Costume Ideas: Easy celebrity

It’s that time of year to mock — or fondly remember — the celebrities and events that helped shape the past year.

We set out to do just that — on a conservative budget, of course.

Using clothes and items around the home or found on the cheap, our five costume picks have a few things in common: They’re all famous people, they’re all ridiculous, and they can all be put together from used clothing — or boxes.

Also, none of them is Michael Jackson; we tried to dodge the lowest-hanging fruit.

So, enjoy! And if anybody asks where you came up with your costume idea, feel free to lie. We won’t hold it against you.

Plaxico Burress (as modeled by Nelson Goodwin, 24): The former New York Giants wide receiver and current prisoner (for a gun violation following an incident at a nightclub where he accidentally shot himself) has had his ups and downs. This costume reflects what was probably a down. Shirt from Goodwill ($3.59), iron-on numbers (package for $9.99), fake gun from a toy box. Total: $13.58.

Dream-killing Kanye West (Justin Young, 24): At the Video Music Awards show, West sabotaged the achievements of Taylor Swift (who’d make a good accessory if you can manage it). Now you can use him to ruin a whole holiday! We created Mr. West with a Goodwill Hugo Boss shirt ($3.99) and sunglasses from Target ($16.99). Belittling signage optional. Total: $20.98.

Lady Gaga (Rachel Krug, 25): We went high-fashion — dress ($24), heels ($18) and belt ($9) from Scout Dry Goods and Trade in Benson — but you could use trash bags and egg cartons and still pull her off. For the woman who wears birds’ nests on her face, nothing is unthinkable. Total: $51.

Billy Mays (Alec Alba, 27): The recently deceased Best Salesman Ever can be put together for almost nothing. We got a beard for $5 and the rest from the closet. The keys to the get-up — inexplicable enthusiasm and inappropriate loudness — are priceless. Total: $5.

Falcon Heene, the Colorado Balloon Boy (Roman Myers, 5): Sure, it all turned out to be a desperate plea for attention by his media-hungry, possibly crazy father ... but ain’t he cute? Foil, a box, duct tape and Mylar balloons ($2.99 each from Nobbies) are all you need. Well, that and a kid willing to dress up purely to amuse you. Total: $8.97.

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