35 TikTok-Inspired DIY Halloween Costumes for Kids You’ll Want to Try This Year

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By Josse White

Halloween is that magical time of year when creativity runs wild, and the hunt for the perfect costume begins. This year, the biggest inspiration is not in a store; it is on your phone.

TikTok has become a powerhouse of trends, sounds, and characters that are perfect for a unique and viral Halloween look. Creating a homemade costume is a fantastic way to bond with your kids, save money, and make something truly special.

VisualsCostume NameEstimated Cost
1. Wednesday Addams (The Dance)$10 – $20
2. Corn Kid$15 – $25
3. The “I’m a Mouse, Duh!” Costume$5 – $10
4. The “Berries and Cream” Little Lad$10 – $20
5. The Grimace Shake$15 – $25
6. A Hellfire Club Member (Stranger Things)$10 – $25
7. Cottagecore$10 – $20
8. Goblincore$5 – $15
9. Dark Academia$10 – $20
10. Kidcore / Clowncore$5 – $15
11. The “Wes Anderson” Character$10 – $20
12. The “Ghost Photoshoot” Ghost$5 – $10
13. An “Among Us” Crewmate$15 – $25
14. A Minecraft Creeper$10 – $20
15. A Fall Guys Bean$15 – $30
16. Huggy Wuggy from Poppy Playtime$15 – $25
17. A Roblox “Noob”$10 – $20
18. A Boba Tea$10 – $15
19. Avocado Toast$5 – $15
20. A Stanley Cup$10 – $20
21. A Girl Dinner$5 – $10
22. “A Material Gworl”$10 – $25
23. The “Un Poco Loco” Skeletons$10 – $20
24. The Main Character$5 – $10
25. A “Get Ready With Me” Influencer$5 – $10
26. The Bluey Heeler Family$15 – $25 (per costume)
27. Peppa Pig$10 – $20
28. A Hungry Caterpillar$10 – $15
29. The Grinch$20 – $35
30. Stitch (from Lilo & Stitch)$15 – $25
31. A Human Gumball Machine$10 – $20
32. A Slice of Pizza$5 – $15
33. A LEGO Brick$10 – $20
34. A Box of Crayons$15 – $25 (per costume)
35. A Cup of Hot Cocoa$10 – $20

This guide is your ultimate “For You Page” for Halloween. It is packed with 35 clever and adorable DIY costume ideas inspired by the trends everyone is talking about. Get ready to scroll, get inspired, and make this your most on-trend Halloween yet.

Viral Characters & Memes

These are the costumes that everyone will instantly recognize. They are born from the funny, weird, and wonderful world of TikTok memes and characters.

1. Wednesday Addams (The Dance)

The viral “Bloody Mary” dance trend made Wednesday the queen of Halloween. Her look is iconic and surprisingly easy to recreate.

DIY Tips

  • Find a black, collared dress. A thrift store is a great place to look.
  • If the dress has no collar, layer a white button-down shirt underneath.
  • Part your child’s hair perfectly down the middle and create two long, tight braids.
  • Use a pale foundation and a little dark eyeshadow under the eyes for a tired, gothic look.
  • The most important part is the attitude: practice a deadpan, no-blinking stare.
  • Have your child wear black tights and a pair of chunky black boots.
  • A fun prop is “Thing,” which can be a mannequin hand from a craft store.
  • This costume is all about the styling and the performance.
  • Teach them the quirky, hypnotic dance moves from the show.
  • When someone asks who you are, just stare back silently.

2. Corn Kid

“It’s corn! A big lump with knobs!” This adorable, wholesome interview took over TikTok and makes for an incredibly cute costume.

DIY Tips

  • The base of the costume is a simple green sweatsuit to be the “husk.”
  • For the corn cob, use a plain yellow t-shirt.
  • Use a brown fabric marker to draw the checkered, kernel pattern onto the yellow shirt.
  • You can create a “pat of butter” headpiece by covering a square piece of cardboard in yellow construction paper and attaching it to a headband.
  • A key prop is the half-eaten corn on the cob.
  • The performance is key: have your child memorize and recite some of the iconic lines from the video.
  • This is a very comfortable and easy-to-wear costume, perfect for younger kids.
  • It is a sweet, funny, and instantly recognizable choice.
  • You can create a “corntastic” sign to carry.
  • This costume is guaranteed to get a lot of smiles.

