48 Viral DIY Halloween Costumes for Kids You’ll Want to Try This Year

Halloween is that magical time of year when creativity runs wild, and the hunt for the perfect costume begins. The store-bought options can be expensive and often lack a personal touch.

This year, why not dive into the world of DIY? Creating a homemade costume is a fantastic way to bond with your kids, save money, and make something truly unique that will stand out in a crowd.

Visuals	Costume Name	Estimated Cost
	1. Spaghetti and Meatballs	$10 – $15
	2. A Box of Popcorn	$5 – $10
	3. Avocado Toast	$5 – $10
	4. A Gumball Machine	$10 – $20
	5. A Bag of Jelly Beans	$5 – $10
	6. A Slice of Pizza	$5 – $10
	7. A Modern, Flowy Ghost	$10 – $15
	8. A Cardboard Bat	$5 – $10
	9. A Friendly, No-Sew Witch	$10 – $15
	10. A Yarn Wig Scarecrow	$10 – $15
	11. A DIY Duct Tape Skeleton	$5 – $10
	12. A Classic Black Cat	$0 – $5
	13. Barbie (in her box)	$10 – $20
	14. A Super Mario Brother	$5 – $15
	15. Bluey or Bingo	$15 – $25
	16. A Stranger Things Character (like Eleven)	$10 – $20
	17. A Minecraft Creeper	$5 – $15
	18. A Pokémon Trainer (like Ash Ketchum)	$10 – $20
	19. A Brave Firefighter	$5 – $10
	20. A Daring Astronaut	$10 – $15
	21. A Smart Scientist	$5 – $10
	22. A Classic Chef	$5 – $10
	23. A Hard-Working Construction Worker	$10 – $15
	24. A Creative Doctor or Nurse	$10 – $15
	25. A Mythical Dragon	$10 – $15
	26. A Sparkling Fairy	$10 – $15
	27. A Garden Gnome	$5 – $10
	28. A Majestic Unicorn	$10 – $15
	29. A Colorful Mermaid	$10 – $20
	30. A Classic Wizard	$5 – $15
	31. A Fluffy Lion	$10 – $15
	32. A Beautiful Potted Flower	$10 – $15
	33. A Busy Bumblebee	$5 – $10
	34. A Classic Teddy Bear	$0 – $5
	35. A Colorful Peacock	$15 – $25
	36. A Clever Fox	$10 – $15
	37. A Bread Winner	$5 – $10
	38. A Smart Cookie	$5 – $10
	39. A Social Butterfly	$0 – $5
	40. A French Ghost	$5 – $10
	41. A Pig in a Blanket	$0 – $5
	42. A Deviled Egg	$5 – $10
	43. A Rubik’s Cube	$10 – $15
	44. A Crayon	$5 – $10
	45. A Vending Machine	$10 – $15
	46. A Human Gumball Machine	$10 – $20
	47. A Laundry Basket	$5 – $10
	48. A Weather Cloud with Rain	$10 – $15

This guide is your ultimate inspiration station. It is packed with 48 viral, clever, and adorable DIY costume ideas that are perfect for kids of all ages. Get ready to be inspired and make this the most creative Halloween yet.

Delicious Food Costumes

Food-themed costumes are always a hit. They are cute, funny, and instantly recognizable. These ideas are perfect for kids with a sweet and silly personality.

1. Spaghetti and Meatballs

A delicious and hilarious costume that is surprisingly easy to make. This one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

DIY Tips

• Use a red and white checkered tablecloth as a base. Drape and pin it onto a plain t-shirt.
• For the “spaghetti,” use thick, beige or yellow yarn. Glue long strands of it all over the front of the shirt.
• For the “meatballs,” paint a few large styrofoam or plastic balls with brown craft paint.
• Hot glue the brown “meatballs” onto the shirt, nestled among the yarn spaghetti.
• Create a “sauce” effect by drizzling some red fabric paint over the yarn.
• Make a fun headpiece by gluing a small plastic bowl or plate to a headband, then adding more yarn and a meatball on top.
• A fun prop is a large, plastic fork or spoon to carry around.
• For an extra touch, use a green pom-pom as a “basil” garnish on the headpiece.
• Have your child wear neutral-colored pants or leggings so the costume is the focus.
• This is a great, no-sew costume that is all about clever crafting.

2. A Box of Popcorn

This is a classic DIY costume that is easy to make from a simple cardboard box and looks adorable on kids of all ages.

DIY Tips

• Find a cardboard box that fits your child from their shoulders to their hips. Cut out holes for their head and arms.
• Paint the entire box white. Once it is dry, use red craft paint and painter’s tape to create the classic vertical stripes.
• Print out a “Popcorn” logo from the internet, or draw one yourself, and glue it to the front of the box.
• To make the “popcorn,” crumple up pieces of white tissue paper or copy paper into balls.
• Lightly spray paint some of the crumpled paper balls with a buttery yellow color for a realistic touch.
• Use a hot glue gun to attach the paper popcorn all along the top edge of the box, piling it high.
• Create comfortable shoulder straps using wide ribbon or duct tape folded over on itself.
• Make a cute popcorn headpiece by gluing a few pieces of the paper popcorn onto a simple headband.
• Have your child wear a red and white striped shirt and black leggings underneath to complete the look.
• Let them carry an empty popcorn bucket to collect their candy in for a fun, thematic treat bag.

3. Avocado Toast

A trendy, funny, and very simple costume that is perfect for the modern kid. All you need is a big piece of cardboard.

