It’s Halloween! If you are 3-12 years old, it’s the greatest night of the entire year. You probably get to stay out past your bedtime, eat candy way past dinner time and pretend to be someone else for a night. If you’re in college, well, it’s the same thing - no bedtime, eating candy and pretending to be someone else.

If you are like me, you may STILL have no idea what kind of costume you will be wearing, and Halloween is in two days! If this is you, you likely don’t want to spend $50 on a costume.

I’ve been brainstorming for a few days now and have come up with some tips for some costumes that should be relatively easy to throw together between now and that party you’ll be going to later tonight.

Coke Can. Or anything in the cylindrical shape (salt shaker, beer can, can of soup, etc.). Go to your local gas station. Behind most gas stations, there is a bin of used cardboard boxes they are throwing away. First, grab some of these boxes, wrap them around you in the size and shape you want. Then color them by wrapping them in paper, bed sheets or spray paint in the appropriate color for your costume. If the theme of your costume is not apparent immediately, give everyone a clue, such as a logo, or a big “S” if you are trying to look like a salt shaker. Get some shoe strings or anything you can find and make them into shoulder straps. Duct tape always works, too. You are looking good already.

Astronaut. If you happen to have some aluminum foil in your kitchen drawer, pull it out, wrap yourself in it and put on a pair of goggles and a bike helmet. You could also pass as test pilot, race car driver or alien. Just add the appropriate accessories.

Toga. This one is too easy. Grab the sheets off your bed - preferably white ones - and wrap yourself in them in the shape of a toga (Think: Google images). Pick some bushes outside of your friend’s apartment and make a wreath-looking thing to put on your head. People will get the idea. Tell them you are Brutus.

An action figure.You most likely have a hobby. If not, maybe you should look into that. Most hobbies have equipment, like soccer shinguards, orange safety vests, camouflage coveralls, a climbing harness or snorkeling gear. Just put it on, and show off a part of your personality. You could always take off your shirt, add some baby oil and call yourself a “sexy _____(fill in the blank).” But use good judgement. Please.

Halloween should not cost a lot of money. If you plan to wear the costume only once, then you should not have to overdraw your account for one night of high fives on your costume.

Try these simple ideas, and maybe all your candy will be free for the night.