Hellobee

With Halloween right around the corner, I’m sure everyone has their costumes picked out already. But just in case you haven’t, here are some easy and/or inexpensive DIY costumes that you can put together. Although my kids love playing dress up, we usually stick to masks and capes since they’re less expensive, the kids won’t quickly outgrow them and they make easy costumes. As a result, we’re not big on buying full on costumes.

First, full disclosure, many of these costumes are not really DIY and involve the use of a costume hoodie. Lion, for example, is going to be a ninja turtle (Leonardo) with a costume hoodie, turtle shell backpack and jeans (at least that’s the current plan; his other option is a fireman since he has a fireman rain jacket and boots). I consider this to be “inexpensive” because 1) costume hoodies are often cheaper than purchasing a costume; and 2) they can be reused for daily regular wear. Also, in our case, the costume hoodie was purchased for $4 at a kids consignment store. Panda will wear this aviator jacket (a hand-me-down from Lion) plus a new hat we purchased. Costume shirt/hoodie + jeans/black pants + cape (if necessary) = fast costume in our home!

Here’s a roundup of some other DIY costumes that can be put together:

Lego Movie Wyldstyle – Many of the options involve duct tape.

Clark Kent – All we’d need is a pair of glasses, since the kids already have Superman t-shirts and collared shirts.

Scuba diver – I love this idea! We would probably just do the mask, hat and recycled soda bottle tanks, but I think the kids would enjoy it since Mr. Dolphin and I scuba dive. Oh, and there’s also this diver in a cage that doesn’t fit the definition of “easy” but was too cute not to share.

Bank robber – My children would NEVER agree to this costume (Lion would never agree to be a “bad guy”), but we actually have everything we need already.

Olaf – Have a Frozen-obsessed kid?

Skeleton – Both kids sported a skeleton onesie their first Halloween, but I love the idea of just using white duct tape on black clothing. So simple!

Sushi – This one actually requires sewing, but I’m obsessed with how cute it is!

Train conductor/Polar express – Similar to some of the “recycled costume” ideas blog post below, this is another one where we probably have everything we need at home (oh, and there’s also the DIY fire engine cardboard boxes we used for Lion’s fire station birthday)

Jellyfish – Probably not a great costume for toddlers, but I love the idea!

Racecar driver – Oh, the things you can do with duct tape.

Two different options for minions  – I’ve also seen minion winter hats at Target, which would make this costume even easier to throw together if your kids own overalls.

Also, if you want more ideas, you can check out my previous blog post on regular clothes that double as costumes which include a wide array of costume hoodies and t-shirts, pajamas, jackets, hats and shoes that can be used. You may already own some of these items and can easily pair black pants or jeans to complete the look.

I also previously posted about a DIY costumes from recycled materials, including the “rocket booster” we made Lion from water bottles and cardboard. So, if you want to go the recycled costume route, there are some ideas there. Many of them depend on the use of a cardboard box which, really, if you’re creative, the sky’s the limit.