DIY Tips

• Cut a large piece of cardboard into a rounded, bread-slice shape.
• Paint the main part of the cardboard a toasty, light brown color.
• Paint a darker brown “crust” around the outer edge of the bread shape.
• Cut a smaller, avocado shape out of green craft foam or felt.
• Glue the green “avocado” onto the center of the “toast.”
• For a fun detail, you can add a brown circle in the middle for the pit, or leave it out for “pitted” avocado.
• Sprinkle some red pepper flakes (or red glitter) and black pepper (or black glitter) on top for seasoning.
• Attach two ribbon or elastic straps to the back of the cardboard so your child can wear it like a sign.
• Have your child wear all brown or all green clothing underneath.
• This is a very easy, flat costume that is comfortable for kids to wear.

4. A Gumball Machine

A colorful, clever, and super fun costume that is sure to get a lot of attention. It is a sweet treat of a costume.

DIY Tips

• Start with a bright red shirt and red pants or a red beanie for the top of the machine.
• For the gumballs, you will need a large bag of multi-colored pom-poms.
• Use a hot glue gun or fabric glue to attach the pom-pom “gumballs” all over the front of the red shirt.
• To create the “glass” globe effect, you can have your child hold a clear, round shield or even just wear a clear face shield.
• For the coin slot, cut a small rectangle out of gray or silver craft foam.
• Write “25¢” on the gray foam with a black marker.
• Glue the coin slot onto the red pants, near the waist.
• This is a very colorful and textural costume that is fun to look at.
• Make sure the pom-poms are glued on securely.
• This is a no-sew costume that is all about the clever placement of pom-poms.

5. A Bag of Jelly Beans

A very simple, creative, and adorable costume, especially for toddlers. It is a sweet and colorful idea that is very easy to make.

DIY Tips

• You will need a large, clear trash bag. This will be the “bag” for the jelly beans.
• Carefully cut leg holes in the bottom of the bag and arm holes in the sides.
• You will also need a bag of small, multi-colored balloons. These are the “jelly beans.”
• Have your child step into the bag.
• Once they are in the bag, begin to fill the space around them with the small, colorful balloons.
• Do not overfill the bag; they should still be able to move comfortably.
• Gently gather the top of the bag around their neck and tie it loosely with a colorful ribbon. Ensure it is not tight.
• Print out a “Jelly Belly” or a generic “Jelly Beans” logo and tape it to the front of the clear bag.
• Have them wear simple, solid-colored clothing underneath.
• This is a very fast, affordable, and high-impact costume idea.

6. A Slice of Pizza

A universally loved food that makes for a hilarious and instantly recognizable costume.

DIY Tips

• Cut a large, triangular pizza slice shape out of two pieces of cardboard (one for the front, one for the back).
• Paint both cardboard pieces a cheesy, yellowish-orange color.
• Paint a puffy, brown “crust” at the top, wider edge of the triangle.
• Cut out “toppings” from colored craft foam or felt. Red circles for pepperoni, green shapes for peppers, etc.
• Glue the toppings all over the front piece of the pizza slice.
• Create shoulder straps out of wide ribbon or duct tape to connect the front and back pieces, so your child wears it like a sandwich board.
• This design allows for easy movement.
• Have your child wear all black or all red clothing underneath.
• For a fun group costume, have the whole family go as different slices of a whole pizza.
• This is another great, flat costume that is comfortable and easy to wear.

Classic Halloween Creatures

You can never go wrong with a classic. These costumes are the heart and soul of Halloween and can be easily updated with a modern, DIY twist.

7. A Modern, Flowy Ghost

Forget the simple sheet with eyeholes. This modern ghost is all about creating an ethereal, spooky, and beautiful look.

DIY Tips

• Start with a white, long-sleeved shirt and white pants as a base.
• Buy several yards of cheap, white, sheer fabric, like tulle or cheesecloth.
• Cut the sheer fabric into long, thin strips of varying lengths.
• Use a hot glue gun or safety pins to attach the strips all over the white base clothing, letting them hang and flow.
• The more layers of strips you add, the more ethereal and ghostly it will look.
• For a spookier look, you can lightly fray the edges of the strips or even dip them in a little bit of watered-down gray or black paint.
• For the face, use white and black face paint to create a spooky, ghostly look.
• You can also have them wear a simple, white masquerade mask.
• Hang a few of the fabric strips from a simple white headband to frame the face.
• This costume looks incredible when it moves, as all the fabric strips will flow around them.

8. A Cardboard Bat

This is a simple, graphic, and incredibly cool costume that makes a big impact with very few materials.

DIY Tips

• Start with a large piece of cardboard from a flattened shipping box.
• Draw a simple, scalloped bat wing shape. You can find many easy templates online to trace.
• Have a parent carefully cut out the wing shape using a sharp box cutter for the cleanest lines.
• Spray paint the entire cardboard wing piece with a matte black spray paint for a uniform, modern look.
• To wear the wings, you will create simple straps out of black elastic.
• Measure and cut two loops of elastic to go around your child’s shoulders, like a backpack.
• Measure and cut two more loops to go around their wrists. This will make the wings move when they move their arms.
• Attach the elastic straps to the back of the cardboard wings using a hot glue gun or a heavy-duty stapler.
• Create a simple headpiece by cutting two small, triangular bat ears out of black craft foam or cardboard and gluing them to a plain black headband.
• Have your child wear all black clothing underneath so the wings are the main focus.

9. A Friendly, No-Sew Witch

A classic witch costume does not have to be complicated. You can create a beautiful look with no sewing required.

