5. Kanye: I know Ricky’s still sells those ridiculous glasses, but going as Kayne is so 2007. That goes for Soulja Boy, too.

4. Generic costume shops: While we’re on the subject of Ricky’s – or your local costume superstore equivalent – you might want to avoid those costumes altogether. I guess it’s perfect if you want to be a slutty nurse/school girl/pirate/border patrol officer, but the majority of costumes are absurdly overpriced, and you run the risk of running into a dozen other people with an identical getup. Give it a little time and thought, and create something unique instead.

3. Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston: I know it can be hard to think of great couple costumes, but I promise you can do better than this. I’ve heard at least one member of every couple I know consider this costume idea , and it pretty much just entails making the girl look trashy and pregnant. Tor the record, Jamie Lynn Spears and what’s-his-face are not acceptable substitutes.

2. The rest of the Palin family: I’ll admit that getting a group to go as the entire Palin family could be pretty awesome, but the costume loses its appeal when it’s just an individual effort. Sara Palin costumes are flying off the shelves, and even the slutty Sara Palin outfit will not make you cool or original.

1. The candidates: You know what? I’m ready for the election to be over. I’ve seen enough of the candidates (rejected and nominated) to last me until Inauguration Day. Halloween is supposed to be a drunken night of mischief and merriment; can we please forget politics for one night? It will be a total buzz kill to see dozens of creepy McCain, ironic Nader, and angry Hillary masks.