Halloween is the perfect time for kids to step into the shoes of their heroes, and what better place to find those heroes than on the screen?
Bringing a favorite TV show or movie character to life doesn’t require a store-bought costume. With a little creativity and some common household items, you can create a memorable, personalized costume that your child will be thrilled to wear.
This guide offers 35 DIY ideas to transform your little one into the star of their favorite show.
Animated Favorites
These characters from beloved cartoons are instantly recognizable and offer endless opportunities for creative, colorful, and fun DIY costumes.
1. Bluey from Bluey
Everyone’s favorite Blue Heeler, Bluey is known for her endless energy, imagination, and, of course, her signature blue color.
DIY Tips:
- Start with a blue hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants. Cut out felt shapes for the light blue belly, dark blue spots, and ears to glue onto the hood.
- Create the tail by stuffing a blue sock with cotton balls, attaching a dark blue felt tip, and pinning it to the back of the pants.
- Use face paint to draw a small black nose and a few whiskers for that final puppy touch.
2. Chase from PAW Patrol
This German Shepherd is on the case! Chase is a natural leader and a fan favorite with his cool blue police uniform and pup pack.
DIY Tips:
- Use a blue vest over a brown long-sleeved shirt. Create the police badge and pup-pack symbols out of yellow and silver craft foam or felt.
- Make a police hat by covering a simple child’s baseball cap with blue fabric and adding a handmade PAW Patrol badge to the front.
- Craft a pup pack from a small cardboard box painted grey and add straps made of blue ribbon.
3. Peppa Pig from Peppa Pig
This lovable, cheeky little piggie is famous for her simple red dress and love of jumping in muddy puddles.
DIY Tips:
- The costume’s core is a simple red dress or an oversized red t-shirt.
- Create the pig ears and nose from pink felt attached to a headband and an elastic string, respectively. A pink paper cup can be used as a base for the snout.
- Complete the look with black shoes and a small teddy bear to be her beloved “Teddy.”
4. SpongeBob SquarePants from SpongeBob SquarePants
Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? This costume is all about capturing SpongeBob’s iconic square shape and cheerful demeanor.
DIY Tips:
- Use a large, rectangular cardboard box painted bright yellow. Cut out holes for arms and the head, and paint or draw SpongeBob’s face and porous holes.
- Dress your child in a white collared shirt, brown shorts, and knee-high white socks with black shoes to mimic his classic outfit.
- Create his red tie out of felt and glue it to the collar of the shirt.
5. Mirabel Madrigal from Encanto
Mirabel’s beautiful, detailed dress reflects her vibrant personality and the magic of her family. This costume is all about the colorful, embroidered details.
DIY Tips:
- Start with a plain white blouse and a long blue skirt. Use fabric markers or colorful puff paint to draw the intricate floral and butterfly designs onto the collar and skirt.
- Create her signature round green glasses from pipe cleaners or by popping the lenses out of a pair of old kids’ sunglasses and painting the frames green.
- Don’t forget the butterfly! Craft a small, colorful butterfly from felt or craft foam to pin onto her shoulder.
6. Baby Shark from Baby Shark
Doo doo doo doo doo doo! This simple and adorable costume is perfect for the youngest trick-or-treaters.
DIY Tips:
- Use a grey or yellow hooded sweatshirt as the base. Cut a fin shape out of felt and sew or glue it onto the back.
- Create the shark’s teeth by cutting a jagged white felt strip and gluing it along the inside edge of the hood.
- Add large, cartoonish eyes made from black and white felt on the sides of the hood.
7. Hilda from Hilda
This fearless, blue-haired adventurer has a distinct and simple outfit that’s easy to replicate for a creative and unique costume.
DIY Tips:
- The key elements are a red long-sleeved shirt, a dark beret, a yellow scarf, and a blue skirt.
- For her iconic blue hair, use temporary blue hair spray or a blue bob wig.
- Make her trusty deerfox, Twig, by creating a small white stuffed animal and adding felt antlers and spots.
8. Ash Ketchum from Pokémon
To be a Pokémon Master, you have to look the part! Ash’s classic trainer outfit is iconic and surprisingly simple to put together.
DIY Tips:
- Start with a blue sleeveless jacket or vest over a black t-shirt and light blue jeans. Add yellow trim to the jacket with fabric paint or tape.