3. The “I’m a Mouse, Duh!” Costume

This iconic line from Mean Girls became a massive TikTok sound. The Karen Smith mouse costume is a classic, easy, and funny choice.

DIY Tips

  • This is a very simple “low-effort” costume, which is part of the joke.
  • Start with a simple, comfortable outfit, like a plain dress or pajamas.
  • The only essential part is a pair of simple mouse ears, which you can buy at a party store or make yourself.
  • To make the ears, cut two circles out of gray or black felt and hot glue them to a plain headband.
  • Use a non-toxic face paint or an eyeliner pencil to draw a small, black nose and a few whiskers.
  • The most important part of this costume is a deadpan delivery of the line, “I’m a mouse, duh!”
  • This is a perfect last-minute costume idea.
  • It is funny, recognizable, and requires almost no effort.
  • It is a great costume for a kid with a sassy sense of humor.
  • It is a true “if you know, you know” TikTok classic.

4. The “Berries and Cream” Little Lad

A classic viral character that keeps making a comeback. The “Little Lad” who loves berries and cream is a funny and charming costume.

DIY Tips

  • The base of the costume is a pair of light-colored pants or knickers.
  • Find a button-down shirt with a puffy or ruffled collar. You can create a collar out of white paper or lace.
  • The haircut is key. A short, bowl-cut style wig is ideal, or you can style your child’s hair with a strong center part and bangs.
  • Have your child wear a pair of long socks pulled up high.
  • The performance is everything. Teach them the little “Berries and Cream” song and dance.
  • A fun prop is a small bowl with some “berries and cream” (perhaps strawberries and whipped cream).
  • This is a quirky, funny, and recognizable costume from a classic internet meme.
  • It is a great choice for a kid who loves to perform.
  • The “Little Lad” has a very distinct, shuffling dance.
  • Get ready for everyone to ask you to do the dance.

5. The Grimace Shake

The bizarre and scary trend surrounding McDonald’s Grimace Shake is perfect for a spooky, funny, and very current Halloween costume.

DIY Tips

  • The base of the costume is a simple, all-purple sweatsuit or pajamas.
  • To create the “shake” look, get a large, clear plastic cup from a party store.
  • Create a “lid” for the cup out of a white paper plate with a hole cut in the center for the head. This will be worn like a collar.
  • Make a “straw” out of a paper towel tube painted with green and white stripes. This can be attached to the lid.
  • Print out the McDonald’s “M” logo and tape it to the front of the purple shirt.
  • The key is the “spilled” look. Use a lighter purple or pink paint to create drips and splatters on the shirt.
  • You can use purple face paint to complete the look.
  • For a scary twist, you can add some fake “horror” elements, like a spooky expression.
  • This costume is a hilarious nod to a very weird and specific TikTok trend.
  • It is sure to be a hit with anyone who was online during the summer.

6. A Hellfire Club Member (Stranger Things)

Eddie Munson became a breakout star, and the Hellfire Club t-shirt became an iconic piece of pop culture.

DIY Tips

  • The entire costume revolves around the “Hellfire Club” t-shirt. You can buy one or make your own.
  • To DIY the shirt, use a plain black t-shirt and white and red iron-on transfer paper to create the logo.
  • Pair the shirt with a pair of ripped, light-wash denim jeans.
  • Layer a denim vest or a leather jacket over the top of the t-shirt.
  • A long, shaggy, dark-haired wig is perfect for capturing the Eddie Munson look.
  • Accessorize with a chain wallet and some chunky silver rings.
  • A toy electric guitar is the perfect prop.
  • This is a very cool and recognizable costume for any Stranger Things fan.
  • It is all about the rock and roll, outcast attitude.
  • This is a great costume for an older kid or a teen.

Trending Aesthetics & “Cores”

TikTok is all about curating a specific aesthetic or “core.” These costumes are less about a single character and more about capturing a whole vibe.

7. Cottagecore

This aesthetic is all about a romanticized, rural, and simple life. It is soft, natural, and beautiful.

