Looking for fun and affordable DIY Halloween costumes for kids? This collection offers over 90 creative ideas that are easy to make at home using simple materials like cardboard, fabric scraps, and paint. Each costume inspires imagination, teamwork, and hands-on fun for both parents and children. From classic ghosts to colorful candy characters, these DIY outfits are perfect for creating lasting Halloween memories while keeping costs low and turning crafting time into a joyful family tradition.
90+ DIY Halloween costumes for kids
Get ready for the most creative Halloween yet! These DIY ideas are fun, affordable, and surprisingly easy to make with materials you likely already have around the house.
1. Ghost (Classic)
For a timeless look, drape a white sheet over the child, ensuring it clears the ground for safety; simply cut out two eyeholes and maybe use a black marker to define the eye edges. The main material is a white sheet or a large piece of fabric, requiring only scissors and an optional marker.
2. Scarecrow
Dress your child in flannel, overalls, and a floppy hat for the base. Glue small patches of burlap or straw (or yellow yarn) onto the outfit and hat, and use face paint to draw rosy cheeks and stitched lines across the mouth for that classic, friendly scarecrow look.
3. Mime
Start with a black and white striped shirt and black pants. Paint the face white using non-toxic face paint, add a small black tear or defined eyebrows, and complete the look with white gloves and an optional black beret.
4. Robot
Cover two cardboard boxes (one for the body, one for the head) with aluminum foil or silver spray paint; attach colorful bottle caps, old CDs, or wires for buttons and gadgets, securing the body boxes with simple straps cut from fabric or old belts.
5. Chef
Dress the child in a white t-shirt and pants; tie a kitchen towel around the waist as an apron, and craft a tall chef’s hat from white poster board rolled into a cylinder and taped securely. A wooden spoon or whisk makes the perfect prop.
6. Bunch of grapes
Dress the child in a purple or green shirt and leggings. Inflate many small purple or green balloons and hot glue or safety pin them securely all over the shirt until it looks like a full bunch, wearing a leaf-covered headband to finish.
7. Lego brick
Take a large cardboard box and spray paint it a bright primary color. Cut arm, head, and leg holes, and then glue six plastic cups or small yogurt containers onto the front for the signature studs, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
8. Stick figure
Dress the child in white clothes. Use black electrical tape to outline the body, creating simple arms, legs, and a head shape (attach a taped circle to a hoodie or hat). This costume is incredibly simple and recognizable.
9. Medusa
Dress in a simple toga or green/brown dress. Glue or wire small plastic snakes (from a dollar store) onto a simple headband or wig for the terrifying snake hair, ensuring the snakes are lightweight and secured safely.
10. Mummy
Wear a white shirt and pants base. Tear a few old white sheets or cheesecloth into strips, optionally dipping them lightly in tea for an aged look, and then loosely wrap them around the child, leaving some strips frayed and hanging.
11. Wind-up doll
Use brightly colored clothes with frills or bows. Attach a large cardboard key (painted silver or gold) to the child’s back using elastic bands or a belt, and add dramatic makeup like large, painted eyes or a bow mouth for a vintage toy look.
12. Bag of popcorn
Take a large white paper bag or pillowcase and decorate the front with red stripes and the word “POPCORN.” Fill the top edge with crumbled, painted-yellow Styrofoam or cotton balls for fluffy popcorn, securing it with glue.
13. Cloud with rain
Glue cotton batting or fiberfill onto a blue shirt or hoodie to create a fluffy cloud shape. Attach blue and silver ribbons or strings with raindrops (cut from felt) hanging down from the cloud for a cute weather theme.
14. Butterfly
Cut large, symmetrical wing shapes from cardboard and paint them with bright, colorful designs. Attach elastic bands to wear them like a backpack, and wear all black with pipe cleaner antennae on a headband.
15. Rosie the Riveter
Dress in a denim shirt (sleeves rolled up) and jeans. Tie a red polka-dot bandana up in the hair, and practice the iconic strong bicep pose for photos to complete this empowering look.
16. Baker (Giant Cookie)
Cut a large brown circle from cardboard. Glue small dark brown felt circles (chocolate chips) all over the front, and wear it with simple straps over a brown or tan shirt, giving the appearance of a freshly baked treat.
