Purchasing some fabric remnants can be less expensive than buying a readymade costume. Parents and older kids that are prepared to invest a good deal of sewing time into a costume may want to check out the pattern section of the store. However fabric costumes don't have to involve extensive sewing skills. Capes, skirts, dresses, saris, and togas are all examples of minimal or no-sew costume ideas.

Kim Conner/AP/File
Kim Conner, a Burlington, Vt., marketing director and mother of three, designed this mermaid costume for her daughter.