DIY Tips

  • The base is a simple, flowy dress in a natural fabric like cotton or linen. A floral or gingham print is perfect.
  • A woven straw basket is an essential accessory.
  • Fill the basket with some faux flowers, a loaf of bread, or some fresh herbs.
  • A simple, wide-brimmed straw hat tied with a ribbon is a great headpiece.
  • Braid the hair or wear it in a loose, romantic style.
  • Simple, flat shoes like Mary Janes or sandals complete the look.
  • A small, embroidered apron can be a nice touch.
  • The color palette should be soft and natural: creams, soft greens, and muted florals.
  • This is a very sweet, comfortable, and pretty costume.
  • It is all about embodying a gentle, pastoral dream.

8. Goblincore

This aesthetic is a cousin to cottagecore but celebrates the more “imperfect” aspects of nature, like moss, mushrooms, and dirt.

DIY Tips

  • The color palette is earthy: browns, greens, and grays.
  • Start with some comfortable, earth-toned clothing like overalls, corduroy pants, or a simple brown dress.
  • The accessories are key. Hot glue some faux moss and small, felt mushroom shapes onto the clothing.
  • A large, canvas collecting bag or a woven basket is a must-have prop.
  • Fill the bag with “treasures” like interesting rocks, shiny bottle caps, or pinecones.
  • Pointy elf or goblin ears can be a great addition.
  • Create a simple crown made from twisted twigs and leaves.
  • Wear a pair of sturdy, comfortable boots.
  • You can use face paint to add a few smudges of “dirt” on the cheeks.
  • This is a wonderfully creative and imaginative costume that celebrates nature.

9. Dark Academia

This aesthetic is all about classic literature, a love of learning, and a slightly moody, scholarly vibe.

DIY Tips

  • The color palette is dark and moody: blacks, browns, grays, and deep burgundy.
  • Start with a plaid or pleated skirt.
  • Pair it with a simple, collared button-down shirt.
  • Layer a chunky knit sweater or a tweed blazer over the top.
  • Knee-high socks and a pair of classic loafers or oxford shoes are essential.
  • A leather-look satchel or messenger bag is the perfect accessory.
  • Carry a few classic, old-looking books as a prop.
  • A pair of simple, non-prescription glasses adds to the scholarly look.
  • This is a very sophisticated and stylish costume for older kids and teens.
  • It is all about looking like you spend your weekends in a dusty, old library.

10. Kidcore / Clowncore

This aesthetic is a loud, joyful, and chaotic celebration of bright colors and childhood nostalgia.

DIY Tips

  • This look is all about mismatched, bright colors. Think rainbow-striped socks with a polka dot shirt.
  • Bright, primary colors are key: red, blue, and yellow.
  • Overalls, colorful friendship bracelets, and fun, chunky plastic jewelry are great elements.
  • For a clowncore twist, add a small, red pom-pom nose and some rainbow suspenders.
  • Use face paint to add a colorful star or a heart on one cheek.
  • The more colorful and mismatched, the better.
  • This is a very fun, high-energy, and expressive costume.
  • A colorful, propeller beanie is a perfect headpiece.
  • This is a costume that is all about pure, chaotic joy.
  • It is a celebration of all things bright and playful.

11. The “Wes Anderson” Character

This is an aesthetic costume based on the unique, symmetrical, and retro style of the famous film director.

DIY Tips

  • The key is a very specific, retro color palette. Think mustard yellows, soft pinks, and muted teal.
  • The outfits should feel slightly old-fashioned and quirky.
  • A collared shirt buttoned all the way to the top is a great start.
  • A simple, solid-colored beanie or a beret is a classic Wes Anderson accessory.
  • Knee-high socks are a common feature.
  • The costume should feel very neat, symmetrical, and intentionally styled.
  • A quirky, vintage-style prop is essential, like an old camera, a pair of binoculars, or a small suitcase.
  • The performance is all about a deadpan expression and a very still, centered posture.
  • This is a very clever and high-concept costume for a film-loving kid.
  • It is all about capturing a very specific, aesthetic vibe.

12. The “Ghost Photoshoot” Ghost

This viral trend took the classic ghost costume and made it aesthetic. It is simple, funny, and very current.