17. Gumball Machine (Minimalist)
Wear a red hat and red bottoms. Glue colored pom-poms in a dense cluster onto the front of a white t-shirt, creating the glass-bowl effect of the machine’s top, a simple and bright costume.
18. Ceiling fan (Pun)
Dress in all brown or white. Cut three long blades from cardboard, paint them to look like wood or metal, and attach them carefully to a hat or headband so they spin safely above the head, a clever pun costume.
19. Bookworm
Dress in comfortable clothes. Decorate a shirt with felt “book covers” glued on, and create the “worm” by using pipe cleaners and googly eyes glued to the end of a long piece of string attached to eyeglasses.
20. Cereal killer
A classic pun: glue miniature cereal boxes (or cut-out pictures) onto a shirt. Stick plastic knives (dull and safe!) into the boxes, and add fake blood (red paint) splatter details for a humorous, slightly spooky costume.
21. Tourist
Wear a loud Hawaiian shirt, khaki shorts, and socks with sandals. Hang a camera around the neck and carry a map or a large, brightly colored drink cup for the ultimate sightseer look.
22. Quarterback
Dress in a plain T-shirt. Use black electrical tape to put a number on the front and back, add eye black (face paint) under the eyes, and carry a football prop to be a star athlete.
23. Solar system
Dress in all black. Attach miniature painted foam balls (planets) onto the shirt using wire or safety pins, arranging them in their proper orbital order around a central “Sun” glued to the chest.
24. Race car driver
Dress in a jumpsuit or simple colored top and pants. Add racing patches (printed paper) to the outfit, wear a baseball cap or helmet, and carry a checkered flag prop.
25. Pizza slice
Cut a large triangle from cardboard; paint it to look like a cheesy slice with toppings (pepperoni, olives, etc.), and attach it to the front of a brown shirt using straps worn over the shoulders.
26. Identity thief (Simple)
An easy, funny costume: dress in regular clothes and cover a t-shirt with “Hello My Name Is” stickers, writing a different, absurd name on each one for a quick, witty costume.
27. Where’s Wally?
Wear a red and white striped shirt and hat. Add jeans and large, black-rimmed glasses (lenses removed for safety) to instantly transform into the famous hidden character.
28. Domino
Dress in all black. Use white circular felt or cut-out paper to create the dots of a domino, gluing them onto the front of the shirt in a recognizable pattern like a ‘six’ or ‘double three’.
29. Garden gnome
Wear a dark tunic/vest over a shirt and brown pants. Wear a large, pointy red felt hat and a long, white beard made from cotton balls or fake fur.
30. Pineapple
Wear a yellow shirt and pants. Use a brown marker or electrical tape to draw cross-hatch/diamond patterns on the shirt, and attach long, green felt leaves to a headband.
31. Traffic light
Take a rectangular cardboard box and paint it black or gray. Cut out arm and head holes, and glue three large, colored circles (red, yellow, green) cut from construction paper or felt down the front vertically.
32. Cactus
Dress in all green. Glue small pieces of white yarn or pipe cleaners sparsely all over the outfit to represent the pokey spines, and wear a sombrero or flower-adorned headband if desired.
33. Rock star
Dress in ripped jeans, a graphic tee, and a leather jacket. Use temporary hair color spray for a dramatic hairstyle, and carry an inflatable or toy guitar for the ultimate stage presence.
34. Snail
Cut a large spiral shape from brown cardstock or paper (or use a painted, rolled-up paper grocery bag). Attach the “shell” to the back of a brown outfit with suspenders and add antennae to a headband.
35. Jellyfish
Use a clear umbrella. Glue or tape long, shimmering ribbons or strips of bubble wrap to the edges of the umbrella, and have the child hold it overhead while wearing blue or purple clothes to look like a sea creature.
36. Cardboard knight
Turn your little one into a brave knight with homemade cardboard armor. Cut cardboard into shapes for a helmet, chest plate, arm guards, and skirt panels, then cover them with aluminum foil or silver paint to create a metallic effect. Use ribbon or elastic bands as straps and secure everything with hot glue. The sword can be made from a piece of cardboard or a foam pool noodle wrapped in foil. Have your child wear a T-shirt and leggings underneath for comfort, and make sure all edges are rounded for safety during play.
