Halloween is an exciting time for children and adults alike, offering the chance to embrace creativity and indulge in fantastic costumes. However, it is no secret that ready-made costumes from big-box stores can break the bank, especially when you factor in all their flashy accessories. This year, why not put your crafting skills to use and create your child’s dream costume from the comfort of your home? Not only will this initiative save you money, but many DIY costumes can be whipped up in no time with just a few inexpensive items that you can purchase online. From whimsical Pokémon characters to classic monsters like mummies and ghosts, the possibilities are endless.
One of the easiest and most economical choices is a ghost costume. All you need is a simple white bedsheet, which you can find at places like Walmart or get an Amazon Basics sheet for around $16. Simply cut out eye holes, and Voilà – you have a ghost! For those kids who might prefer a little more comfort, there is a variation where the child does not wear the sheet on their head. Instead, create a ghostly face by cutting out eye and mouth shapes from black felt, then hot glue them onto a plain shirt. Black felt is available for just $0.32 a sheet and can be found in arts and crafts stores like Michaels or Walmart.
If your child dreams of becoming an M&M, putting together this costume can be as simple as purchasing a colored t-shirt. You can find plain shirts in red, yellow, blue, brown, or green for about $8.95. To effectively signify an M&M, add a white “m,” which can be easily created using white vinyl. The vinyl costs around $3.97 and can be ironed onto the shirt. For an extra pop of color, consider adding a beanie that matches the shirt, available for about $5.30 from various retailers.
For those who enjoy classic Halloween themes, a mummy costume is another easy DIY option. The bulk of this costume involves white cloth fabric, which can be found at stores like Walmart for roughly $2 per yard. Additionally, you’ll need to procure safety pins (about $12.99 for a 300-piece box) to hold the pieces together, as well as a long white shirt underneath the costume to keep your little one comfortable while they trick-or-treat. Plain white sweatpants can also be purchased for around $12.08 to maintain the all-white mummy look.
If your child is a fan of Pokémon, assembling a Pokémon trainer costume can be just as straightforward. Begin with a Pokémon hat available for around $10.99, which they can wear long after Halloween. Pair it with a blue vest for authenticity, similar to what Ash wears in the classic Pokémon series. These vests range from $19.99 and can usually be found at Columbia Sports, Walmart, or Old Navy. Completing the outfit with jeans, which you might already have at home, makes this costume hassle-free.
For a magical twist, consider crafting a witch’s costume. Start with a black long-sleeve shirt (around $9.11), which can be sourced from a variety of retailers. You can make a witch’s hat with black cardstock, sold for approximately $10.97, and for the skirt, black trash bags or black ribbon can provide that flowing effect. Just about $30 for trash bags or around $20 for ribbon can outfit this costume. Lastly, don’t forget to keep those little witches warm by adding black tights or leggings, which can be found for just $5.
Another whimsical option is a crayon costume. With an oversized shirt in your child’s favorite color costing only $2.99, all it takes is ingenuity to transform it into something fun. You’ll need colorful cardstock to craft a crayon-shaped hat (around $5.27). Additionally, using black duct tape allows you to create a crayon wrapper design that captures the essence of a crayon box.
In summary, while big-box Halloween costumes may be expensive, creating your own costumes at home can be an enjoyable and cost-effective alternative. With various DIY ideas tailored to different interests and preferences, there is a fun and budget-friendly option for everyone. So gather your materials, unleash your creativity, and make this Halloween exciting without the financial burden. As an added perk, Amazon Prime members can often have these materials delivered in rapid time—ensuring that crafting does not become a last-minute scramble. Happy crafting!
