If you’re a Pinterest-perfect mom who has been planning her children’s Halloween costumes for weeks if not months, we seriously applaud you. For the rest of us, some last-minute help might be in order. We compiled some ideas that you can DIY for not much money and with pieces you may already have around the house. Need more inspiration? Visit our Halloween Pinterest board. (And if you really just want to rush order a costume, we’ve added a few links, too.)
RELATED: Adaptive Halloween Costumes for Kids with Special Needs
Zookeeper or Safari Guide
Outfit options
- Khaki pants or shorts
- Khaki or white top
- Vest or shirt or hat labeled “zookeeper” (maybe Dad’s sun hat)
- Hiking shoes or rain boots
Accessories
- Stuffed animals (hanging out of a backpack, or get creative and cut “bars” out of the side of a cardboard box and put the animals inside)
- Binoculars (if you don’t have real ones for your kiddo, tape two empty toilet paper rolls together, punch a hole in the sides and tie on a string)
- Set of keys on a belt
Please, I just want to order it: Full outfit on Amazon // full outfit from Spirit // T-shirt from Walmart
Black Cat
Outfit options
- Black leotard and tights
- Black top and black pants
- Black shoes
Accessories
- Cat ears (find these at most any store that sells Halloween accessories, or make your own: cut out two black cardstock triangles and glue them to a headband)
- Tail (cut off a black feather boa, or make one out of felt)
- Whiskers and nose (hello, black eyeliner)
Please, I just want to order it: Full outfit from American Girl (also great as loungewear after Halloween) // full outfit from Chasing Fireflies // full outfit on Amazon // Ears and tail on Amazon
Witch
Outfit options
- Black dress, or black top and shorts
- Tall socks or tights (purple, orange, black, orange-and-black striped …)
- Black shoes (Mary Janes are good)
Accessories
- Pointed hat (you can make it yourself, but it’s so much easier to run up to a store and grab one)
- Broom (a mini one or kid-size broom is best—and remember, you’ll probably end up carrying it during trick-or-treating)
- Face paint (green face highly optional; consider red lipstick and darkened eyebrows instead)
Please, I just want to order it: kids broom prop at Target // full outfit at Party City // full outfit at Spirit // sparkly witch hat headband on Amazon // purple striped tights at Party City
Ghost
Outfit options
- All white everything (can be a dress, a top, shorts, pants), with white tulle over them
- A white sheet over their head (check out this YouTube tutorial, and don’t forget cutouts for seeing/breathing!)
Accessories
- If you opt not to cover their head, you could add a white bow, headband, hat or wig, or the decorated items suggested below
Please, I just want to order it: Ghost cape on Amazon // “Haunting Beauty” outfit at Party City // ghost dress at halloweencostumes.com // friendly ghost costume on Amazon (look at the comments for tips on keeping eye holes in place) // ghost beanie hat on Amazon //
Mustard and Ketchup
Outfit options
- Red or yellow shirt and pants (or shorts and tights)
- Label the shirt if you want
Accessory
- White hat to represent the bottle cap
Please, I just want to order it: Newborn and toddler condiment bodysuits and T-shirts on Amazon // full ketchup bottle outfit at Oriental Trading // ketchup packet outfit at Oriental Trading
Mr. Rogers
Outfit options
- Slacks (khaki, gray, navy)
- Collared shirt (white, blue)
- Cardigan (red is most recognizable, but other colors OK too); if you’re desperate, go for a hoodie
- Tie (feel free to dip in Dad’s closet)
- Tennis shoes (with laces if possible; Mr. Rogers’ shoes were navy)
Accessory
- Hair gel to get the authentic style
Please, I just want to order it: Red cardigan from French Toast (bonus: wear it for holiday photos; available in other colors too) // zip hoodie from Gap Factory // boys’ khaki slacks at Old Navy // navy Sperry sneakers at Stride Rite // navy lace-up shoes from Vans
Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Outfit options
- Black dress (preferably sleeveless, as long as the weather cooperates)
- Black shoes
Accessories
- Elbow-length black gloves
- Tiara positioned in an updo
- Pearls
- Sunglasses (for photos only, unless you happen to be trick-or-treating in daylight hours)
Please, I just want to order it: Complete outfit at halloweencostumes.com // from $34.99; complete outfit on Amazon // Holly Golightly accessory set on Etsy
RELATED: Find Halloween events near you by visiting dfwchild.com/calendar.
Image: iStock
