DIY Halloween Costumes for Kids! Halloween is right around the corner, and kids everywhere are already dreaming about costumes, candy, and spooky fun. While store-bought costumes are easy, they can often be expensive or lack the personal touch. That’s where these simple, creative DIY ideas come in!
With just a few household items, some imagination, and a little crafting, you can make costumes that are both adorable and budget-friendly. Plus, DIY costumes let your kids join in the process, making Halloween even more memorable. Whether they want something spooky, silly, or sweet, there’s a fun idea here for every personality.
This list includes 25 kid-approved costume ideas that are fun to wear and easy to make at home. Each one includes a breakdown of materials, simple steps, and a helpful tip to make the process smoother. So grab your glue gun and let’s dive in!
1. Classic Witch or Wizard
A witch or wizard costume is a timeless Halloween choice and surprisingly easy to make. Start with black clothing—anything from a dress to leggings and a tunic will work. Create a pointed hat from black craft foam or felt, and complete the look with a broomstick.
You can customize the costume with glitter stars, colorful scarves, or a handmade wand using a chopstick and glitter glue. Add a cape made from an old sheet or shiny fabric to take the magic up a notch. Face paint or a drawn-on mole adds a fun finishing touch.
Tip: Use hot glue to secure decorations to the hat and cape—it’s faster and stronger than regular glue.
2. Little Vampire
Transform your child into a pint-sized vampire with a few easy pieces. Pair black pants and a white shirt with a dramatic red-lined cape (made from a piece of red and black fabric or even a black trash bag for the outer layer). Use face paint to pale the skin and draw on fangs with eyeliner or white paint.
A slicked-back hairstyle using gel and a medallion necklace (or red ribbon) adds an extra flair. For a dramatic entrance, let them carry a plastic bat or small coffin-shaped bag. The best part? It’s spooky without being too scary.
Tip: Add a safety pin inside the cape to keep it in place without having to tie it tightly around the neck.
3. Black Cat
This one is purr-fect for kids who want something cute and easy. Dress them in a black hoodie and leggings, then add a headband with DIY cat ears made from black felt. Use eyeliner to draw whiskers and a nose on their face.
Make a tail by stuffing a black sock or using a piece of black feather boa and pinning it to the back of the pants. You can also attach a bell to the collar or neckline for extra charm. This costume is comfy enough for school and trick-or-treating.
Tip: Use a safety pin to secure the tail in place so it doesn’t fall off mid-pounce.
4. Angel
A white outfit is the base for this heavenly costume—think white dress, pajamas, or long tee and leggings. Add wings made from cardboard or wire hangers shaped and covered in white fabric or tulle. For the halo, wrap silver tinsel or a gold pipe cleaner around a headband or wire loop.
Glitter on the cheeks or sparkly face paint adds an ethereal glow. You can also add a sash or belt for a more styled appearance. This costume works beautifully for kids who love a gentle, glowing look.
Tip: Spray the wings with a little silver glitter for a magical shimmer under the streetlights.
5. Devil
This fiery little costume starts with red clothing—sweatshirts and leggings work great. Craft devil horns from red felt or pipe cleaners attached to a headband, and use red or black face paint to enhance the mischievous look. Add a tail using red fabric or felt shaped into a triangle at the tip.
For a fun touch, give them a plastic pitchfork or DIY one using cardboard and red paint. You can even add red gloves or boots to complete the look. This classic is great for kids who love playful drama.
Tip: Use double-sided tape to keep the horns upright if they start to sag during wear.
6. Cheeseburger
A cheeseburger costume is equal parts adorable and fun to build. Start with a brown or tan shirt and pants to act as the “bun.” Then, cut out large felt pieces to represent lettuce (green), tomato (red), cheese (yellow), and burger patties (dark brown).
Layer and glue or pin these felt toppings onto the shirt in a stacked pattern. For added cuteness, make a sesame seed headband by attaching white felt ovals to a tan beanie. This costume is great for food-loving kids and stands out in any crowd.
Tip: Use Velcro strips instead of glue to make the felt pieces removable and reusable for future costume ideas.
7. Harry Potter
This DIY Harry Potter costume is a guaranteed hit with little wizards. You’ll need a black robe or oversized black shirt, round glasses (real or paper), and a red-and-gold striped scarf. Draw a lightning bolt scar on the forehead with eyeliner and use a chopstick as a wand.
Complete the look with a white shirt and tie or vest underneath the robe. You can also add a paper Hogwarts crest to the front of the robe. It’s simple, instantly recognizable, and sure to delight fans of the magical world.
Tip: Print a Hogwarts acceptance letter to hand out with the costume—it’s a fun prop and photo moment.
8. Friendly Zombie
Transform old clothes into a spooky-chic zombie outfit by cutting ragged edges and smearing on washable dirt or brown paint. Dress your child in these tattered clothes and use face paint to give them a greyish or pale look. Add dark circles under the eyes and smudges for that undead vibe.
Instead of scary gore, keep it playful with silly moans and exaggerated shuffling. This costume works well with accessories like a torn backpack or fake chains. It’s a spooky look without being too intense for younger kids.