DIY Tips

• The base is a simple, plain black dress.
• To create a fun, layered tutu skirt, cut long strips of black, purple, and green tulle.
• Take a length of ribbon that will fit around your child’s waist.
• Fold each strip of tulle in half and loop it onto the ribbon, creating a full, no-sew tutu.
• Find a classic, pointy witch hat at a dollar or party store.
• Elevate the hat by gluing a band of purple or green ribbon around the base.
• Find a crooked stick from the backyard to serve as a broomstick or a wand.
• A pair of colorful, striped tights adds a fun, classic touch.
• Use a little bit of green face paint for a classic “wicked witch” look.
• This costume is all about the fun, colorful accessories.

10. A Yarn Wig Scarecrow

A scarecrow is a charming, rustic costume that is perfect for fall. The centerpiece of this DIY version is a fun, textured yarn wig.

DIY Tips

• Start with a pair of old jeans or overalls and a simple flannel shirt.
• Use a hot glue gun to attach a few patches made from scrap fabric, like burlap or plaid, onto the jeans.
• Have a few pieces of straw (from a craft store) peeking out from the pockets and sleeves.
• To make the yarn wig, you will need a simple beanie or winter hat that fits your child.
• Cut many long strands of yellow or beige yarn.
• Hot glue the yarn strands onto the beanie, creating a full head of “straw” hair.
• Top the yarn wig with a floppy straw or felt hat.
• Use face paint to draw a few stitches on the mouth and two rosy, red circles on the cheeks.
• A fake crow from a craft store, perched on their shoulder, is a perfect finishing touch.
• This costume is cozy, comfortable, and incredibly cute.

11. A DIY Duct Tape Skeleton

A skeleton costume is a Halloween staple. This easy, no-sew version uses white duct tape to create the bones.

DIY Tips

• Start with a base of all black, close-fitting clothing, like a long-sleeved shirt and leggings.
• You will need a roll of white duct tape.
• Look up a simple diagram of a human skeleton online for reference.
• Cut strips of the white duct tape and arrange them on the black clothing to look like bones.
• Create the ribs on the chest, the long arm and leg bones, and the smaller bones of the hands and feet.
• This is like creating a simple, graphic puzzle on the clothing.
• For the mask, you can use white and black face paint to create a classic skull look.
• Alternatively, you can buy a simple, pre-made skull mask.
• This is a very fast and easy way to create a striking skeleton costume.
• The duct tape is durable and will last through the night, but it will also peel off the clothing easily afterward.

12. A Classic Black Cat

A simple, elegant, and always adorable costume. A black cat is a classic for a reason, and it is incredibly easy to DIY.

DIY Tips

• The base is a simple, all-black outfit, like a black long-sleeved shirt and black leggings.
• To make the tail, you can stuff a long black sock or a leg from a pair of old black tights with cotton balls or fabric scraps.
• Attach the tail to the back of the pants with a few safety pins.
• To make the ears, cut two triangular ear shapes out of black felt or craft foam.
• Hot glue the felt ears onto a plain black headband.
• For the face, use a black face paint crayon or an eyeliner pencil to draw a small nose and some whiskers on their cheeks.
• A simple black ribbon tied into a bow around their neck can serve as a collar.
• A pair of black gloves can be the “paws.”
• This is a very comfortable and easy-to-wear costume.
• It is a perfect, classic, last-minute costume idea.

Pop Culture Favorites

Basing a costume on a popular movie, TV show, or video game character is always a viral hit. These are the costumes that get all the buzz.

13. Barbie (in her box)

The Barbie movie made pink the color of the year. This costume is glamorous, funny, and a guaranteed showstopper.

DIY Tips

• First, find the perfect, all-pink outfit for your child to wear as Barbie.
• To create the doll box, you will need a large, wardrobe-sized cardboard box.
• Cut out a large window on the front of the box. Keep the top and bottom of the box open for your child to stand in.
• Spray paint the entire box a vibrant, Barbie-pink color.
• Print out the classic, Mattel and Barbie logos from the internet and glue them to the top of the box.
• To wear the box, you can attach straps on the inside that go over your child’s shoulders.
• This is a “wow” costume that makes a huge impact.
• It might be a bit cumbersome for walking long distances, so it is best for a party.
• The key is to get the branding and the iconic pink color right.
• For an extra touch, you can add some text to the box, like “Limited Edition.”

14. A Super Mario Brother

With the success of the Super Mario movie, Mario and Luigi are more popular than ever. This is a classic and recognizable costume.

DIY Tips

• For Mario, you will need a pair of blue overalls and a plain red, long-sleeved shirt. For Luigi, use a green shirt.
• Create the yellow “buttons” for the overalls by cutting two large circles out of yellow felt and gluing them on.
• Buy a plain red (or green) newsboy-style cap from a craft store.
• Create the logo for the hat by cutting a white circle and a red “M” (or green “L”) out of felt and gluing them together.
• The mustache is essential. You can buy a cheap, fake black mustache or simply draw one on with face paint.
• A pair of simple white gloves completes the look.
• Have your child wear simple brown shoes or boots.
• This is a very comfortable costume that is great for active kids.
• For a fun accessory, you can create a “power-up” mushroom out of a painted styrofoam ball.
• This is a perfect costume for a pair of siblings or best friends.

15. Bluey or Bingo

The beloved Australian cartoon characters are a huge hit with younger kids. This is a simple and comfortable costume that is all about the ears and tail.

DIY Tips

• For Bluey, start with a simple, plain blue hooded sweatshirt and blue sweatpants. For Bingo, use an orange or reddish-brown set.
• For the lighter-colored belly patch, cut a large oval out of a lighter shade of blue (or cream for Bingo) felt.
• Use fabric glue or a simple whip stitch to attach the belly patch to the front of the sweatshirt.
• To make the ears, cut the classic, pointy ear shapes out of felt and hot glue them to the top of the hoodie.
• For the tail, create a small, stuffed tail out of felt and attach it to the back of the sweatpants with safety pins.
• Use felt in different colors to create the spots on their back.
• The key is getting the distinct colors and ear shapes right for each character.
• You can use a little bit of face paint to draw a small dog nose.
• This is an incredibly comfortable and warm costume, perfect for a cool Halloween night.
• This is another fantastic option for a pair of siblings.