- The hat is essential. Use a red baseball cap and attach a custom-drawn white and green logo to the front.
- Accessorize with green fingerless gloves and a DIY Poké Ball made from a painted styrofoam or plastic ball.
Superhero Sensations
From the Marvel Universe to the streets of Gotham, these superhero costumes will have your kid feeling powerful and ready to save the world (or at least get the most candy).
9. Spider-Man (Miles Morales) from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales brought a fresh, cool look to the Spider-Man suit with his black and red design.
DIY Tips:
- Start with a black sweatsuit. Use red fabric paint or cut-out red felt pieces to create the spider emblem and the web patterns on the chest and mask.
- For a casual look, layer the black hoodie (with a spider painted on it) over a red long-sleeved shirt, just like Miles wears.
- Complete the look with red sneakers and a can of “spray paint” made from a covered soda can.
10. Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff) from WandaVision
Wanda’s final transformation into the Scarlet Witch revealed a stunning and powerful new costume.
DIY Tips:
- Use a red long-sleeved shirt and red leggings as the base. Create the corset-like top detail with black fabric paint or by layering a black top.
- The headpiece is the most important part. Craft it from red craft foam or cardboard, and attach it to a headband.
- Make “magic” energy balls by wrapping red fairy lights around your child’s hands or stuffing red cellophane into clear plastic ornaments.
11. Captain Marvel (Carol Danvers) from Captain Marvel
Higher, further, faster! Captain Marvel’s red, blue, and gold suit is a symbol of immense power.
DIY Tips:
- Use a blue long-sleeved shirt or leotard. Add the red sections on the shoulders and chest with red fabric or paint.
- The starburst emblem can be made from gold craft foam or felt and glued to the center of the chest.
- Create her powerful glowing fists by wrapping yellow or gold fairy lights around her hands.
12. Shang-Chi from Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
Shang-Chi’s final battle suit is a beautiful blend of traditional design and modern superhero style.
DIY Tips:
- Start with a red shirt. Create the black scale-like pattern using black fabric markers or carefully cut and glued black felt pieces.
- Use black pants and comfortable shoes. The focus should be on the detailed shirt.
- Craft the Ten Rings from gold pipe cleaners or by painting small plastic bracelets or rings gold.
13. Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan) from Ms. Marvel
Kamala Khan’s homemade superhero suit is full of heart and personality, making it a perfect DIY project.
DIY Tips:
- The costume consists of a blue tunic-style dress over red leggings or tights. Add a red lightning bolt symbol made of felt or yellow fabric paint.
- Don’t forget her red scarf, which can be draped around her neck.
- Create her energy “bangle” from a painted cardboard tube or a large plastic bracelet.
14. Robin from Teen Titans GO!
The energetic and slightly egotistical leader of the Teen Titans has a simple, recognizable uniform.
DIY Tips:
- Layer a red short-sleeved shirt over a green long-sleeved one. Add a yellow “R” in a black circle to the chest.
- Make a simple black eye mask out of felt or craft foam with an elastic band.
- A yellow utility belt can be made from a strip of yellow fabric or craft foam with smaller black pouches glued on.
Magical and Fantasy Worlds
For kids who dream of casting spells, exploring enchanted lands, or wielding lightsabers, these costumes from fantasy and sci-fi films are a perfect fit.
15. Grogu (Baby Yoda) from The Mandalorian
The internet’s favorite child, Grogu is an adorable and surprisingly simple costume to create, especially for toddlers.
DIY Tips:
- The key is the robe. Use an oversized tan or light brown robe, burlap sack, or even a large sweater.
- Create the large, pointed ears from green felt and attach them to the sides of a beanie or a headband.
- Complete the look with a little green face paint and have them carry a small silver ball as their favorite toy.
16. Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon
This warrior princess from Kumandra has a practical and cool outfit perfect for an adventurous trick-or-treater.
DIY Tips:
- The outfit consists of a yellow wrap top, a teal pair of pants, and a brown vest. You can adapt existing clothes to match these colors.
- Raya’s conical hat is her most iconic accessory. It can be made from a circle of brown poster board, cut and folded into a cone shape.
- Her sword can be crafted from cardboard, painted to look like jade.
17. Harry Potter from Harry Potter
A timeless choice, dressing up as the Boy Who Lived is a magical experience for any fan.
