If you want to avoid getting drenched on Halloween — rainy skies are, unsurprisingly, in the forecast Wednesday for Vancouver — try the following costumes to stay dry:

• Mary Poppins — the airborne British nanny always had an umbrella by her side, just attach a parrot-head handle for added effect.

• Felix Baumgartner — the daredevil’s parachute is waterproof, but rain won’t even be an issue if you’re in the stratosphere all night breaking the sound barrier.

• Jellyfish — strap on a headlamp and cover up in a transparent shower curtain to emulate the luminescent marine life and keep from getting soaked.

Trick-or-treat giveaways on a budget:

• Recycle all those unwanted sweets — the ones usually found in grandma’s candy dish — your kids bring home by giving them to trick-or-treaters at your own door.

• Get kids pumped for the holidays by handing out all those crushed candy canes you were saving from last Christmas.

Excuses for showing up for work in a Halloween costume Thursday morning after partying all night Wednesday:

• Tell your boss you’re celebrating Day of the Dead on Nov. 1 — this may be a tough sell if you’re in a princess outfit.

• Dressed as a zombie? Simply say you’re already practising choreography for Thrill the World 2013, the charity dance event inspired by Michael Jackson’s Thriller music video.

• If you’re Mad Men’s Don Draper, just explain you can’t wait for the Nov. 9 premiere of the new 007 flick Skyfall. The 1960s look is always appropriate for Bond enthusiasts.

Repurposing your leftover Halloween decorations:

• Jack-o'-lantern — make it an urban scarecrow for seagull and pigeon protection.

• Fake cobwebs — freak out your mom during her next visit by placing webs in every corner of your apartment — especially the kitchen.

• Halloween danger tape — never lose a soup or sandwich to your co-workers again using this mock police tape to wrap your lunch in the office fridge.