Getting the right Halloween costume for your little one doesn’t have to blow the budget. Their young age actually means not only that they’ll look adorable no matter what. And they won’t have too many opinions about what they're wearing — not yet anyway.

Sweatshirt animals

It’s amazing how a sweatshirt and a few artfully positioned household items can be combined to create a cute costume for a small child. As parenting.com shows, a cow, a chicken, a white rabbit and an owl are just a few of the possibilities. None require sewing, but there will be some cutting and gluing.

Onesie creations

Think of your baby’s torso and belly as a blank canvas. With a onesie and some basic supplies, your baby will be ready for Halloween in minutes. The blog Rookie Moms has an entire post devoted to this idea — chef, baseball, Einstein, ballet dancer and that’s just the beginning. It’s a more understated approach to the season, but still looks good.

Mom and baby

If you’re taking the rest of the crew trick-or-treating, these baby-wearing costumes can help you pull double duty. Secondhand stores have many gently used baby costumes, which can turn out cute and cost effective. If you find a baby-sized monkey costume at the secondhand store, for example, why not take it to the next level and dress up like a tree? Or add some horns and googly eyes to a pair of stocking caps and go as a two-headed monster.

Of course, you should also check out your friendly neighborhood thrift or kids consignment shop. You may find a great array of kids and baby costumes there. With a little ingenuity, you can create memories that last a lifetime while staying within budget