31 DIY Halloween Costumes to Start Making Now
Because last minute isn't the only way to do things.
Every year, I spend quite a bit of time planning out my Halloween costume. And every year I decide that depending how you do it, Halloween can be one of the most fun or most stressful times of the year. The deciding factor? Planning.
Of course, it's bad enough stressing about what you're going to wear, but when it comes to the little ones, proper planning is key. With plenty of advanced planning, the perfect compliment-inducing, talk-of-the-night costume is totally doable. But wait until the last minute, and you really only have so many options. That’s why I’ve rounded up some of the cutest costumes that you can easily make ahead of time (i.e. now) to delight your favorite trick-or-treaters. And trust me, while they do require a little preparation, they really are super simple!
School Bus
Make It: School Bus Costume
Cupcake
Cupcake Costume: Beauty
First have the child put on leggings and a white shirt. Then secure the cupcake wrapper by tying the ribbon at the shoulders, followed by the felt frosting pieces. Use safety pins as needed to secure the costume.
Photo by: Rennai Hoefer, Ten22 Studio
Rennai Hoefer, Ten22 Studio
Make It: Cute Cupcake Costume
Brave Knight
Make It: Brave Knight Costume
Candy Dots
Make It: Candy Dots Costume
Canoe Kid
Make It: Man-in-a-Canoe Costume
Strong Man
Cheri Heaton
Make It: Strong Man Costume
Pretty Peacock
Peacock Costume: Beauty
Photo by: Rennai Hoefer, Ten22 Studio
Rennai Hoefer, Ten22 Studio
Make It: Pretty Peacock Costume
Roman Toga
Cheri Heaton
Make It: Roman Toga Costume
Witch
Make a Tyke's Witch Costume Without a Sewing Machine
Even the biggest Halloween humbugs will be delighted with this cute, handmade witch costume made from a no-sew tutu and foam hat, and paired with striped tight and a black t-shirt. This little girl even carries a pint-size broom fashioned with a stick and twigs for more authenticity.
Make It: Witch Costume
Pink Flamingo
Make It: Pink Flamingo Costume
Vintage Golfer
Make It: Vintage Golfer Costume
Ladybug
Make a Kid's Ladybug Costume for Halloween
A handmade tulle tutu, basic red sweatshirt and felt are all you need to craft this cute ladybug costume complete with a personalized leafy trick-or-treat tote bag.
Make It: Ladybug Costume
Chimney Sweep
Make It: Chimney Sweep Costume
Hot Air Balloon
Make It: Hot Air Balloon Costume
Ice Cream Cone
Ice Cream Cone Costume: Beauty
First have the child put on the ice cream cone and tie the ribbons at the shoulders (trim as needed). Then, coil the tights to create the swirl of the ice cream cone and use safety pins to secure the tights to the child's shirt.
Photo by: Rennai Hoefer, Ten22 Studio
Rennai Hoefer, Ten22 Studio
Make It: Ice Cream Cone Costume
Ninja
Cheri Heaton
Make It: Ninja Costume
Flower Child
Brian Patrick Flynn
Make It: Flower Costume
1920s Flapper
Make It: Flapper Dress Costume
Adventurous Explorer
Make It: Adventurous Explorer Costume
Angel
Feathered Wings Costume
These feathered wings are perfect for occasions that require a costume, like Halloween or a Christmas nativity play, but are also sturdy enough to be worn for everyday imaginative play.
Make It: Angel Costume
Robin Hood
Robin Hood Costume
Your child will love this archer costume, complete with a DIY bow. You'll love it because it is so easy to make and doesn't requite any sewing
Photo by: Rennai Hoefer
Rennai Hoefer
Make It: Robin Hood Costume
Bull in a China Shop
Make It: Bull-in-a-China-Shop Costume
Pilot
Make a Kid's Pilot Costume for Halloween
Your little one's imagination will take flight in this vintage aviator costume. Embellish everyday clothing with handmade felt patches, then add a custom-made scarf and bomber hat to bring the look together.
Make It: Pilot Costume
Wind-Up Doll
Make It: Wind-Up Doll Costume
Black Cat
Make It: Black Cat Costume
Garden Fairy
Brian Patrick Flynn
Make It: Fairy Princess Costume
Rocketship
Make It: Astronaut + Rocketship Costume
Hula Girl
Make It: Hula Girl Costume
Viking
Make It: Viking Costume
Woodland Fairy
Make It: Woodland Fairy Costume
Large Pizza Pie
Make It: Pizza Costume
Don't Forget the Pets!
See All Photos
Fluttering Fairy or Butterfly
Their favorite jacket and a few inexpensive craft materials are all you need to magic up a (cute!) winged Halloween pet costume for your pup. Get crafting with our easy step-by-step instructions.
Photo By: H. Camille Smith
Groovy Rasta
Your pet will look positively Irie and ready to party in this fun Rastafarian wig and hat. A few craft store materials are all you need for this easy-to-make costume. Make your own with our step-by-step instructions.
Court Jester
Honor your pup's inner goofball with a Halloween costume that celebrates his true colors. Colorful fabric remnants, basic machine sewing and our free printable costume templates make this a DIY project you can complete while binge-watching your favorite show. Get crafting with our step-by-step instructions.
French Chef
Ooh-la-la! Your dog or cat will be the cutest chef on four legs in this crafty Halloween costume. Use tissue paper and card stock to create a mini version of a chef's toque blanche and a bit of red fabric to stitch up a jaunty neckerchief. Make your own with our step-by-step instructions.
Ready for Business
Giving new meaning to the phrase, 'working like a dog,' this costume cleverly repurposes closet castoffs to create a costume that's easy on and off and is comfy for your pet. Our step-by-step instructions will help you dress your best friend for success.
Black Bat
Felt, pipe cleaners and a bit of Velcro are all you need to dress your furry friend as a winged bat for Halloween. This costume is not only easy to craft with our step-by-step instructions it's also lightweight so it's comfortable for your dog or cat.
Pretty as a Posy
Easily turn craft foam sheets into an oversized flower costume for your furball. Attaching the foam flower to your pet's harness ensures they can move freely and be comfortable while enjoying the Halloween festivities. Make your own with our step-by-step instructions.
Photo By: H. Camille Smith
Little Ladybug
Disguise your dog in a cute ladybug costume you can create in under an hour using basic craft materials and a no-sew method. Our easy step-by-step instructions make this adorable costume a snap.
Photo By: Rennai Hoefer, Ten22 Studio
Next Up
9 Halloween Makeup Tutorials to Take Your Kid's Costume to the Next Level
4 Last-Minute Kids' Costumes Made From a Basic Hoodie
15 Ways to Kick off Your Halloween Celebration Early
Last Minute DIY Halloween Costumes for the Pop Culture Obsessed
150+ Ways to Up This Year's Halloween Party Game
13 Halloween Ideas You Need to Pin Right Now
9 HGTV Stars Show Off Their Halloween Costumes
8 Makeup Tutorials That Will Transform Your Face for Halloween
46 Treats to Put 'Halloween Baking Championship' Bakers to Shame