DIY Tips

  • Start with a classic, white bedsheet.
  • Cut out eye holes.
  • The key to this costume is the accessories. The ghost must be wearing a pair of cool, stylish sunglasses over the sheet.
  • The ghost should be holding a fun, unexpected prop.
  • Good prop ideas include a bouquet of flowers, a cup of coffee, or a book.
  • The idea is to have the ghost be doing normal, everyday, “influencer” style activities.
  • The performance involves striking various poses for a “photoshoot.”
  • This is a very funny and modern twist on the most classic Halloween costume of all time.
  • It is incredibly easy and cheap to make.
  • It is a perfect costume for a kid with a great sense of humor.

Gaming Sensations

Video game characters are modern icons. These DIY costumes are perfect for kids who love to bring their virtual adventures into the real world.

13. An “Among Us” Crewmate

The simple, colorful astronauts from this popular game are perfect for an easy, funny, and comfortable DIY costume.

DIY Tips

  • The base is a solid-colored sweatsuit or pajamas in a single, bright color like red, blue, or yellow.
  • The backpack is a key feature. Make this from a small cardboard box painted the same color as the sweatsuit.
  • Attach straps to the box so it can be worn like a backpack.
  • The visor is the most important part. Create the visor shape out of cardboard covered in aluminum foil and a layer of blue plastic from a report cover.
  • Attach the visor to the hood of the sweatshirt with safety pins or hot glue.
  • This is a perfect costume for a group of friends, where one can be the “Impostor.”
  • It is a very comfortable, warm, and easy-to-wear costume.
  • The simple, graphic look is instantly recognizable to any gamer.
  • Practice the funny, waddling walk of the crewmates.
  • This costume is perfect for a cool Halloween night.

14. A Minecraft Creeper

The iconic, explosive mob from Minecraft is a fantastic DIY costume that is all about the blocky, pixelated look.

DIY Tips

  • You will need two cardboard boxes: a tall, rectangular one for the body and a square one for the head.
  • Paint both boxes the signature, pixelated green color. You can achieve this by dabbing on different shades of green paint with a square sponge.
  • On the head box, use black craft foam or construction paper to create the iconic, frowning Creeper face.
  • Cut out discreet eye holes in the black part of the face so your child can see.
  • Have your child wear green clothing underneath.
  • This is a costume that is all about embracing the blocky aesthetic of the game.
  • It is a fantastic way to use up old shipping boxes.
  • It is a guaranteed hit with any kid who is a fan of the game.
  • Practice making the “hissing” sound.
  • For a fun touch, you can carry a “TNT” block made from another box painted red.

15. A Fall Guys Bean

The clumsy, colorful, jelly bean-shaped characters from the game Fall Guys make for an adorable and very funny costume.

DIY Tips

  • This costume is all about the shape and color. Start with an oversized, solid-colored hoodie and matching sweatpants.
  • Choose a bright, primary color like pink, yellow, or blue.
  • To create the round, bean-like shape, stuff the oversized hoodie with pillows or a lot of soft cotton batting.
  • The face is very simple. Cut two large, white ovals out of felt for the eyes.
  • Use fabric glue to attach the white felt eyes to the front of the hood.
  • This is a very comfortable, warm, and almost pillow-like costume.
  • It is a fantastic and easy choice for a group costume with everyone in a different color.
  • The waddling, clumsy walk is a key part of the performance.
  • This costume is funny, cute, and very low-effort.
  • It is a great way to represent a fun, popular party game.

16. Huggy Wuggy from Poppy Playtime

This tall, fuzzy, blue monster with a creepy smile is a huge character in the kid-centric horror game world.

DIY Tips

  • Start with a simple, bright blue sweatsuit or footie pajamas as the base.
  • Create the wide, red lips by cutting the shape out of red felt.
  • Cut out a row of sharp-looking “teeth” from white felt and glue them to the red lips.
  • Attach the finished mouth to the chest or hood of the blue sweatsuit.
  • Create the big, round eyes by cutting circles out of white and black felt and gluing them to the hood.
  • A yellow bow tie made from felt is another key feature.
  • The character has very long arms. You can create this effect by stuffing the legs of an old pair of blue tights and attaching them as extra-long arms.
  • This is a costume that is both creepy and popular with many kids.
  • It is all about the wide, toothy grin.
  • It is a comfortable and recognizable costume for fans of the game.