16. A Stranger Things Character (like Eleven)

Eleven’s iconic Season 1 look is surprisingly easy to DIY and is instantly recognizable to any fan of the show.

DIY Tips

• The centerpiece of the costume is a simple, pink, collared baby-doll style dress. You can often find something similar at a thrift store.
• Layer a blue Members Only-style jacket or a simple blue windbreaker over the top of the dress.
• The most important accessory is a pair of tall, white athletic tube socks with green and yellow stripes at the top.
• Pair the socks with a pair of classic, white Converse-style sneakers.
• For a prop, carry around an empty box of Eggo waffles.
• For the makeup, you can add a little bit of fake blood trickling from one nostril.
• If your child has long hair, you can tuck it up under a short, blonde wig, or just go with their natural hair.
• This costume is all about getting the specific details of the dress and socks right.
• It is a comfortable and easy-to-wear costume.
• For a group costume, have friends dress up as the other characters like Dustin or Mike.

17. A Minecraft Creeper

For the kid who is obsessed with Minecraft, a Creeper costume is a fantastic and surprisingly simple DIY using just cardboard boxes.

DIY Tips

• You will need two cardboard boxes: one large one for the body and one smaller one for the head.
• Cut out holes for the head and arms in the larger body box. Cut out eyeholes in the smaller head box.
• The key to this costume is creating the pixelated look. You will need craft paint in several different shades of green, from light to dark, as well as some black.
• Use a square sponge or a piece of square foam as a “stamp.”
• Dip the sponge in the different shades of green paint and stamp squares all over both boxes to create the classic, pixelated texture.
• Once the green paint is dry, use black paint and a square stamp to create the iconic, blocky Creeper face on the front of the head box.
• Have your child wear simple black or green pants underneath.
• This costume has a huge “wow” factor for any Minecraft fan.
• Make sure the eyeholes are large enough for your child to see clearly.
• This is a great project for a kid who loves to paint.

18. A Pokémon Trainer (like Ash Ketchum)

A classic and recognizable costume for any kid who wants to be the very best, like no one ever was.

DIY Tips

• Start with a simple pair of blue jeans.
• The top consists of a plain black t-shirt with a blue, open vest or a blue short-sleeved jacket layered over it.
• The hat is the most iconic piece. Find a simple red and white trucker-style hat.
• Create the green, stylized “C” logo for the hat using green and white craft foam or felt and glue it to the front.
• Find a pair of simple, fingerless gloves, or cut the fingers off a cheap pair of green or black gloves.
• The main accessory is a Poké Ball. You can make one by painting a styrofoam ball or buying a simple plastic one.
• Have your child carry a small backpack, just like Ash.
• A small, plush Pikachu toy peeking out of the backpack is the perfect finishing touch.
• This is a comfortable and easy costume to assemble from thrifted or existing clothing items.
• It is a timeless costume for any Pokémon fan.

Everyday Heroes & Occupations

Little kids love dressing up as the real-life heroes and professionals they look up to. These costumes are great for imaginative play long after Halloween is over.

19. A Brave Firefighter

A classic and heroic costume that is always a hit with young children.

DIY Tips

• Start with a pair of dark pants and a simple rain jacket, preferably in yellow or red.
• Use silver or yellow duct tape to create reflective stripes on the jacket and pants.
• Buy a simple, plastic red firefighter helmet from a party or dollar store.
• A toy axe is a great prop.
• You can create “suspenders” out of red duct tape.
• A pair of simple rain boots works perfectly for the footwear.
• Let them carry a small section of a garden hose as their fire hose.
• For an extra touch, you can use face paint to create a little bit of “soot” on their cheeks.
• This is a great costume for encouraging imaginative, heroic play.
• For a cute family costume, a parent can be the fire truck and a smaller child can be a Dalmatian.

20. A Daring Astronaut

For the kid who dreams of exploring the cosmos, an astronaut costume is a fantastic choice.

DIY Tips

• Start with a simple, all-white sweatsuit or a white snowsuit as the base for the space suit.
• Use duct tape in silver, red, and blue to create details and “control panels” on the front of the suit.
• Print out a NASA logo from the internet and tape or glue it to the chest as a patch.
• The helmet is the key piece. You can use a simple, white bucket or a plastic bowl with the front cut out.
• Another easy helmet option is a simple silver or white bicycle helmet.
• The “air tank” can be made by spray painting two large, empty soda bottles silver.
• Glue the two silver bottles together and attach them to the back of the suit with straps made of duct tape.
• A pair of white rain boots or snow boots completes the look.
• This is a costume that is full of creative, upcycled details.
• It is perfect for any space-loving adventurer.

21. A Smart Scientist

This is a fun and easy costume that celebrates intelligence and curiosity. All you need is a lab coat.

DIY Tips

• The most important piece is a white lab coat. You can often find these at medical supply stores or online. An oversized, white button-down shirt from a thrift store also works perfectly.
• Add a pair of safety goggles or some fun, quirky glasses.
• A clip-on ID badge with their photo and “Scientist” written on it is a great detail.
• Give them some fun props to carry, like a beaker or a test tube filled with a colored liquid (like water with food coloring).
• For a “mad scientist” look, you can get a fun, spiky wig.
• A pair of rubber gloves is another great accessory.
• Let them carry a clipboard to take their important “notes.”
• This is a very simple costume to put together.
• It encourages a love of science and learning.
• For a funny touch, you can use hair gel to make their hair stand up on end.