37. Vending machine
Use a large rectangular box and paint the top third clear/plastic (or use clear contact paper). Paint in rows of candy bar logos or snacks on small boxes inside and create a coin slot and dispensing area on the bottom.
38. Baker’s dozen donuts
Wear a plain top. Cut thirteen simple donut shapes from brown felt or cardboard (paint on pink or chocolate frosting and sprinkles), and pin them all over the shirt and pants.
39. Frida Kahlo
Wear a colorful peasant dress or top. Use a headband with bright flowers glued on, and use a dark eyeliner pencil to draw the iconic, strong, unibrow for this artistic tribute.
40. Firefighter
A brave and classic choice for kids who love action! Dress your child in black pants and a yellow or red jacket (you can add reflective tape strips for detail). Create a fire helmet from cardboard or use a toy one, and add a simple badge made from foil or paper. For extra fun, have your child carry a small hose made from a rolled-up piece of tubing or a spray bottle labeled “water.” This costume is comfortable, recognizable, and sparks excitement in every little hero.
41. Sushi roll
Wrap a large piece of white or orange foam (the “fish”) around the child’s waist over a white outfit. Wrap a strip of black felt around the middle to look like the seaweed and wear a green hat for the wasabi.
42. Magician
Transform your child into a little illusionist ready to amaze the crowd! Dress them in a white shirt, black pants, and a cape made from a piece of black fabric with a red lining. Add a top hat (cardboard or felt), a toy wand, and maybe even a stuffed rabbit peeking out of a small box or hat. Finish the look with a bow tie for a touch of charm and mystery.
43. Scuba diver
Dress in all black. Spray paint two 2-liter soda bottles black and strap them to the back with duct tape and webbing for the tank, and wear a snorkel and mask for diving gear.
44. Magic eight ball
Use a large, round black balloon or exercise ball (cut out the center) or a round box. Paint a large blue triangle on the front with a simple prediction like “Yes” or “Reply Hazy.”
45. Caveman/Cavewoman
Wear a brown t-shirt or dress. Cut the bottom into jagged strips for a tattered look, and glue a few spots of faux fur or brown felt onto the shoulders and waist, carrying a plastic bone prop.
46. Detective
Channel the classic mystery-solver vibe! Have your child wear a trench coat or long jacket, a wide-brimmed hat, and carry a magnifying glass. Add a small notebook labeled “Case Files” for extra detail. Optional accessories like a toy pipe or fake mustache make the disguise even more fun. It’s simple, smart, and perfect for curious kids who love solving clues.
47. Bucket of KFC chicken
Paint a large white bucket or round box with the signature KFC logo. Cut out the bottom and armholes, and glue crinkled brown paper bags (for the fried texture) sticking out of the top rim.
48. Map/Atlas
Glue old maps (from a thrift store or printed out) all over a shirt and pants. Wear a pith helmet or cap and use a large magnifying glass prop.
49. Black panther
Dress in an all-black sweatsuit. Use silver or gray felt/foam to cut out the muscle lines, necklace, and mask details, gluing them securely onto the outfit for the Wakandan hero.
50. Construction worker
Wear jeans and a flannel shirt or vest. Add a plastic hard hat and carry toy tools like a hammer or wrench.
51. Bag of jelly beans
Use a large clear garbage bag. Print a generic candy logo on paper, fill the bag around the child with multicolored small balloons or pom-poms, and tie the bag closed securely at the neck.
52. Old lady/man
Wear a dress or suit jacket. Use baby powder to gray the hair, wear an eye mask or reading glasses low on the nose, and walk with a cane (a painted stick works) for a charming old-timer look.
53. Cupcake
Dress in a pink or white top. Glue large colorful pom-poms (sprinkles) all over the top, and wear a large white paper cone (the paper liner) or a chef’s hat.
54. Peacock
Let your child shine with this dazzling nature-inspired costume! Dress them in blue or teal clothing and attach a large fan of cardboard “feathers” painted with green, blue, and gold eye patterns to the back (use lightweight straps). Add a feathered headband or a small beak mask to complete the look. This costume is bright, elegant, and absolutely show-stopping!
