When it comes to managing your time, it helps to get creative.

Example: trading the hours it would take to make your kid’s Halloween costume for the minutes it takes to order a Zoodies animal hoodie.

Made by California mom Carlee Barnes, each Zoodie starts its life as an American Apparel sweatshirt. Barnes adds felt antenna, cotton whiskers, or a fleece mane to transform it into everything from a ladybug to a lion. No detail is overlooked: The unicorn’s horn sticks straight up, the shark has cut-out gills, and the cat’s whiskers are perfectly aligned with your little kitten’s nose.

And when your child insists on wearing his “costume” to school, there’s no need to waste time arguing — just zip him in. And zip along to the next item on your list.

Available online at zoodies.com, $36-$60.

Looking for more neat costumes you don’t have to make? Check out our favorite finds from Etsy.

25% off EarthLust Stainless Steel Water and Baby Bottles
Perfect for lunch boxes, backpacks, and moms-on-the-go, these limited-edition, stainless steel water bottles and baby bottles are a healthy and easy way to stay hydrated. Get 25% off bottles for the whole family with code CANDY at checkout; good thru Sept. 16.

Photos: Courtesy of Zoodies; Courtesy of EarthLust

	Up to 60% off Kenneth Jay Lane Got a flair for the dramatic? Invest in cocktail rings and other baubles from the man who got his start adorning Jackie O., Elizabeth Taylor, and Audrey Hepburn. Take up to 60% off on Swirl.