22. A Classic Chef

A charming and professional-looking costume that is very easy to DIY.

DIY Tips

• Start with a simple, white t-shirt and a pair of black or checkered pants.
• The most important piece is a child-sized white apron.
• The second most important piece is a classic, puffy chef’s hat (a toque). You can buy these at a party store or make one out of white paper.
• Give them a few fun props, like a small rolling pin or a wooden spoon.
• You can use a red bandana or a small tea towel to tie loosely around their neck.
• For a funny touch, you can use a face paint crayon to draw on a curly mustache.
• This is a great costume for a kid who loves to help in the kitchen.
• It is comfortable and easy for them to wear.
• You can personalize the apron with their name using a fabric marker.
• For a “baker” twist, you can add a little bit of flour dusted on their apron and cheeks.

23. A Hard-Working Construction Worker

A fun, rugged, and easy costume for a kid who loves trucks and building things.

DIY Tips

• Start with a pair of jeans and a simple flannel or a plain t-shirt.
• The key accessories are a bright yellow or orange safety vest and a plastic hard hat. You can find these at most toy or party stores.
• A child-sized tool belt with a few lightweight, plastic tools is a fantastic prop.
• A pair of sturdy work boots or rain boots completes the look.
• Give them a small, plastic toy hammer or a wrench to carry.
• You can use some brown face paint to create a little bit of “dirt” on their face.
• This is a very comfortable and durable costume that is great for active kids.
• It is easy to assemble from a mix of real clothing and simple toy accessories.
• This is a great costume for imaginative play.
• For a group costume, have a few friends dress up as different construction vehicles.

24. A Creative Doctor or Nurse

Another classic hero costume that is easy to assemble and always a hit.

DIY Tips

• The base of the costume is a set of “scrubs.” You can often find these at thrift stores, or use a simple, light blue or green sweatsuit.
• A white lab coat can also be used for a doctor’s costume.
• The most important accessory is a toy stethoscope.
• A clipboard with a “patient chart” is another great prop.
• Create a simple name badge with their photo and name on it.
• A simple, disposable face mask can complete the look.
• For a surgeon look, you can add a simple scrub cap.
• Let them carry a toy doctor’s kit with a thermometer and other tools.
• This is a great costume that celebrates our healthcare heroes.
• It is comfortable and easy for kids to wear while trick-or-treating.

Whimsical & Magical Creatures

These costumes are all about bringing fantasy and magic to life. They are perfect for kids with a big imagination and a love for all things enchanting.

25. A Mythical Dragon

A powerful and impressive costume that can be made with a simple sweatsuit and some felt.

DIY Tips

• Start with a plain, solid-colored hooded sweatshirt and matching sweatpants (green, red, or black works well).
• Cut a series of triangular “spikes” out of a contrasting color of felt.
• Use a hot glue gun to attach a row of the felt spikes all the way down the back of the sweatshirt and the hood.
• You can also add a row of spikes down the back of the pant legs.
• To create the wings, cut a large, scalloped wing shape out of felt.
• Attach the felt wings to the back of the sweatshirt.
• For a fire-breathing effect, you can glue some red and orange ribbon streamers to the inside of the hood, near the mouth.
• The hoodie itself serves as the dragon’s head.
• This is a very warm and cozy costume, perfect for a cold Halloween night.
• It looks incredibly impressive but is based on very simple shapes.

26. A Sparkling Fairy

A classic and beautiful costume that is all about sparkle, tulle, and magic.

DIY Tips

• The base can be a simple leotard or a plain dress in a pastel color.
• Create a simple, no-sew tutu by tying long strips of glittery tulle to a length of ribbon.
• Buy a pair of simple, pre-made fairy wings from a party or dollar store.
• Elevate the store-bought wings by adding extra glitter, small silk flowers, or ribbon streamers.
• The magic wand is a key accessory. You can make one by gluing ribbons and a sparkly star shape to a simple wooden dowel.
• Use a generous amount of face glitter or sparkly body spray for a magical glow.
• Create a headpiece by weaving small flowers and ribbons into a simple headband.
• A pair of ballet slippers or simple flats works perfectly for the shoes.
• This costume is all about layering on the sparkle and magic.
• Let your child choose the colors for their fairy costume to make it personal.

27. A Garden Gnome

A quirky, charming, and funny costume that is instantly recognizable.

DIY Tips

• Start with a simple, blue long-sleeved shirt and a pair of dark pants.
• The most important piece is the pointy red hat. You can make this easily by creating a cone shape out of a large piece of red felt.
• The second most important piece is the big, fluffy white beard.
• You can make a beard by gluing a large amount of cotton balls onto a simple felt shape with an elastic strap.
• A wide, black belt with a large, gold-painted cardboard buckle is a great accessory.
• A pair of simple, black rain boots works perfectly for the shoes.
• Use a little bit of pink face paint or blush to create rosy, round cheeks.
• A fun prop would be a small, plastic toy fishing rod or a small garden shovel.
• This is a very cozy and comfortable costume.
• It is a unique and funny choice that is sure to get a lot of smiles.

28. A Majestic Unicorn

A magical and very popular costume that is all about pastel colors and sparkle.

DIY Tips

• Start with a simple, all-white or all-pastel sweatsuit or dress.
• The horn is the key element. You can create a horn by rolling a piece of glittery craft foam or cardstock into a cone shape and attaching it to a headband.
• For an extra magical touch, you can spiral a thin piece of gold ribbon up the horn.
• Create a multi-colored mane and tail by tying long strips of pastel-colored tulle or ribbon to the back of the outfit and the headband.
• Use a color palette of pink, purple, and blue.
• Add some felt ears to the headband on either side of the horn.
• Use face paint and glitter to create a sparkly, magical makeup look.
• This costume is all about embracing the magic and the sparkle.
• It is a dream costume for many kids.
• You can also add small, felt wings to the back for a “pegasus” twist.

