... because you'll never know what you'll find. The Greenmount Goodwill also had sporting equipment like helmets that could be fun, as well as graduation gowns for would-be judges. And I attended a party once where three people were dressed as mechanics named "Joe" because "Joe" apparently donated all his shirts with the little name patch on the chest to a thrift store.

The Thrift Store Shopper has a good thrift store directory to help you find shops.

2. Check the recycling bin. Use a refrigerator box or other packing material to fashion yourself into an iPod nano, a robot, an aquarium or even spaghetti and meatballs. Use discarded aluminum and plastic containers and disposable plates or bowls to add details.

3. Never underestimate the power of a sweatsuit. About.com has an amazing list of ideas for sweatsuit costumes, pairing inexpensive monochromatic sweatsuit separates into costumes such as a cat up a tree or a dalmatian.

4. More ideas. Disney has a list of group costumes, last-minute costumes and costumes for kids.

The Craft Zine has some fun recycled kids' costumes. Heck, I might make that monkey costume for myself! And Instructables.com has lots of good ideas, including this roll of toilet paper costume. It is a very good idea. It is.

And About.com has instructions for making a yarn wig, a fake beard or a fake mustache, as well as fake blood and homemade face paint. Why buy when you can make your own?

UPDATED: And don't miss even more last-minute Halloween costume ideas, compiled with the procrastinator in mind. 

(photo: Doug Kapustin/Baltimore Sun)