DIY Tips:
- Start with a white collared shirt, grey sweater, and dark pants. The main piece is the black “robe,” which can be made from an oversized black t-shirt or a simple black fabric cape.
- Create the Gryffindor scarf by using red and gold felt strips or by finding a striped scarf at a thrift store.
- Draw the lightning bolt scar on their forehead with a non-toxic makeup pencil and find a pair of round glasses. A simple stick from the yard can be their wand.
18. Elsa from Frozen
Let it go and embrace the ice magic with Elsa’s iconic sparkling blue gown.
DIY Tips:
- Use a light blue dress as the base. Add a sheer, long cape made from tulle or organza, decorated with glitter glue snowflakes.
- Style their hair in a thick side braid. Use temporary white or silver hair spray to add a touch of icy magic.
- Accessorize with sparkly plastic jewels or snowflake confetti glued onto the dress and cape.
19. Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon
As the lovable and powerful Night Fury dragon, this costume is perfect for kids who want to be both cool and cute.
DIY Tips:
- Use a black hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants as the base. Attach black felt wings to the back and smaller ear flaps and green eyes to the hood.
- Create the long tail with a stuffed black sock, attaching red and black felt pieces at the end to represent his damaged tail fin.
- Use face paint to give your child a black nose and some dragon-like features.
20. A Jedi from Star Wars
Whether they want to be Luke Skywalker, Rey, or their own unique Jedi character, the core costume is simple and versatile.
DIY Tips:
- The Jedi uniform consists of a tan or brown tunic (an oversized t-shirt with the collar cut works well), a white shirt underneath, and brown or tan pants.
- Create the robe from a large piece of brown fabric, and the belt from a strip of brown leather or vinyl.
- A lightsaber can be made from a pool noodle with grey and black duct tape wrapped around one end for the hilt.
21. Coraline from Coraline
This curious and brave heroine has a simple, recognizable look that’s perfect for a spooky, yet not-too-scary, costume.
DIY Tips:
- The essentials are a yellow raincoat and matching yellow rain boots.
- For her blue hair, use a short blue wig or temporary blue hair color spray.
- A key accessory is the seeing stone, which can be made from a triangular piece of green plastic or even a painted rock.
Live-Action Legends
From nostalgic classics to modern blockbusters, these characters have made a big impact on screen and will make a big impact on Halloween night.
22. A Ghostbuster from Ghostbusters
Who you gonna call? This costume is a nostalgic favorite for parents and a fun, action-packed choice for kids.
DIY Tips:
- Use a tan or khaki jumpsuit or a matching shirt and pants set. Create the Ghostbusters logo out of red and white felt and attach it to the arm.
- The Proton Pack is the star of the show. Build it from a cardboard box painted black, and add details with bottle caps, wires, and plastic tubing.
- The “Neutrona Wand” can be made from a painted plastic toy gun or a cardboard tube attached to the pack with a cord.
23. Wednesday Addams from Wednesday
With her gothic style and deadpan wit, Wednesday has become a new Halloween icon.
DIY Tips:
- The classic look is a black dress with a prominent white collar. You can easily add a white felt collar to any simple black dress.
- The hairstyle is crucial: two long, neat braids. If your child’s hair isn’t long enough, a braided wig is a great option.
- Maintain a pale complexion with light face powder (avoiding full white-face) and a neutral expression for the full effect. Don’t forget Thing, which can be a simple mannequin hand placed on their shoulder.
24. A Jurassic Park Ranger from Jurassic Park
Whether they’re Owen Grady or a generic park ranger, this costume is perfect for any dinosaur-loving kid.
DIY Tips:
- The uniform is simple: a tan or grey button-up shirt (or a vest) and cargo shorts or pants.
- Create a “Jurassic Park” staff ID badge on the computer, print it, and place it in a lanyard.
- The best accessory is a toy dinosaur to carry around.
25. Mary Poppins from Mary Poppins
A spoonful of sugar helps this practically perfect costume come together.
DIY Tips:
- The look requires a long dark skirt, a white button-up blouse with a high collar, and a small red bow tie.
- Essential accessories include a black bowler-style hat (add some plastic cherries and flowers!), white gloves, and a large black umbrella.
- Her magical carpet bag can be replicated with any large, structured bag or tote.
26. An Agent from Men in Black
This sleek and simple costume is incredibly cool and easy to put together.
DIY Tips:
- The uniform is a sharp black suit (or black pants and a black jacket), a white collared shirt, and a black tie.