29. A Colorful Mermaid

A beautiful and enchanting costume that is perfect for any kid who dreams of the sea.

DIY Tips

• Start with a simple leotard or a fitted shirt in a color like purple or sea green.
• For the tail, use a simple, long, straight skirt or a pair of leggings in a shimmery, green fabric.
• Cut “scale” shapes out of different shades of green, blue, and purple felt.
• Use a hot glue gun to layer the felt scales onto the skirt or leggings, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
• Create the “fin” at the bottom by cutting a fin shape out of stiff, glittery tulle and attaching it to the hem of the skirt.
• A fun headpiece can be made by gluing seashells and pearls onto a headband.
• Use lots of blue and green glitter for a shimmery, magical makeup look.
• A long, colorful wig can add to the magical effect.
• A toy trident or a beautiful seashell can be a great prop.
• This is a truly stunning costume that is worth the effort of gluing on all the scales.

30. A Classic Wizard

A magical and powerful costume inspired by classic fantasy tales.

DIY Tips

• The main piece is a long, flowing robe. You can make a simple, no-sew version by using a large piece of dark blue or black fabric.
• Cut a hole in the center for the head, creating a simple poncho-style robe.
• Use gold fabric paint or star-shaped stickers to decorate the robe with moons and stars.
• A pointy wizard’s hat is essential. You can make one out of a large piece of blue or black construction paper.
• The most important prop is a magic wand. Find a cool-looking stick in your yard and decorate it with paint and ribbons.
• A long, white beard can be made by gluing cotton balls to a felt base with an elastic strap.
• This is a great costume for any kid who loves magic and fantasy stories.
• It is easy to wear over warm clothes on a cold night.
• You can also add a fun, plush owl toy to sit on their shoulder.
• The costume is all about creating a sense of ancient, mysterious magic.

Adorable Animal Kingdom

Animal costumes are a timeless choice for kids. These DIY ideas are cute, creative, and celebrate the beauty of the natural world.

31. A Fluffy Lion

A brave and majestic costume that is surprisingly easy to make. The key is a big, fluffy mane.

DIY Tips

• Start with a simple, all-tan or all-gold sweatsuit.
• The mane is the most important part. You can make it by tying dozens of short strips of yellow, gold, and brown yarn onto a simple, stretchy headband.
• Another easy mane option is to use a large, fluffy, faux-fur collar from an old coat.
• For the tail, use a long piece of tan felt with a fluffy brown yarn tassel hot-glued to the end.
• Use face paint to draw a small, triangular nose and some whiskers on their cheeks.
• A pair of simple, tan mittens can be the “paws.”
• This is a very warm and cozy costume.
• It is perfect for a toddler.
• The fuller and more varied the colors in the mane, the better it will look.
• Let them practice their best “roar!”

32. A Beautiful Potted Flower

A very creative, unique, and adorable costume idea that is sure to stand out.

DIY Tips

• Find a large, plastic planter pot that is big enough for your child to stand in but light enough to carry.
• Carefully cut out the bottom of the pot.
• Create suspenders out of wide ribbon or webbing and attach them to the inside of the pot so your child can “wear” it around their waist.
• Have your child wear green clothing to be the “stem.”
• The “flower” is the headpiece. You can create a beautiful flower mask or a headpiece with large petals.
• To make the headpiece, cut large petal shapes out of colorful craft foam or felt.
• Glue the petals around the edge of a simple, wide headband or a paper plate with the center cut out.
• You can also glue a few large, green felt leaves to the shoulders of their shirt.
• This is a “wow” costume that is incredibly clever.
• It might be best for a party, as it could be a bit tricky for walking long distances.

33. A Busy Bumblebee

A classic, cute, and very easy costume to put together. It is all about the stripes.

DIY Tips

• Start with a plain, black long-sleeved shirt and black leggings.
• Use wide, yellow duct tape or yellow felt strips to create the bold horizontal stripes around the torso of the shirt.
• For the wings, you can create a simple wing shape out of a bent wire coat hanger.
• Stretch a pair of white or sheer tights or pantyhose over the wire frame to create the wings.
• Attach the wings to the back of the shirt with safety pins.
• For the antennae, glue two yellow or black pom-poms onto the ends of two black pipe cleaners.
• Wrap the other ends of the pipe cleaners around a plain black headband.
• A pair of black rain boots works perfectly for the shoes.
• This is a very simple and graphic costume that is always a hit.
• Let them carry a small, plastic bucket painted yellow as their treat pail.

34. A Classic Teddy Bear

A sweet, cuddly, and very simple costume, perfect for younger children.

DIY Tips

• Start with a cozy, brown or tan hooded sweatsuit.
• The key is the ears. Cut two, round ear shapes out of brown felt.
• For a more 3D look, you can cut four circles, sew two together, and stuff them with a little cotton.
• Hot glue the finished ears to the top of the hoodie.
• Cut a small, oval-shaped piece of a lighter tan felt for the “snout” and glue it to the front of the hoodie.
• Use face paint to draw a small, black nose and a cute bear mouth.
• A simple red ribbon tied in a bow around their neck is a classic teddy bear touch.
• A pair of brown mittens can be the paws.
• This is an incredibly comfortable and warm costume.
• They can carry their own favorite teddy bear as a fun prop.

35. A Colorful Peacock

A stunning and glamorous costume that is all about the beautiful, fan-like tail.