Tip: Mix baby powder into face paint for a more matte, “dusty” undead effect.
9. Lion
Let your little one roar into Halloween as the king (or queen) of the jungle. Start with tan or yellow clothing and create a mane using brown, orange, and yellow yarn glued around a hoodie or attached to a headband. Add felt or fabric ears to complete the look.
Use face paint to draw on a cute lion nose, whiskers, and even a few stripes. For the tail, stuff a sock and add yarn at the tip to mimic fur, then pin it to the back of pants. This cozy costume is great for cool October nights.
Tip: Use double-layered yarn to make the mane extra fluffy and standout in photos.
10. Chef
Whip up this costume with kitchen basics and a little imagination. Start with a white shirt, black pants, and an apron—bonus if your child’s name is written on it. Make a simple chef hat using white construction paper or fabric and staple or tape it into a cylinder shape.
Let your child carry a wooden spoon, whisk, or toy pan to sell the look. You can even add some faux flour on the cheeks for realism. This is a great last-minute costume with plenty of charm.
Tip: Hot glue felt food like eggs or bacon onto the apron for a whimsical touch.
11. Bumblebee
A bumblebee costume is bright, cheerful, and super easy to create. Start with a yellow shirt and black pants or leggings, then add black stripes using tape or felt across the shirt. Create wings from wire hangers shaped into ovals and covered with pantyhose or tulle.
Attach the wings to the back of the shirt using safety pins or sew-on straps. A headband with black pipe cleaner antennae and small yellow pom-poms completes the look. This costume is especially fun for toddlers who love to buzz around.
Tip: Add a layer of glitter spray to the wings for a magical shimmer as your bee buzzes by.
12. Scarecrow
This rustic and charming scarecrow is a Halloween classic that’s perfect for both girls and boys. Start with plaid shirts, jeans or overalls, and some straw or raffia peeking out from the sleeves and pant cuffs. Use face paint to draw stitches around the mouth and rosy cheeks.
Top it off with a floppy hat and a bandana tied around the neck. You can also patch the clothes with colorful fabric squares to enhance the farm feel. This costume is warm, cozy, and great for fall festivals, too.
Tip: Use pieces of yellow felt instead of real straw for a non-messy, allergy-friendly alternative.
13. Ghost
A ghost costume is a timeless go-to that can be made in minutes. Simply cut eye holes into an old white sheet or use white fabric to create a flowing ghost robe. For younger kids, use white clothes and add a felt ghost face on the front instead.
Make the look more playful by adding glow-in-the-dark tape or stickers to the fabric. You can even attach a small sign that says “BOO!” for a fun twist. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and easy to layer on chilly nights.
Tip: Use face paint instead of fabric over the head if your child isn’t comfortable with eye holes or masks.
14. Superhero
Every kid loves to be a superhero, and DIYing one lets you personalize it to their imagination. Use leggings and a fitted tee in their favorite colors, then add a homemade felt logo to the chest. Make a cape out of a pillowcase or old fabric and tie it loosely around the neck.
Craft a simple mask from felt or cardstock and use double-sided tape or elastic to hold it on. Add matching wristbands or a belt with cardboard cutouts for extra flair. You can go with a classic like Superman or invent a new hero with their own powers.
Tip: Let your child name their superhero and design the logo—it adds creativity and ownership to the costume.
15. Dinosaur
Let your little one stomp through the neighborhood in their very own dino suit. Use a green hoodie and matching pants as the base, then cut triangle-shaped spikes from felt and glue or sew them along the back and hood. Add a tail by stuffing a long piece of fabric and attaching it securely to the pants.
Face paint can give them a reptilian look with green scales and sharp teeth. You can also use mittens or gloves to make dino claws. This costume is both fierce and fun, perfect for little explorers.
Tip: Use Velcro to attach the tail so it can easily be removed when sitting or riding in a car seat.
16. Mummy
A mummy costume is spooky, dramatic, and super easy to assemble with household items. Start with white or cream clothing as a base, then wrap strips of gauze, old sheets, or toilet paper loosely around the body. Make sure to leave gaps and tuck the ends in securely so it looks aged and tattered.
Use face paint to create sunken eyes, a pale face, and a little shading for a ghostly effect. You can also add a touch of fake cobwebs or plastic spiders for an eerie finish. This is a fun costume for kids who want to look spooky but not too scary.
Tip: Spray tea or coffee on the strips and let them dry for a weathered, ancient mummy look.
17. Robot
This futuristic costume turns cardboard and tin foil into a cool, creative masterpiece. Use a medium-sized box for the body—cut out arm and head holes—and cover it in aluminum foil. Add buttons, dials, or painted-on wires using construction paper, old bottle caps, or stickers.
For the head, use a smaller box or a colander with antennas made from pipe cleaners. Wear gray or silver clothes underneath to tie the look together. It’s a standout costume with a ton of personality and DIY potential.
Tip: Use glow sticks or battery-operated lights inside the box for an awesome nighttime effect.
18. Jellyfish
A jellyfish costume is whimsical and perfect for kids who love the ocean. Use a clear or white umbrella as the jellyfish dome, and attach strips of ribbon, crepe paper, or tulle to the edges to represent tentacles. Dress your child in matching blue or white clothes to blend in with the floating effect.