17. A Roblox “Noob”

The classic, default avatar from the massive game Roblox is a simple, blocky, and very recognizable costume.

DIY Tips

  • The classic “noob” look is a yellow head and arms, a blue torso, and green legs.
  • Start with a simple blue t-shirt and green pants.
  • Wear a long-sleeved yellow shirt underneath the blue one.
  • The head is the main DIY element. Find a square cardboard box that fits over your child’s head.
  • Paint the box a bright, sunny yellow.
  • Use a black permanent marker to draw the simple, smiling “noob” face on the front of the box.
  • Carefully cut out eye holes so your child can see.
  • This is another great costume that makes use of cardboard boxes.
  • It is a very simple, graphic, and instantly recognizable look for any Roblox player.
  • The blocky, simple aesthetic is the key.

Funny Food & Drink Trends

TikTok is a hotbed for viral food trends. Dressing up as a popular food or drink is a cute, funny, and very current costume idea.

18. A Boba Tea

Boba or bubble tea is a massively popular drink, and it makes for an incredibly cute and creative costume.

DIY Tips

  • The “cup” can be made from a large piece of tan or beige poster board, rolled into a cylinder that fits around your child.
  • Create straps out of ribbon to hold the cup up over their shoulders.
  • The “boba pearls” are the fun part. Blow up several small, black balloons.
  • Attach the black balloons to the bottom half of your child’s pants or leggings.
  • The “lid” can be made from a round piece of white poster board worn as a hat.
  • Create a “straw” by using a paper towel tube painted a fun color and attach it to the lid hat.
  • You can print a logo from a favorite boba shop and tape it to the front of the cup.
  • This is a very sweet and creative costume.
  • The balloon boba pearls are a fun, three-dimensional element.
  • This is a guaranteed hit.

19. Avocado Toast

A classic meme food that represents modern brunch culture. This is a very funny and easy DIY costume.

DIY Tips

  • The “toast” is the base. Take a large piece of cardboard and cut it into a rounded, bread-slice shape.
  • Paint the cardboard a toasty, light brown color.
  • The “avocado” can be made by cutting a slightly smaller shape out of green construction paper or felt and gluing it on top of the toast.
  • Create straps so your child can wear the piece of toast on their front.
  • For the “everything bagel seasoning,” you can glue on some black and white sequins or beads.
  • A fun headpiece is a “fried egg” made from a piece of white felt with a yellow felt yolk, attached to a headband.
  • This is a very funny and trendy costume.
  • You could also do this as a hilarious couples costume with a partner.
  • It is a celebration of a beloved modern meal.
  • It is a simple, flat costume that is easy to wear.

20. A Stanley Cup

The Stanley tumbler has become a massive, viral status symbol on TikTok. Dressing up as the cup itself is a hilarious and very current costume idea.

DIY Tips

  • The base of the cup can be made from a pop-up laundry hamper or a large piece of poster board rolled into a cylinder.
  • Choose a classic, trendy Stanley cup color, like a pastel pink or a soft blue, and cover the cylinder with that color paper.
  • Print out the Stanley logo and attach it to the front of the cup.
  • Create shoulder straps to hold the cup up.
  • The handle can be made from a piece of cardboard painted the same color as the cup and attached to the side.
  • The straw is essential. Use a paper towel tube covered in gray or silver paper and have it stick up from the top of the costume.
  • A simple, gray beanie can be the “lid.”
  • This is a very funny and topical costume that is sure to get a lot of laughs.
  • It is a perfect costume for a teen or tween.
  • It is a hilarious commentary on modern consumer trends.

21. A Girl Dinner

This viral TikTok trend celebrated the slightly chaotic, snack-based meals that many people eat when they are home alone. This is a very creative and funny concept for a costume.

DIY Tips

  • The base of this costume is a large, flat piece of cardboard cut into the shape of a dinner plate or a charcuterie board.
  • The fun part is creating the “girl dinner” items.
  • You can hot glue empty snack packages, like a small chip bag or a cheese wrapper, onto the “plate.”
  • Create fake food items out of felt or craft foam, like a few slices of cheese, some crackers, and a couple of pickles.
  • Attach straps so the “plate” can be worn on the front of your child.
  • You could also have them carry a wine glass filled with juice.
  • This is a very clever and high-concept costume.
  • It is a celebration of a funny and relatable TikTok trend.
  • The more random and mismatched the “snacks” on the plate, the better.
  • This costume is all about the funny, chaotic details.