DIY Tips

• Start with a simple, blue or green dress or leotard.
• The tail is the main event. You can create it using a large, fan-shaped piece of cardboard as a base.
• Buy a pack of long, beautiful peacock feathers from a craft store.
• Hot glue the peacock feathers all over the cardboard fan, layering them to create a full, lush look.
• You can add extra sparkle by gluing on some blue and green sequins.
• Attach the finished tail to the back of the dress with a belt or safety pins.
• Create a simple headpiece by gluing a few of the smaller peacock feathers to a headband.
• Use blue and green glittery eyeshadow to create a beautiful makeup look.
• This is a truly show-stopping costume.
• The way the tail moves as they walk is beautiful.

36. A Clever Fox

A cute and woodsy costume that is all about the pointy ears and the big, bushy tail.

DIY Tips

• Start with an all-orange or all-rust-colored outfit.
• Cut a large, oval-shaped piece of white felt for the belly and attach it to the front of the shirt.
• To make the tail, create a large, teardrop shape out of orange faux fur or felt. Stuff it with cotton batting.
• Add a tip of white fur or felt to the end of the tail.
• Attach the tail to the back of the pants with safety pins.
• To make the ears, cut two pointy, triangular shapes out of the orange felt.
• Cut two smaller, white inner ear shapes and glue them inside the orange triangles.
• Hot glue the finished ears to a simple headband.
• Use face paint to draw on a small black nose and some cute whiskers.
• This is a charming and relatively simple animal costume.

Hilarious Pun Costumes

For the family with a great sense of humor, a punny costume is always a huge hit. These ideas are all about clever wordplay.

37. A Bread Winner

A very simple, funny, and clever pun costume that is easy to assemble.

DIY Tips

• Start with a simple, athletic-style outfit, like a runner’s tank top and shorts.
• Buy a fake, plastic gold medal from a party or dollar store.
• Place the gold medal around your child’s neck.
• The main prop is a loaf of bread.
• Let your child carry a loaf of bread (the “bread”) as they are a “winner.”
• For a more durable prop, you can use a realistic-looking fake loaf of bread from a craft store.
• You can also have them wear a runner’s number pinned to their shirt.
• This is a very comfortable costume that is easy for kids to wear.
• It is a costume that will make people think for a second, and then laugh.
• It is a perfect, low-effort, high-reward idea.

38. A Smart Cookie

Another adorable and clever pun costume that is perfect for a little smarty-pants.

DIY Tips

• The base of the costume is a simple, academic-style outfit. Think a collared shirt and maybe a small tie or a cardigan.
• The key accessory is a pair of oversized, nerdy glasses. You can pop the lenses out for comfort.
• The “cookie” part is the fun prop. You will need a large piece of cardboard.
• Cut the cardboard into a large circle to be the cookie.
• Paint the cardboard a light brown, cookie color.
• Hot glue on some “chocolate chips,” which can be made from crumpled brown paper or brown pom-poms.
• You can either have your child carry the cookie, or attach straps so they can wear it.
• For an extra touch, you can give them a graduation cap (a “mortarboard”) to wear.
• This is a very sweet and funny costume idea.
• It celebrates intelligence in a playful way.

39. A Social Butterfly

A very clever and modern take on a classic butterfly costume.

DIY Tips

• Start by creating a simple pair of butterfly wings. You can cut the shape out of a large piece of cardboard or poster board.
• Instead of decorating the wings with traditional patterns, you will decorate them with social media logos.
• Print out the logos for popular social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X.
• Glue the printed logos all over the surface of the butterfly wings.
• Attach the wings to your child’s back with elastic straps, like a backpack.
• Create a simple antennae headband using pipe cleaners and pom-poms.
• Have your child carry a toy cell phone as a prop.
• This is a very funny and topical costume that adults will especially appreciate.
• It is a clever and satirical take on modern life.
• It is sure to be a viral hit at any Halloween party.

40. A French Ghost

This is an adorable, family-friendly pun that combines two fun elements.

DIY Tips

• The “French” part of the costume is a classic, stereotypical French outfit.
• Start with a black and white striped shirt.
• Add a red bandana tied around the neck.
• A black beret is the most important accessory for the “French” look.
• The “Kiss” part is a Hershey’s Kiss hat.
• You can make this by covering a simple party hat with aluminum foil.
• Create the classic “KISSES” paper plume by writing the word on a long, thin strip of white paper and gluing it to the top of the foil hat.
• Use face paint to draw on a curly mustache.
• This costume is incredibly charming and cute.
• It is a clever visual pun that is fun for all ages.

41. A Pig in a Blanket

A very literal and funny take on the classic appetizer. This is a cozy and easy costume.

DIY Tips

• The “pig” part is a simple pig costume.
• Start with a pink sweatsuit.
• Create pig ears and a snout out of pink felt and attach them to a headband and with a piece of elastic, respectively.
• Create a curly pig tail out of a pink pipe cleaner and pin it to the back of the pants.
• The “blanket” part is just a simple blanket.
• Have your child wrap themselves up in their favorite cozy blanket.
• This is the ultimate comfy, cozy Halloween costume.
• It is perfect for a cool Halloween night.
• It is very easy to assemble from simple craft materials and a blanket you already own.
• This is a funny, low-effort costume that always gets a good laugh.

42. A Deviled Egg

A simple, funny, and slightly spooky pun costume.

