COLUMBIA (WACH)--Halloween is only a few days away, which means the clock is ticking to get that eye-catching costume.'

It’s a huge time of year, between costumes, candy, decorations, flashlights anything and everything.  Its one of the biggest retail holidays, says Katie Rook, in the middle of the costume section at Be Beep the Toy Store.

Children, pets, and adults will dress up for a little trick or treating or scary soiree, but while you’re in the neighborhood this year you may notice something a little different.

People are trying to buy things that last longer, that stand and you know hold their value very well, says Rook.

Tough economic times mean frightful finances for some, so that calls for a little creativity.

The old do-it-yourself concept is alive and well for those trying to have fun without breaking the bank.

“For between ten to fifteen dollars you can put together something pretty unique and something your friends can talk about for a while, says David Hessberger, Store Manager of Goodwill on Decker Boulevard.

Katie Rook agrees that people want to get the most bang for their buck.

Rook says, “I think people are being more creative but I also think they’re looking for costumes that they’re not going to wear just one night.  Costumes that you know they can put on the next day maybe for dress up.”

Local thrift stores and Goodwill see an uptick in business this time of year.

Go to Goodwill and put a costume together.  When folks think of retro or sometimes the 80’s they think Goodwill, says Hessberger “at Goodwill we get a lot of unique donations so it’s a great place to shop for that, pinch pennies and have some fun.”

Here are just a few ideas for “Do it yourself” Halloween costumes:

Mummy: White clothes, an old white bedsheet you don’t mind tearing into strips, or use white gauze bandages.

Surgeon: A pair of scrubs, old lab coat, shower caps (to wear over your shoes)

 Cowboy: Western flannel shirt, jeans, cowboy hat, rope (to make a lasso)

School Girl: Whit button down, plaid skirt, knee socks, hair in pigtails

Put on your thinking cap, put away your wallet and create the best cost saving costume to have a Happy Halloween!

How much did you spend on your Halloween costume this year?  Did you create one yourself? Please share your Halloween cost saving stories by leaving a comment below.