Creative Concepts & Sounds

These costumes are a bit more abstract. They are inspired by viral sounds, challenges, or aesthetic trends that are all over TikTok.

22. “A Material Gworl”

This viral sound is all about embracing a fun, over-the-top, and glamorous lifestyle. This costume is all about maximalism.

DIY Tips

  • This costume is all about being extra. Start with a fun, fancy dress or a faux fur coat.
  • The key is the accessories. Layer on as many chunky, fake plastic necklaces, bracelets, and rings as possible.
  • A feather boa is an essential element.
  • A pair of oversized, sparkly sunglasses adds to the glamorous look.
  • Let them carry a small, fancy-looking purse or a toy poodle.
  • A toy credit card or a fan made of fake money is a great prop.
  • This is a fun costume that is all about attitude and confidence.
  • It is a celebration of being fabulous.
  • The more sparkle and bling, the better.
  • Practice the walk and the talk of a true “Material Gworl.”

23. The “Un Poco Loco” Skeletons

The song “Un Poco Loco” from the movie Coco is a huge sound on TikTok. The beautiful, colorful skeleton makeup is perfect for a Halloween costume.

DIY Tips

  • The base of the costume is simple all-black clothing.
  • The makeup is the entire focus. Look up tutorials for a classic “sugar skull” or “Día de los Muertos” makeup look.
  • Use a high-quality, non-toxic white face paint as the base.
  • Use black face paint to create the hollowed-out eyes and a stitched mouth.
  • Add colorful, intricate details around the eyes, like floral patterns or swirls, using bright face paints.
  • A flower crown made of bright, colorful faux marigolds is the perfect headpiece.
  • This is a truly beautiful and artistic costume.
  • It is a celebration of a rich cultural tradition and a beloved movie.
  • This is a great costume for someone who loves to do creative makeup.
  • It is a stunning and respectful tribute.

24. The Main Character

This is a fun, conceptual costume based on the TikTok trend of “main character energy.” It is about romanticizing your own life.

DIY Tips

  • This costume is all about the performance and the props.
  • The outfit should be whatever makes your child feel the most confident and special.
  • The key is to have them act like they are the star of their own movie.
  • A great prop is a portable speaker quietly playing a “main character” soundtrack.
  • Have them narrate their actions in a dramatic voice, as if they are the voiceover in a film.
  • Encourage them to walk in slow motion occasionally.
  • This is a very funny and confidence-boosting costume.
  • It is all about embodying a specific, positive vibe.
  • A pair of stylish sunglasses adds to the “star” quality.
  • This is a costume that is all about attitude.

25. A “Get Ready With Me” Influencer

This costume is a funny and meta take on a very popular type of TikTok video.

DIY Tips

  • The look is a “half-and-half” costume.
  • One half of the child’s outfit should be cozy pajamas or a bathrobe.
  • The other half of the outfit should be a super glamorous, “going out” look.
  • Do the same with their hair and makeup: one side is “bed head,” the other is perfectly styled with full makeup.
  • A key prop is a smartphone on a small tripod or with a ring light attached.
  • They should be pretending to film themselves and talk to their “followers” all night.
  • This is a very clever and satirical costume.
  • It is a great choice for a teen who is very familiar with TikTok culture.
  • The contrast between the two halves is what makes it so funny.
  • “Okay guys, so for tonight’s trick-or-treating look, we’re going for…”

Animated & Storybook Characters

These characters from beloved cartoons and storybooks are always a huge hit with kids and have a strong presence on TikTok.

26. The Bluey Heeler Family

Dressing up as the entire Heeler family is a fantastic group costume idea, perfect for a family of four.