55. Rainbow (Full arch)
Cut a large arch from poster board or cardboard and paint it with the seven colors of the rainbow. Wear it over the head or shoulders with white cloud shapes cut from felt on the sides.
56. M&M candy
Dress in a single bright-colored outfit (red, yellow, blue). Cut out a large white felt circle with the letter “M” drawn on it, and glue it to the center of the chest.
57. Painter
Wear old jeans and a white t-shirt. Splatter the shirt liberally with various colors of paint, and carry a palette and paintbrush prop.
58. Peter Pan
Wear a green tunic or large t-shirt (cut the edges jagged). Wear a brown belt, green tights, and a green cap with a red feather (felt cutout) attached.
59. Astronaut (Modern)
Wear a white or orange jumpsuit. Tape a few NASA or flag patches onto the shoulders and chest, and wear a bike helmet with silver foil or paper taped on for a helmet look.
60. Tooth fairy
Wear a sparkly dress or tutu. Add small wings, carry a sparkly wand, and have a small bag or pouch to collect “teeth” (small pieces of white paper or foil-wrapped candies).
61. Baker (Prop focused)
Wear black-and-white checkered pants (if available) with a white shirt and hat. Tuck a whisk or rolling pin into the apron pocket and wear light makeup dusted with baby powder to resemble flour.
62. Sun/moon
Cut out a large yellow circle with pointy rays for the sun and attach it to a shirt. For the moon, cut a crescent shape from gray foam or paper, wearing a dark outfit underneath.
63. Black cat
Dress in all black. Wear a black headband with two felt triangles glued on for ears, use eyeliner to draw whiskers, and attach a long, black tail (stuffed sock) to the pants.
64. Lumberjack (Cozy)
Wear the flannel shirt over leggings and braid the hair. Still add the fake beard (optional) and knit cap for a cozy, rustic look.
65. Little Red Riding Hood
Wear a simple dress. Wrap a red cape or hood (made from felt or a towel) around the shoulders, and carry a basket (maybe with a fake wolf toy inside).
66. Mad scientist
Wear slacks and a white lab coat (or white shirt). Mess up the hair, wear safety goggles, and carry a small beaker or test tube filled with brightly colored water.
67. Monopoly player
Dress in a suit or nice clothes. Carry a toy hat or dog (the token) and attach a small, printed-out “GO” space to the chest.
68. Where the wild things are (Max)
Dress in a white bunny-style hooded jumpsuit. Add furry hands and feet (made from brown felt), and use a small amount of dark makeup on the nose for a playful monster look.
69. Angel (Detailed)
Wear a white dress or long shirt. Attach white feathery wings and wear a halo (pipe cleaners twisted into a circle) on the head. Use white face glitter for extra sparkle.
70. Devil
Wear all red. Attach a long red tail with a pointy felt tip, and wear a red headband with two felt or foam horns glued on.
71. Pirate
Wear a striped shirt, black vest, and dark pants. Tie a red bandana around the head, wear an eye patch, and carry a toy sword or plastic parrot on the shoulder.
72. Race track
Draw a simple, winding race track with white tape on a green shirt. Add small toy cars glued to the track (ensure strong, safe adhesive is used).
73. Cow
Wear a white outfit. Cut out random black felt spots and glue them all over the outfit, and wear a headband with two pink/black felt ears and a bell around the neck.
74. Bee
Wear a yellow top. Use black electrical tape to create stripes, attach small wire/mesh wings to the back, and wear a headband with antennae (pipe cleaners).
75. Giraffe
Wear a yellow or tan outfit. Use brown felt or paint to create the large, irregular spots, and wear a headband with two small horns (knobs/rolls of felt).
76. Newspaper
Glue actual newspaper clippings all over a plain shirt and pants. Highlight a few funny or interesting headlines with a red marker.
77. Rubik’s Cube
Use a square cardboard box. Divide each visible face into nine smaller squares with black tape, and paint each small square a different bright color (red, blue, yellow, green, white).
78. Stick of butter
Use a large rectangular box. Cover it with yellow paper or paint, and write the word “BUTTER” in a simple font on the front.
