod dancers getting down in front of neon backgrounds. This one requires a bit of humility, but if you're willing to dance like an idiot for the entire night, this is a great costume with little effort. Do you own black clothes? Do you own an iPod? Well I think I just dressed you for dance floor amazingness.
Added Bonus: Get two friends involved. One to hold a neon background and one to bring a boombox so you can jam on the street between parties. Everyone loves the roving dance party.
Tetris Piece
- Colored Cardboard Box
Wear it. Even if it's just a square, it works. Tetris. Done. My god, this is so easy. I don't know why people spend money on anything.
Added Bonus: Spend the entire night trying to fit into spaces: corners of rooms, doorways, legs. OH SNAP!
I did that off the top of my head. Do you see how easy this is? The best costumes are the ones that aren't store bought, but you need to put some effort in or you'll just look like a homeless kid wearing cardboard. And no one wants to hang out with transients.
Got other ideas? Send them to us BROKE [at] BOOSHMAGAZINE.COM and we'll choose a winner for best home-made costume. Winner gets season one box set of the CW show Reaper. It's funny. Trust us.