DIY Tips

  • Use solid-colored sweatsuits for each character: blue for Bluey, orange for Bingo, light blue for Bandit, and a peachy-orange for Chilli.
  • Use felt to create the different colored belly patches and spots for each character.
  • Create the simple, pointed ears for each character out of craft foam and attach them to headbands.
  • Use face paint to draw on small, black noses.
  • This is an incredibly comfortable and easy-to-wear costume for the whole family.
  • The different heights of the family members will naturally match the characters.
  • This is a very wholesome and beloved choice.
  • It celebrates a show that is all about family and play.
  • Get ready to play a lot of “Keepy Uppy” on Halloween night.
  • This is a guaranteed hit in any neighborhood.

27. Peppa Pig

The iconic and slightly sassy Peppa Pig is a simple and adorable costume for a younger child.

DIY Tips

  • The base of the costume is a simple, solid red dress.
  • Have your child wear a long-sleeved pink shirt and pink leggings underneath the red dress to be the “skin.”
  • The headpiece is the most important part. You can create the simple, rounded pig snout and ears out of pink felt.
  • Attach the felt pieces to a pink headband.
  • Use a darker pink felt or a marker to create the nostrils and the rosy cheek circle.
  • A fun prop is a small, toy “Teddy” to carry.
  • For the tail, you can create a small, curly pipe cleaner and pin it to the back of the dress.
  • A pair of simple black shoes will be the “boots.”
  • Do not forget to practice a British accent and a little snort.
  • This is a very cute and simple costume for a toddler or a preschooler.

28. A Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle’s classic book character is a beautiful, colorful, and very creative DIY costume.

DIY Tips

  • The caterpillar body can be made from a series of green paper plates or felt circles.
  • Punch holes in the sides of the plates and string them together with yarn so they can be worn over the shoulders.
  • The head can be made from a red paper plate with large, green and yellow felt eyes.
  • Create the purple antennae by attaching two purple pipe cleaners to a red beanie or headband.
  • Have your child wear a green shirt and pants underneath.
  • A fun prop is to carry around some of the “foods” the caterpillar ate, like a plastic apple or a lollipop.
  • This is a beautiful and nostalgic costume that celebrates a beloved book.
  • It is a great choice for a school’s “Book Character Day.”
  • The segmented body has a great look when the child walks.
  • It is a true classic.

29. The Grinch

While often a Christmas character, the Grinch’s grumpy and mischievous personality makes him a fun and unexpected Halloween choice.

DIY Tips

  • The entire costume is about the color green. Start with a green sweatsuit.
  • You will need a lot of lime green craft fur or a fuzzy green boa.
  • Hot glue the green fur around the collar of the sweatshirt and at the cuffs of the sleeves and pants.
  • For the face, use green, non-toxic face paint.
  • Use a black face paint to create the Grinch’s signature, sinister eyebrows and smile lines.
  • A green Santa hat is the perfect headpiece to complete the look.
  • Have your child practice their best grumpy scowl.
  • This is a very comfortable and warm costume.
  • It is a funny and recognizable character that everyone loves.
  • “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch.”

30. Stitch (from Lilo & Stitch)

The chaotic but lovable blue alien, Experiment 626, is an adorable and popular costume choice.

DIY Tips

  • The base of the costume is a simple, solid blue sweatsuit or footie pajamas.
  • Use a lighter blue felt to create the large oval belly patch and glue it to the front of the suit.
  • The large, floppy ears are the most important part. Cut the shape out of blue and pink felt.
  • Stiffening the blue felt with a piece of craft foam inside will help the ears stand up.
  • Attach the finished ears to the hood of the blue sweatshirt.
  • You can use felt to create Stitch’s large, black eyes and small, blue nose on the hood.
  • This is a very cozy and cute costume.
  • It is perfect for a Disney-loving kid.
  • Practice the mischievous but lovable Stitch personality.
  • “Ohana means family.”

Everyday Objects & Food Fun

31. A Human Gumball Machine

A classic, colorful, and very creative DIY costume that is a guaranteed hit.

DIY Tips

  • The base is a simple, red skirt or pair of pants and a white t-shirt.
  • The gumballs are the main feature. You will need a bag of small, multi-colored pom-poms.
  • Use a hot glue gun to attach the pom-pom “gumballs” all over the front of the white t-shirt.
  • Create the “coin slot” out of a piece of gray felt and glue it to the red skirt.
  • You can write “25¢” on the coin slot with a black marker.
  • The hat is the “lid” of the machine. Cover a simple red beanie or a round plastic bowl with a piece of gray or silver felt.
  • This is an incredibly cute and colorful costume.
  • It is a bit time-consuming to glue on all the pom-poms, but the result is worth it.
  • Let your child carry a small bag of real gumballs to hand out.
  • This is a sweet and classic DIY idea.

