Some people are naturally gifted when it comes to Halloween costumes. These secret geniuses lurk in the shadows, never revealing their talents until that one magical time of the year when they’re allowed to go wild and put everyone else to shame with their creativity. Perish the thought of store-bought Halloween costumes.

1. Plastic Army Men

This clearly requires some time and effort, but when people fully commit (especially going as far as to make their own plastic base), the results are perfect.

2. Wilson The Volleyball

Even if you don’t have a convenient baby to pop into this “Castaway”-inspired costume, you can always make an adult-sized version with little more than a white shirt, a marker and some red paint. Wilsonnnnnn!!!

3. Rosie The Riveter

A classic costume that’s perfect for when you want to look like you tried but also don’t want to buy a bunch of expensive stuff.

4. Sterling Archer And Lana Kane

Step one: Find the perfect tactileneck. Step two: Find a white turtleneck dress. Step three: Enter the Danger Zone.

5. Roller Coaster

For those who are seriously dedicated to both costume-making and amusement park rides.

6. The “Hocus Pocus” Witches

This probably only works if you have a group of three friends with the exact right hair color, height and weight, although wigs are always an option.

7. Yoda

Once a pair of green pointy ears you have, talk like this all the time you can.

8. Margot and Richie Tenenbaum

All it takes is a fur coat, approximately 3 pounds of eye makeup, a beard and some tennis accessories to recreate this iconic pair of adopted siblings/lovers.

9. Weeping Angel

Freak out every single “Dr. Who” fan in the vicinity by running up behind them and whispering, “Don’t blink!”

10. Max From “Where The Wild Things Are”

This homemade suit is awesome, although you could probably get away with any kind of white clothing as long as you have a crown. The crown is mandatory!

11. Banksy Art

Basically one of the coolest ideas ever, especially if you have lots of walls to freeze against and pretend to be graffiti.

12. Milhouse

“Will I get beat up today? ‘All signs point to yes.’”

13. La Catrina

This is a costume that’s becoming more and more common lately, but when you put in the effort to do some really stunning face paint, it’s totally worth it.

14. The Terminator

Anyone can put on a leather jacket and sunglasses; only a true Terminator takes the time to sculpt half of his face and include a creepy glowing eye.

15. Linguini And Remy From “Ratatouille”

Because who doesn’t want their own tiny chef hiding inside their hat?

16. Skeleton Horse

For all you non-horses out there, don’t be disappointed that you can’t make this awesome costume for yourself; all you have to do is buy a horse and take it everywhere you go on Halloween so people can be astounded by your genius.

17. Lumbergh From “Office Space”

I’m gonna need you to go ahead and come in on Sunday to get this costume finished.

18. Hockey Puck To The Face

Fake injuries are widespread that they’ve become a predictable part of Halloween, and people work harder and harder to be as gross as possible. Sometimes, though, the simplest fake injuries are the best — especially if you match the injury to your location.

19. Voldemort/Professor Quirrell

Shaved heads provide a blank canvas for a myriad of different costumes. Choose Professor Quirrell with Lord Voldemort sticking out of the back of his head and you won’t be disappointed; all you need is a marker, a robe and a purple towel turban to send children screaming in fear.

20. Nibbler

This ancient and powerful being, also known as the Supreme Fuzzler, is responsible for pooping out the dark matter that fuels spaceships in “Futurama.” Although pugs and other small dogs or cats are the perfect choice to don the red cape, humans can easily do the same with a fake eyeball and an eyestalk made from ordinary household materials — and, ideally, fake dark matter.

21. Atreyu And Falcor From “The NeverEnding Story”

If you live somewhere where you can conceivably ride a bike around all night, then you can also ride a dragon!