- The most important accessories are a pair of dark sunglasses.
- Create a “Neuralyzer” from a silver-painted pen or a small silver tube.
27. Cruella de Vil from Cruella
For a child who loves fashion and has a dramatic flair, Cruella’s punk-rock-inspired looks are a blast to recreate.
DIY Tips:
- The most iconic element is the half-black, half-white hair. This can be achieved with a wig or by using temporary black and white hair color spray on either side of a center part.
- The outfit can be a mix of black and white clothing, or a faux leather jacket over a simple dress.
- Use face paint or makeup to create a dramatic, smoky eye look.
28. A Member of the Scooby Gang from Scooby-Doo
With five distinct characters to choose from (Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy, and Scooby), this is a great option for a group or a single costume.
DIY Tips:
- For Velma: An orange turtleneck, a red skirt, knee-high socks, and black square glasses.
- For Shaggy: A green v-neck t-shirt, brown pants, and some drawn-on facial scruff.
- For Daphne: A purple dress, a green scarf, and a purple headband.
29. Eleven from Stranger Things
Eleven’s Season 1 look with the pink dress and blonde wig is iconic and surprisingly easy to create.
DIY Tips:
- Start with a simple pink dress with a white Peter Pan collar.
- Pair the dress with tall, striped athletic socks and a pair of white sneakers.
- The key accessories are a box of Eggo waffles to carry and a little bit of fake blood for a nosebleed effect.
30. A Student from Cobra Kai
Whether they fight for Cobra Kai, Miyagi-Do, or Eagle Fang, this costume is all about the karate gi.
DIY Tips:
- Use a child’s white karate gi as the base.
- Print the logo of their chosen dojo (Cobra Kai’s cobra, Miyagi-Do’s bonsai tree) onto iron-on transfer paper and apply it to the back of the gi.
- A colored belt (black for Cobra Kai, a simple white one for Miyagi-Do) completes the look.
31. Paddington Bear from Paddington
This polite and lovable bear from darkest Peru has a simple and charming look.
DIY Tips:
- The core pieces are a blue duffel coat and a floppy red hat.
- Create a tag to hang around their neck that reads, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.”
- Accessorize with a small, worn suitcase and a jar of marmalade.
32. Princess Peach from The Super Mario Bros. Movie
The brave and capable ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom has a beautiful and iconic look.
DIY Tips:
- Use a pink puffy-sleeved dress as the base. Add a darker pink peplum at the waist using felt or extra fabric.
- Create her crown and the blue jewel on her chest from gold and blue craft foam.
- White gloves and a yellow wig (or your child’s own blonde hair) complete the royal ensemble.
33. Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
For a child with a big imagination, Willy Wonka’s eccentric outfit is a treat to wear.
DIY Tips:
- The outfit includes a purple coat (a purple blazer or oversized shirt works), a top hat, and a large bow tie.
- Accessorize with a cane (a painted stick or dowel) and have them carry a “Wonka Bar” made from a chocolate bar wrapped in a custom printable wrapper.
- Round, oversized sunglasses add to the mysterious candy-man vibe.
34. Indiana Jones from Indiana Jones
This adventurous archaeologist is a classic costume that’s all about the accessories.
DIY Tips:
- The base is simple: a tan or white button-up shirt and khaki pants.
- The essential items are a brown fedora hat, a brown “leather” jacket (faux leather or even a simple brown zip-up), and a satchel.
- Create a whip by braiding brown yarn or using a length of rope.
35. A Power Ranger from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Go Go Power Rangers! This nostalgic favorite is all about bold, primary colors and a cool helmet.
DIY Tips:
- Start with a monochrome sweatsuit in your child’s chosen Ranger color (red, blue, pink, etc.).
- Create the white diamond pattern on the chest and the belt with white felt or duct tape. The belt buckle can be made from craft foam.
- Make a simple mask/helmet visor out of a painted paper plate or cardboard cut to shape and attached with an elastic string.
Conclusion
Creating a DIY Halloween costume is a special way to connect with your child’s interests and make memories that last long after the last piece of candy is gone. These ideas prove that you don’t need to be a professional seamstress or spend a lot of money to bring their favorite characters to life. With a little imagination, a few basic supplies, and a touch of Hollywood magic, you can create the perfect costume that will make your child the star of their own Halloween adventure.