32. A Slice of Pizza

A funny and delicious-looking costume that is easy to make from cardboard.

DIY Tips

  • Take two large pieces of cardboard and cut them into identical, large triangle shapes.
  • Paint both triangles a crust-like tan color.
  • On what will be the front piece, paint a layer of red “sauce” and then a layer of pale yellow “cheese.”
  • Now for the toppings! Cut out circles of red paper for pepperoni, and green strips for peppers.
  • You can also use crinkled up brown paper for sausage or white pom-poms for mushrooms.
  • Glue the toppings onto the “cheese.”
  • Create two shoulder straps out of wide ribbon and attach them to the front and back triangle pieces so your child can wear it like a sandwich board.
  • This is a very funny and recognizable costume.
  • It is a great way to use up large cardboard boxes.
  • “You want a pizza me?”

33. A LEGO Brick

This is an iconic and instantly recognizable costume that is surprisingly easy to make from a cardboard box.

DIY Tips

  • Find a rectangular cardboard box that fits your child’s torso.
  • Cut out holes for their head and arms.
  • For the “studs” on the LEGO brick, you will need several round, plastic food containers or cups of the same size.
  • Arrange the cups on the front of the box in the classic LEGO pattern and hot glue them securely in place.
  • Once the glue is dry, the most important step is to spray paint the entire construction, box and cups, one single, bright LEGO color.
  • A vibrant red, blue, or yellow works perfectly. Apply several thin coats for the best coverage.
  • Let the paint dry completely.
  • Have your child wear matching colored pants and a long-sleeved shirt underneath.
  • This costume is all about getting the proportions and the single-color look right.
  • For a fun group costume, have several kids go as different colored LEGO bricks.

34. A Box of Crayons

A colorful and classic group costume idea that is perfect for a group of friends or siblings.

DIY Tips

  • This is a very simple costume to put together.
  • Each child will choose a different color.
  • They will wear a solid-colored sweatsuit or pajamas in their chosen color (red, blue, green, etc.).
  • The label is key. Use a piece of black paper or felt to create the classic, wavy crayon label.
  • Glue the label around the chest area of the shirt.
  • Use a white or black marker to write the word “Crayon” on the label.
  • The pointy hat is the most important part. Create a cone-shaped hat out of a piece of poster board that matches the color of the outfit.
  • Attach a piece of elastic or string to the hat to keep it on.
  • This is a very simple, comfortable, and visually impactful group costume.
  • The “box of crayons” walking down the street is an adorable sight.

35. A Cup of Hot Cocoa

A very sweet and cozy costume, perfect for a chilly Halloween night.

DIY Tips

  • The “cup” can be made from a pop-up laundry hamper covered in brown or red paper.
  • Create shoulder straps to hold the “cup” up.
  • Print out a logo from a favorite coffee shop and attach it to the front.
  • The “whipped cream” is the fun part. You can create a fluffy collar out of white tulle or by gluing a bunch of white pom-poms to a white paper plate with the center cut out.
  • A “straw” can be made from a paper towel tube painted with green and white stripes and attached to a headband.
  • For a final touch, you can add some brown sprinkles to the “whipped cream.”
  • This is a very warm and cozy costume.
  • It is incredibly cute and creative.
  • It is a perfect costume for a coffee-loving family.
  • A sweet and unique choice.

Conclusion

Making a DIY Halloween costume from scratch does not have to be difficult or stressful. It is a fantastic opportunity to get creative and make something truly special.

These 35 ideas prove that you do not need to spend a lot of money to have an amazing costume. With a little imagination and a few simple household materials, you can create a costume that is viral, memorable, and full of personality.

The real magic of a DIY costume is not just the final product, but the fun memories you make while creating it together with your child.

So this year, get inspired by your child’s favorite characters, and get ready to create some Halloween magic. Happy crafting and have a spooktacular Halloween.

DIY Halloween, Halloween Costumes

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