HALLOWEEN COSTUME IDEAS 2011

A recent survey out by Morpace of more than 1,000 consumers shows that kids aren't the only ones having all the fun this holiday, 32 percent of adults say they will dress up too.

Chances are if you've waited this late to start your shopping, you're probably short on ideas, or maybe even cash.

9NEWS Your Money Reporter Heidi McGuire went on the hunt for a hassle-free, affordable solution to snagging a costume before time runs out.

Heidi enlisted the help of the Metromix.com team for this Halloween shopping challenge. The group of four went to the local Goodwill store on Broadway with the goal of finding a costume in one hour, spending no more than $20 each.

While Metromixers Matt, Erin, and Taylor started going through the racks, Heidi talked to Goodwill Public Relations Specialist Vanessa Clark about the thrift store's newest approach to Halloween shopping.

"We're pretty hip and trendy at Goodwill so we're always trying to find new ways to use technology whether it's with a mobile website or driving people to our Facebook page or twitter," Clark said.

If you've ever done any thrift or consignment-store shopping, you know a lot of the work involves digging through the racks to find what you're looking for. To simplify the process, this year Goodwill is offering up a solution for the tech-savvy shopper using a Quick Response or QR code that directs people to their website using a smartphone.

"If you're shopping and you're stumped and you're not sure what you want to be this year, we make it super easy," C said lark.

Shoppers can find the QR codes on Halloween signs throughout the store, and by using their smartphone to read the code, they can access Goodwill's website, which features hundreds of costume ideas for Halloween.

"Everyone has iPhones and Droids and smart phones these days so why not empower them to go to our website and maybe when you're there you'll find out something about Goodwill and our programs that you didn't know," Clark said.

So how did the Heidi and the Metromix team do at Goodwill shopping for Halloween? With all costumes 50 percent off now through Halloween, each not only scored an outfit, they also came in well under budget.

Metromix Producer Matt Farley got pimped out from head to toe, accessories included as a velvet-suited entrepreneur for just $16.46.

For just a penny more, Heidi put together a look from the 1920s including dress, shoes, jewelry and a boa. The total was $16.47.

Metromix Associate Producer Taylor Coughlin hooked a heck of deal on a full pirate costume that was brand new for just $7.49.

Finally, Metromix Market and Promotions Coordinator Erin VandeVen scored the best deal on her devilish look, including a dress, horns and a tail for just $4.49.

To see costume ideas from Goodwill visit: http://www.goodwilldenver.org/halloween.

For local events and parties happening around this holiday take a look at Metromix's 2011 Halloween Guide at: www.denver.metromix.com/halloween.

Other thrift stores in the area:
http://www.savers.com/
http://www.arcthrift.com/
http://www.buffaloexchange.com/
http://www.aplusthrift.com/

Also remember, when shopping at thrift stores, the inventory often changes daily, so check back often. If you are imaginative, you can find great things in other departments to add to your look. For example, you could use a lamp shade as a hat, or a trash can lid as a turtle shell.

(KUSA-TV © 2011 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)