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Trick-or-treat with simple Halloween costumes

Need a last-minute disguise for you or your little one? Laurie Gelman of Cookie magazine has the how-to on some quick outfits.
/ Source: TODAY

We all know Halloween isn't just for the kids, but for the entire family. Laurie Gelman of Cookie magazine shares some tips to keep your whole family both stylish and safe on this spooky holiday.

Some of the most original costumes are homemade, and you don’t have to be a whiz with the sewing machine to whip one up fast. Even a rock star costume can be imitated simply — just find the flashiest thing in the closet, add some sunglasses and hairspray, and you’re ready to go. Here are a few more six-second wonders:

Chef
A mixing spoon and a kitchen apron — whether perfectly starched or well-stained — are all you need to cook up this simple outfit. A smattering of flour on the face is the perfect no-stain makeup.

Gypsy
Any long skirt, whether mom’s or your daughter’s own, can be dressed up with lots of colorful scarves and as much costume jewelry as you have lying around. Bonus: Layering long underwear underneath only adds to the bohemian effect.

Tourist
Dig up that old Hawaiian shirt from the back of your closet and pair it with sunglasses, then hang a camera around your child’s neck and you’re ready to travel!

Tip: Don’t let your costumes collect dust in the attic after the candy is gone. They can be great additions to any dress-up trunk, or a fun way to decorate a themed birthday party.

Safety tips

Getting dressed: Face paints are a great alternative to masks, as they don’t get in the way of your child’s eyes. If they do wear a mask, make sure the eye holes are large. Also, watch those hems, especially with costumes borrowed from Mom or Dad’s closet! Let your child play in their costume at home for a while to make sure they are comfortable and not likely to trip and fall.

Before heading out: Talk to your kids about the importance of sticking together. Give each child his or her own flashlight, or affix a bike reflector to their candy buckets. For younger children, a slip of paper with their address and phone number can be pinned inside their clothes. It can also be helpful to plan the house-to-house route before the night begins, which cuts down the chances of getting lost in the dark.

While on the hunt: Agree on a strict “no candy 'til we get home” rule. This way you can inspect all the candy before they devour it. Also, a hearty meal will help them be less tempted to indulge.

For more great last-minute costume ideas, visit Cookie online at: .

For more Halloween fun, check out Cookie’s blog, Daysitter: http://www.cookiemag.com/magazine/blogs/daysitter/halloween/index.html.