Kids’ Halloween costumes range from the moderate to almost ridiculous. If you (like many parents) are trying to keep on budget, a costly costume may be out of the question. Although you may want to give your little one everything that she wants, spending $50 or more on an outfit for one night may just not be reasonable.
Clothes as Costumes for Kids
A great place to start designing your child’s homemade costume is your own closet. Take a look at your own clothes, with your child, to see if you have anything that might work as part of an imaginative costume.
Try some of these keys pieces that easily translate into costume ideas:
- Frilly blouses as a pirate shirt.
- Flowing skirt as a gypsy dress.
- Suit jacket and tie as a secret service person costume.
- Sequined shirt or skirt as a beauty queen or Miss America dress.
Keep safety in mind when selecting clothing from your own closet. Make sure that pants or skirts are not too long for your child, causing a tripping safety hazard. Also, avoid high heels or other unstable footwear.
Artistic Homemade Costumes
Help your child to create her own costume using household items and arts and crafts materials. Use cut cardboard boxes, tempera paints, glue, glitter and more to make your own unique Halloween outfits.
Some simple ideas include:
- Cardboard box body robot: Cut out head and arm holes, leaving the bottom open for the legs. Cover the entire outside of the box in foil or silver paint. Draw or paint buttons onto the box.
- Candy: Cut out two large circles from flat cardboard. Paint a red and white swirl on both sides to make a piece of peppermint or add colorful hues for other sugary treats. Attach the two pieces together with two pieces of yarn or ribbon at the top to wear.
- Mummy Wrap: Wrap your child up (body only) with white streamers for a quick and simple mummy costume.
Inexpensive Character Costumes
If your child simply has to be Harry Potter, a Pokemon or a Disney favorite, help her to create her own version instead of buying a pricey retail option. Start with a picture of the character and brainstorm ideas from home to use. For example, make Pikachu’s ears from cardboard, paint and a headband.
Look for clothing items at home that she can add to a costume and embellish later. Add an inexpensive wig or a homemade accessory such as a cape or hat to complete the look.
Halloween doesn’t have to be an overly expensive holiday. Save money, and help your child to get creative, by making your own unique costumes.
Erica Loop - I am a mother and a professional Arts Educator, teaching visual arts programs to children ages three and up in both museum and school ...
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