DIY Tips

• Start with a plain white t-shirt.
• Cut a large, round “yolk” shape out of a piece of yellow felt.
• Use fabric glue to attach the yellow yolk to the center of the white t-shirt. The white shirt is the “egg white.”
• The “deviled” part is all about the accessories.
• Buy a simple, red devil horn headband from a party store.
• Give them a small, red toy pitchfork to carry.
• You can also add a simple red cape or a pointy red tail.
• This is a very easy, no-sew costume that is very clever.
• It is comfortable and easy to wear.
• It is another great costume for someone with a good sense of humor.

Creative Inanimate Objects

Some of the most creative and memorable costumes come from thinking outside the box and dressing up as an everyday object.

43. A Rubik’s Cube

A colorful, nostalgic, and incredibly impressive costume made from a simple cardboard box.

DIY Tips

• Find a square cardboard box that fits your child’s torso. Cut out holes for their head and arms.
• Spray paint the entire box a solid black.
• Cut out a number of equal-sized squares from different colors of craft paper or felt: red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and white.
• Arrange the colored squares on the box in a 3×3 grid pattern, like a real Rubik’s Cube.
• Make sure to create a different “scrambled” pattern on each visible side of the box.
• Use a strong glue to attach the colored squares securely.
• Have your child wear all black clothing underneath so the colorful box is the focus.
• This is a “wow” costume that looks much more complicated than it actually is.
• The key is getting the grid and the colors right.
• It is a perfect costume for any 80s-themed party.

44. A Crayon

A very simple, colorful, and instantly recognizable costume that is perfect for a group.

DIY Tips

• Start with a solid-colored sweatsuit in your child’s favorite crayon color, like blue, red, or green.
• To create the classic Crayola design, use black felt or black duct tape.
• Cut two long, thin, wavy stripes out of the black felt and glue them near the top and bottom of the sweatshirt.
• Cut the word “Crayola” out of black felt and glue it vertically down the front.
• The hat is the most important part. Create a cone shape out of a piece of poster board that matches the color of the sweatsuit.
• Attach a simple chin strap made of elastic to the hat to keep it on.
• This is an incredibly easy and comfortable costume.
• It is perfect for a group of friends or siblings, with each person being a different color.
• It is a classic, nostalgic costume that everyone loves.
• It is easy to wear over warm clothes on a cold night.

45. A Vending Machine

A very clever and interactive costume that is sure to be a hit.

DIY Tips

• You will need a large, rectangular cardboard box.
• Cut out a large “window” on the front of the box and cover the opening with a piece of clear plastic or cellophane.
• Spray paint the entire box a solid color, like black or red.
• Collect a variety of empty snack bags and candy wrappers.
• Hot glue the empty snack packages to the inside back of the box, so they are visible through the window.
• Create a “coin slot” and a “dispenser” flap out of cardboard and silver duct tape.
• For a truly interactive element, you can have your child carry small, real snacks to hand out to their friends.
• Attach straps to the inside of the box so your child can wear it.
• This is a very creative and impressive costume.
• It is sure to be a conversation starter.

46. A Human Gumball Machine

A colorful, clever, and super fun costume that is sure to get a lot of attention. It is a sweet treat of a costume.

DIY Tips

• Start with a bright red skirt or pants and a plain white t-shirt.
• You will need a large bag of multi-colored pom-poms. These are the “gumballs.”
• Use a hot glue gun or fabric glue to attach the pom-pom gumballs all over the front of the white shirt.
• To create the coin slot mechanism, cut a small rectangle and a dial shape out of gray or silver craft foam.
• Write “25¢” on the gray foam with a black marker.
• Glue the coin slot onto the red skirt or pants.
• A red beanie or a red headband can be the “lid” of the machine.
• This is a very colorful and textural costume that is fun to look at.
• Make sure the pom-poms are glued on securely.
• This is a no-sew costume that is all about the clever placement of pom-poms.

47. A Laundry Basket

A very funny and surprisingly easy costume made from common household items.

DIY Tips

• You will need a simple, plastic laundry basket.
• Carefully cut out the bottom of the laundry basket so your child can step into it.
• Create suspenders out of wide ribbon or duct tape and attach them to the top rim of the basket, so your child can “wear” it around their waist.
• The costume is all about the props.
• Use safety pins to attach a few random pieces of clothing, like socks or a t-shirt, to the basket and to your child’s shirt, making it look like the laundry is overflowing.
• Give them an empty box of laundry detergent to carry as a prop.
• For a funny touch, you can pin a “lost” sock to their hair or hat.
• This is a very lightweight and easy-to-wear costume.
• It is a clever and relatable costume that always gets a laugh.
• It is a perfect last-minute idea.

48. A Weather Cloud with Rain

A whimsical, beautiful, and very creative costume that is like a piece of art.

DIY Tips

• The “cloud” can be made by hot gluing a large amount of fluffy cotton batting or poly-fil onto an old hat or a large, sturdy paper lantern.
• To create the “rain,” you will need a string and some blue craft paper or felt.
• Cut a number of teardrop-shaped “raindrops” out of the blue paper.
• Hot glue the raindrops at intervals along several long pieces of clear fishing line or blue string.
• Attach the other end of the strings to the inside of the cloud hat or lantern, so the raindrops hang down around your child.
• Have your child wear simple, gray or blue clothing underneath to represent a rainy sky.
• A pair of cute rain boots is the perfect footwear.
• For an extra magical touch, you can weave a string of battery-operated, cool-white fairy lights into the cotton cloud to create a “lightning” effect.
• This is a truly stunning and unique costume.
• It looks beautiful when the child moves and the raindrops sway.

Conclusion

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

These 48 ideas prove that with a little imagination and a few simple materials, you can create a costume that is viral, memorable, and full of personality.

The best part of a DIY costume is not just the final product, but the fun memories you make while creating it together. So pick an idea, gather your supplies, and get crafting.

Happy crafting and have a spooktacular Halloween.