Easy DIY Classic Halloween Costume Ideas

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Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’re like most parents, you and your child are contemplating this year’s Halloween costume for for some good old trick or treating.

But this year, finances might be tough, or you and your family just want to be as zero waste and minimalist as possible when it comes to trick or treating—and prefer to go with a DIY approach.

When it comes to minimalism, Halloween costumes should be simple. Some of the most classic Halloween costumes are excellent examples of minimalism at work—such as ghosts, mummies and witches, to name a few.

There are also several reasons why avoiding store bought Halloween costumes, and creating your own, especially when it comes to kids, is actually a good thing:

Reason 1: Kids Outgrow Them

Unlike adults who are able to reuse their costumes, children tend to outgrow theirs. And you either end up donating or throwing them away. Either way, they’ll eventually make their way to the landfill. By making your own costume, you’ll be able to use parts that are at least biodegradable or recyclable.

Reason 2: You’ll Save Money

It seems like Halloween costumes get more and more expensive every year. By creating your own costume, you’ll save an average of $50.00—sometimes more.

Reason 3: Teaches Creativity

Creating a homemade Halloween costume with your child is a great bonding experience, and it encourages them to be creative!

Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas For Kids

Classic Mummy Costume

Mummy costumes are a very simple DIY, and can easily be put together using bandages or old bedsheets cut into strips. I don’t recommend toilet paper because it’s wasteful and tears easily.

Classic Robot Costume

You can easily turn your little one into a robot using a cardboard box and cutting out arm holes on the side. Then decorate the box anyway you’d like! Paint or color on some buttons, rivets and maybe even a fun screen that says “loading”.

Classic Ghost Costume

Probably the most classic and simple of all DIY Halloween costumes, the ghost costume simply requires a white or off-white bedsheet with holes cut out for the eyes. Make sure your child can walk safely by making the sheet an appropriate length.

Classic Monster Costume

Monster costumes can be as versatile as you’d like. You can create an oversized mask using a large brown paper bag from the grocery store and cut out openings for the eyes—drawing on the other facial features and making them as scary as you’d like.

Classic Fairy Princess Costume

Fairy princess costumes can easily be made using cardboard boxes and construction paper. You can cut out a crown using construction paper and attach it to your child’s head using clips or string. You can use cardboard to create wings and attach them to your child’s back with yarn—like a backpack.

Classic Super Hero Costume

Super hero costumes can easily be made using felt to create an eye mask, and a bedsheet or blanket can be used as a cape. You can also cut out a Superman symbol or Star from felt and attach it to your child’s shirt.

Classic Space Alien Costume

Turn your little one into a colorful space alien using a cardboard box and some construction paper. Cut out armholes on the side and decorate the rest with construction paper. You can create a hat with antennas using a smaller box and pipe cleaners for antennas.

What is a homemade Halloween costume that you’ve created for your child? Let us know in the comments!