You can even use battery-powered fairy lights under the umbrella for an ethereal glow. Add sparkly makeup or face gems to mimic sea sparkle. This costume flows beautifully as kids walk, making it especially eye-catching.
Tip: Add fishing line to help carry or balance the umbrella so little hands don’t get tired.
19. Ladybug
This sweet and colorful costume is perfect for younger kids. Start with a red shirt or dress and add black felt or fabric dots all over it using fabric glue or safety pins. Create wings from cardboard painted red with black dots, or use red mesh circles for a lighter touch.
Attach the wings to a backpack or elastic straps for easy wear. Finish the look with a black headband and pipe cleaner antennae topped with red pom-poms. This one is comfy, cute, and great for any Halloween event.
Tip: Add black leggings and shoes to complete the monochromatic ladybug look.
20. Alien
Let your child go out of this world with a DIY alien costume that’s equal parts fun and weird. Use metallic clothes in silver or green, or add foil panels to a shirt and pants. Craft a headband with googly eyes or small foam balls on pipe cleaners for the antennae.
Face paint can add green skin, starry sparkles, or even extra eyes drawn on their forehead or cheeks. Make “space gloves” and “boots” using aluminum foil or shiny fabric wrapped around mittens and shoes. This is a great costume for imaginative kids who love sci-fi.
Tip: Let your child create a backstory for their alien—like their planet name or special powers—for extra fun during trick-or-treating.
21. Pirate
Ahoy! A pirate costume is always a swashbuckling hit and super easy to put together. Use a striped shirt, black pants, and a bandana or pirate hat to set the tone. Add a makeshift eye patch using black felt and string, and don’t forget the plastic sword or cardboard cutlass.
Draw on a scruffy beard or mustache with eyeliner for added fun. You can also add a vest made from an old T-shirt by cutting off the sleeves and collar. This is a high-energy costume perfect for kids who love adventure and storytelling.
Tip: Turn a paper towel roll into a spyglass for a fun prop that encourages pirate play all day.
22. House Broom or Mop
Turn your child into a cleaning tool with this hilariously clever and quirky Halloween costume idea. For a broom costume, start with a brown or tan top and pants to mimic the broomstick. Attach strands of yellow yarn, raffia, or cut strips of felt to the bottom of the shirt or a belt to create the bristles.
For a mop costume, dress your child in gray or white and attach long, thick strips of white yarn to a cap or headband to resemble mop strands. You can also add a bucket prop or label the shirt with a fake cleaning company name for a playful twist. The costume is unique, comfy, and easy to recognize at any Halloween event.
Tip: Use a plastic mop or broom handle as a prop (safely secured), or skip it altogether and let the yarn and fabric do the talking for a lightweight, kid-friendly version.
23. Crayon
Bright, bold, and colorful—this crayon costume is as easy as it is fun. Dress your child in a solid-color outfit from head to toe (like red, blue, or green), and add a “Crayola” label using black felt or vinyl letters. Use a matching party hat as the crayon tip, securing it with a chin strap or headband.
You can decorate the outfit with wavy black lines or felt cutouts to mimic the classic crayon wrapper design. This is a great group costume idea if you have multiple kids—each can be a different color. It’s simple, comfortable, and sure to get lots of compliments.
Tip: Attach the label and decorations with Velcro so you can reuse the clothes afterward.
24. Snowman
Even in October, a snowman costume can be delightfully unexpected and cute. Use a white hoodie and pants as your base, then add three large black buttons down the front using felt. Create a carrot nose on a stick or mask, and top the look with a black hat and scarf.
You can use batting or tulle around the sleeves and hem for a fluffy, snowy look. Add stick arms using brown sleeves or gloves for extra detail. This costume is soft, cuddly, and perfect for chilly Halloween nights.
Tip: Pin cotton balls or polyester stuffing in tufts around the body for added puff and texture.
25. Toy Soldier
March into Halloween with a toy soldier costume that’s as impressive as it is easy. Dress your child in a red or green jacket, white pants, and tall black boots or boot covers. Make a toy-style hat from cardstock or a plastic bucket painted black and decorated with a gold emblem.
Use face paint to draw on rosy cheeks or mechanical lines to mimic a wind-up toy. Add a cardboard rifle or flag for effect, and teach your child a marching stance for fun photos. This costume is ideal for parades, school parties, and themed group outfits.
Tip: Create shoulder straps with gold ribbon and fringe to mimic military epaulets for a polished finish.
Conclusion
Halloween is the perfect time to let creativity shine—and these 25 easy DIY costume ideas prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to make a big impression. Whether your child wants to be something spooky, silly, sweet, or out-of-this-world, there’s a homemade option here that’s both fun to make and fun to wear. With a little imagination and some basic materials, you can create unforgettable costumes that your kids will love showing off.
Not only are these costumes budget-friendly, but they also give families a chance to bond over crafting and planning together. Many of the ideas can be customized for siblings, friends, or even last-minute school parties. So grab your glue gun, gather your felt and face paint, and get ready to make this Halloween the most creative one yet!