It’s late. You just got done tucking your little in bed, when they whisper the scariest story you’ll hear in awhile: “Mom, Dad, tomorrow is our Halloween parade, and I need a costume!” (Insert 90’s horror movie satire scream with a little screeching violin here.)
We’ve all been there. That bone-chilling moment when you feel completely unprepared. The tingles start in the back of your neck, the cold sweat and that all-too-familiar sinking feeling; your knees weak and arms are heavy when you suddenly realize all of the stores are closed. Thankfully this thriller has a happier ending! Here are a few costume ideas, modeled by Rochester Mom kids, that you can create in under an hour, using items from around the house. Happy creating!
Astronaut
Materials:
- White hoodie
- Red, White and Blue Felt
- Scissors
- Hot Glue Gun
- Cardboard gift box
- Cardboard box (to cut wings)
- Paper towel tube
- Packing Tape
- Yarn
Step 1: Begin by cutting out and creating astronaut patches from felt. You can glue directly or pin the patches onto your white hoodie.
Step 2: To make the astronaut jet pack, start with a gift box. Make sure the box is put together before punching four holes – two on top and two on the bottom. Open the gift box up and run the yarn through the holes, creating straps. Tape the yarn inside the box for added security.
Step 3: To add the jets, locate the bottom of the gift box and cut two slits. Cut a paper tube in half, and notch out one end. Slip the notch of the paper tube into the slits, and secure using tape.
Step 4: One the straps and jets have been added to the gift box, tape the sides to add additional security.
Step 5: It’s all in the details – decorate your jet pack using markers, paint, etc. Add embellishments, like flames, using tissue paper or construction paper, to the jets. For added fun, light up your jet pack using glow sticks.
Jellyfish
Materials:
- Clear Umbrella
- Clear Packing Tape
- Lights (battery operated)
Step 1: Begin with battery operated lights. You can use multiple colors, string lights, hanging lights, etc. Run lights in the inside of the umbrella and secure with clear packing tape.
Step 2: Head outside and turn on your lights! The umbrella will illuminate the streets, making it pretty hard to lose your kiddo in the crowd of costumes. *Bonus – Kids can wear anything cozy to stay warm, even jackets without worrying about covering up their costume.
Cruella
Materials:
- Long red tank top
- Red Tulle (2 rolls)
- Glue Gun
- Masquerade Mask
- Colored Hair Chalk/Spray
- Leggings and gloves for added warmth
Step 1: Begin by cutting long strips of tulle. Knot each end.
Step 2: Glue knots on the bottom inside part of the tank top. Continue gluing or sewing until the front and back of the tank top bottom are covered in stripes.
Step 3: Add additional tulle around the neckline.
Step 4: Accessories are everything, darling. Have fun with your kid’s hair by adding white and black coloring (color spray or hair chalk). Complete the look using gloves, fun shoes, and a little rouge.
Gymnast
Materials:
- Red, White, or Blue bodysuit/swimsuit
- Felt for embellishments
- Star ribbon to compliment high ponytails and buns
- Leggings for added warmth
- Scissors
- Glue Gun
Step 1: Check out the internet for gymnast inspo when creating a bodysuit for your little. Add felt designs and sparkle to the bodysuit using your trusty glue gun.
Step 2: Accessorize your costume by adding star-patterned leggings, body and hair glitter, and tying a pretty ribbon in your child’s top knot.
Minnesota Folklore Character (Paul Bunyan)
Materials:
- Red and black checked button up
- Black and/or Grey Felt
- Suspenders
- Black stocking cap
- Scissors
- Paint (Silver, Brown, and Red)
- Glue Gun
- Safety Pins
- Cardboard (to make axe)
- Box cutter (adult use only)
Step 1: Begin by cutting an axe shape out of a cardboard box. Paint the axe with corresponding colors and let dry)
Step 2: Cut beard out of felt, making sure to leave an area open for a mouth, you know, for optimal candy eating.
Step 3: Attach beard to a black stocking cap using safety pins.
Step 4: Bonus Painting – use blue scrap fabric (felt not recommended) to cut out Babe the Blue Ox, and secure to the back of the checked button up. Paint on the scrap fabric, bringing Babe to life.
Step 5: Complete the look by accessorizing with suspenders and blue jeans.
Glow Stick Person
Materials:
- Matching sweatsuit
- Stocking Cap
- Safety Pins
- Glowsticks
- Packing Tape
Step 1: Tape glowsticks to sweatsuit, creating torso, legs, and arms.
Step 2: Utilize 3-4 glowsticks, making a hoop, and secure to the stocking cap using safety pins.
Step 3: The most fun step of all! Have your child help you crack the glowsticks once they are secured to the sweatsuit.
Step 4: At sunset, head outside. Put on some tunes and move your body, creating a light show! Your kiddo will glow up to 12 hours!
Frosted Animal Cookie
Materials:
- White or Pink top and bottom/romper
- Pom-poms (multi-colored)
- Glue gun
- White/Pink felt
- Headband/Hat
- Frosted Animal Cookie Snack
Step 1: Glue or pin pom poms to top/bottom of outfit
Step 2: Cut animal ears and secure to headband/hat
Step 3: Cut label from the Frosted Animal Cookie snack and secure to your child’s Halloween basket.
*Perfect costume for infants*
“You Gotta Have It!” Lisa Frank Character
Materials:
- Dress (look for white or bright colors)
- Neon Paint
- Headband
- Glue Gun
- Bright Fabrics
- Yarn and colorful accessories
Step 1: Draw some animal inspo from a quick Google search. Once your child has their animal figured out, purchase a dress to correspond with their animal. Utilize brightly colored paints and paint animal prints – multi-colored tiger stripes, seal polka dots, unicorn cutie marks, etc.
Step 2: Create ears using brightly colored fabrics and secure to headband using a hot glue gun.
Step 3: Accessorize your costume using tutus, colorful yarn for a unicorn tail, colorful leggings, shoes, crowns, wings, and anything that is going to pack a colorful punch.
Crazy Cat Person
Materials:
- Robe
- Slippers
- Hair Curlers
- Safety Pins
- Coffee Mug
- Cat Stuffed Animals
Stay cozy with this ensemble, and layer for the weather. Get your hair looking just right by adding curlers or a stocking cap. Complete costume by pinning cats all over robe. For an added bonus, accessorize with a can of kitty food.
Have a little more time to plan? Get crafty with more DIY costume ideas here!