79. Old-fashioned aviator
Wear a brown jacket or vest. Wear a brown leather helmet (or a brown cap with ear flaps) and large flying goggles, carrying a toy airplane.
80. Weeping angel (Doctor Who)
Dress in a gray or white gown. Use gray face and body paint to look like stone, and stand with your hands covering your face for a great photo pose.
81. Fisherman
Wear a vest with many pockets, waders or old jeans, and a floppy hat. Pin a few plastic worms or lures to the hat and carry a fishing pole.
82. Road map
Take an old t-shirt and draw roads all over it with permanent markers; you can even glue tiny toy cars onto the roads for extra flair.
83. Safari explorer
Perfect for adventurous kids who love animals and the outdoors! Dress your child in khaki shorts or pants with a beige or olive-green shirt. Add a wide-brimmed hat or paper safari helmet and hang a pair of toy binoculars around their neck. You can even pin on a few animal stickers or patches for extra detail. Give them a small notebook labeled “Wildlife Journal” to complete the explorer look. It’s comfortable, fun, and full of adventure spirit.
84. Tree (Autumn)
Wear brown or orange clothes. Glue brown crumpled paper (bark texture) to the shirt and attach orange, red, and yellow felt leaves to the arms and head.
85. Snowman
Wear all white. Attach three large black felt circles (coal buttons) down the front, wrap a colorful scarf around the neck, and wear a black top hat with a carrot nose (foam or felt) attached.
86. The Giving Tree
Wear a brown outfit. Draw a few branches on the shirt with a marker and attach a single red felt apple to the hand or a pocket for this literary theme.
87. Hot air balloon (Basket only)
Use a large laundry basket for the basket. Attach four long ropes/straps to the corners and run them up to the child’s shoulders, wearing a brightly colored top.
88. Toy soldier
Dress in a green uniform (or green clothes). Paint the face and any exposed skin bright green with costume makeup, and stand very still, like a plastic toy.
89. Mad Hatter
Wear a colorful, mismatched jacket or vest. Create a tall top hat from cardboard, decorating it wildly. Wear bold makeup, a large bow tie, and carry a teacup prop.
90. Space explorer (DIY jetpack)
Turn your little one into a galactic traveler! Spray-paint two empty soda bottles silver or gray and tape them together as a “jetpack.” Attach tissue-paper flames in red, orange, and yellow at the base, then use ribbon shoulder straps to wear it like a backpack. Pair it with a silver outfit or a white hoodie and add some cardboard buttons for the control panel.
91. Bubble bath
Dress your child in all white. Use safety pins or glue to attach dozens of small white balloons (the “bubbles”) around the shirt and pants. Add a rubber ducky on the shoulder and wrap a towel around the neck for a cozy, hilarious look. Optional: carry a toy loofah or shower cap for extra charm.
FAQs
1. How to make Halloween costumes for kids at home?
Creating DIY Halloween costumes for kids is easier than you might think. Start small, be creative, and have fun together!
Here are some simple steps and ideas to get started:
- Pick a theme your child loves, such as animals, superheroes, or favorite storybook characters.
- Gather basic supplies like cardboard, felt, fabric scraps, tape, glue, and old clothes.
- Reuse and recycle items around the house instead of buying new materials.
- Use safe, non-toxic materials for painting, gluing, and decorating.
- Involve your kids in cutting, gluing, or painting to make it a fun hands-on experience.
- Add personal touches like accessories or makeup to give the costume character.
- Keep comfort in mind so the outfit fits well and allows easy movement.
- Have fun with creativity because even simple ideas can become amazing when made with love and imagination.
2. What is the easiest Halloween costume to make at home?
The mummy costume is one of the easiest and most fun to make. All you need are a few rolls of toilet paper or white bandages to wrap loosely around your child for a spooky yet adorable look.
Final thoughts
Halloween is a great time to be creative and have fun with your kids. With over 90 DIY Halloween costumes for kids, you can turn simple materials into something special while making lasting memories together. These homemade outfits are fun, affordable, and full of imagination, proving that the best costumes come from creativity, not the store.
Want more spooky inspiration? Check out these teacher Halloween costume ideas for classroom-friendly looks that spark joy and learning.
