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Use what you already have, and adapt from there. Chances are, you’ll already have some clothes that can be the base of the costume. My sons want to be flying bats this year, so I’ve already rummaged through their wardrobes to make sure they have black pants and black long-sleeved shirts.
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If I do need to buy something for a costume, I try to make sure they can wear it in the future. My son was a storm cloud last year, and we clothed him in a basic gray hoodie underneath. He wore that sweatshirt for the rest of winter!
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For simple, brightly colored basics, try Primary, June & January, or Walmart.
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Think about the weather where you live, and plan your costume around it. Is it usually warm or cool on Halloween night? If it’s going to be cooler, incorporate long sleeves and pants into your little one’s costume.
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If you’re character-averse like me, but your son insists on being Superman, you’ve got two options. 1 — Go for it! Loosen up and let him be his favorite superhero for one night. This is what my husband would say. 2 — Make your own DIY version of Superman. It’s a win-win; he won’t be wearing something mass produced that three other kids in his class are already wearing, but can definitely still be Superman like he wanted. (Here’s a great DIY superhero costume you can adapt to get you started.)
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Don’t be afraid to ask around; many of your friends would probably be happy to let you borrow costumes their kids have outgrown.
EASY DIY COSTUMES
Butterfly (via Oh Happy Day)
Mr. Rogers (add tiger ears and a tail to turn this into Daniel Tiger!, via Oh Happy Day)
Fluffy White Cloud (via Oh Happy Day)
Cotton Candy (via Whippy Cake)
Pineapple or Pineapple Dress (via Lines Across and Primary)
Peas in a Pod (via House Lars Built)
Rainbow Unicorn or Purple Unicorn (via Schwin & Schwin and Primary)
Bat (via Primary)
Ice Cream Sundae (via Primary)
Strawberry (via Primary)
Costumes incorporating a Solly Baby Wrap (via Solly Baby)
DIY COSTUMES BASED ON BOOKS, MOVIES, & CHARACTERS
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (via House Lars Built)
The Day the Crayons Quit (via House Lars Built)
Belle from Beauty & The Beast (via Primary)
Captain America and The Flash (via Primary)
Jedi Knights (via Primary)
Pokemon characters (via Primary)
PRETTY CUTE STORE BOUGHT COSTUMES UNDER $20
Handmade animal & character masks
PRICIER COSTUMES YOU CAN PASS DOWN FROM KID TO KID
Max from Where the Wild Things Are
What are your little ones dressing up as? Check out our Tubby Todd MAMA group for awesome suggestions!
