As Halloween creeps around the corner, some families might be planning traditional parties. And the most scary thing about the occasion might be the expense of buying a costume.

But costume parties don't have to be costly.

"I think it would be very important to try to use what you have at home, whenever you can," said Patricia Hildebrand, a consumer and family economics educator with the University of Illinois Extension Center in Effingham.

"And making things at home is fun. The kids can help make their costumes, and that's much more fun than buying one," she said.

Cindy Overton of Mattoon, Southsiders 4-H Club leader, said costume parties can be a great way for families to have fun together, and such an occasion is often used as an icebreaker for new 4-H members.

"We use costume parties as a family mixer and a way to get to know the new members of our 4-H club and their families," Overton said. "Some go all out, and some really get into it."

Overton said she's made many costumes over the years, but now that her youngest child is 21, much of that fun is gone.

"The simpler you keep it, the more affordable it will be. I've made costumes such as 'inmates,' and more elaborate ones like a 'mermaid.'"

Overton said the inmate uniform took shape after she purchased some black and white striped material and an inexpensive plastic ball and chain in the toy section. For the mermaid, she found some sequin material for the lower half of the sea creature.

According to the National Retail Federation, the average amount spent on a Halloween costume in 2007 was $64.82.

A way to cut this expense is to make your own or make purchases in the off-seasons.

Hildebrand said, "You don't have to break the bank on a great Halloween costume. You can put together a cost-effective costume with everyday items from around the house."

She suggested parents check resale shops for costumes or ideas. Most households have things from which to create a costume that might look like a scarecrow, hobo, Miss America, a pirate, a gypsy or even the popular Hannah Montana.

Some Internet sites offer suggestions for inexpensive costumes that aren't difficult to make. Suggestions at www.contestformoms.com/halloween-costumes-made-free.htm include a "wrapped gift" or a "computer monitor."

Both of these can be made by using a cardboard box large enough to fit around the child or adult.

Hildebrand said another easy costume is a gypsy. "You can put on layered skirts, some jewelry, a scarf around her head and carry an old purse," she said.

Overton suggested a "hillbilly" costume that would feature cut-off jeans, rope for a belt and a corn-cob pipe.

Other examples of "easy-to-make" costumes for couples or two people are salt and pepper shakers, where each wears all white or all gray - each with the respective letter "S" or "P" on the chest. Hairnets painted silver can top off the costumes.

"I get a lot of ideas out of coloring books or from cartoon characters. Or just walk down the candy aisle and make a costume look like a box of candy," Overton said.

Overton said a cardboard box painted dark brown with white letters turned her son into a Hershey candy bar one year.

Both Hildebrand and Overton suggest including reflective tape for safety purposes, and they advise parents to avoid using masks when possible. For safety's sake, keep costumes from dragging and becoming tripping hazards, they noted.

Overton said even on a dragon costume she once made, there was a loop that allowed the child to pick up the tail and carry it easily.

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Safety tips to take the fright out of the night

Safety precautions should always be considered when created costumes at home, including these ideas by Patricia Hildebrand with the University of Illinois Extension Center in Effingham:

* Look for flame-resistant costumes, masks or beards and wigs if purchasing in a store. The ears, nose and mouth of the child should not be covered.

* If making your own, choose materials that are flame resistant.

* Make or purchase costumes that are light and brightly colored for motorists to see.

* Allow children to carry flashlights when trick-or-treating.

* Costumes should be cut so as not to be a tripping hazard.

* Children should always wear well-fitting shoes.

* Sew a tag into the costume with the child's name, phone number and address.

* Adult supervision should always be a part of trick-or-treat night.