So you’ve decided that this Halloween you’re going to take the plunge and make your child the coolest costume in the neighborhood — no, better yet, one that you just know will go viral as soon as someone shares it! But there’s just one problem… where do you start?There are many creative ideas that can come to life simply by using everyday household items. This can really be the year you show your best homemade costumes.
With a solid plan, the do-it-yourself costumes can be easy to craft or as advanced as your imagination can conjure up.
What do They Want?
The first step is to think about or ask your child what they’d like to dress up as. Maybe they want to be terrific like their favorite superhero or cartoon character — or something horrific like a zombie. This presents an opportunity for you to invite your child into the decision-making process and the creation of their awesome outfit.
Do they need some ideas? Websites like Pinterest can be valuable tools to jumpstart what your project will look like. If that’s still not enough inspiration, check to see if there are any events that you could benefit from attending at an arts and crafts store or a local community class.
Also, companies like Two Men And A Truck are hosting events just in time for you to be ready for Halloween. In October, the company is showing people how to make their own cardboard costumes.
Jessica Chapman, marketing specialist for Two Men and A Truck, says they will be teaching people through local community events how to do Lego costumes, butterfly/fairy wings, a house costume from the Disney movie “Up,” a unicorn, milk and cookie, and emoji faces.
What do You Have?
Next, look around the house for items that could bring that idea to life. For this, you’re going to have to think outside of the box. Things like aluminum foil, cardboard, old sheets and hats could be great starting points.
After you’ve torn your house apart looking for supplies, you’ll probably realize there may be a few things you need to purchase to finish pulling together your vision.
Time to create
Now you’re going to have to find the time — yeah, “What’s that?” you might ask. Don’t worry; there are plenty of options that don’t require a huge time commitment. Even just working during your down time over the weekend could yield the results you’re looking to achieve.
As with anything, communication is key and it may be helpful to talk about Halloween and have a dress rehearsal in advance. Make time for last-minute costume alterations to ensure comfort and functionality.
Pay attention to how your child feels wearing the costume and remember this is supposed to be fun, not stressful for you or them. Also, it can’t hurt to have a back-up costume ready just in case the worst-case scenario happens and you’re in need of a quick fix.
Single Costumes
Soft serve ice cream (with a cherry on top)
CHERRY HAT:
- Big, red plastic bowl
- Small red ball
- Red pipe cleaner for stem
SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM AND CONE:
- Oversized, solid color turtleneck for ice cream (white, brown, pink)
- Two pillows and long string (wrap pillow or pillows around, use string to create soft serve look)
- Strips of colorful felt as sprinkles
- Light brown potato sack or sheet (cut out a skirt for the cone)
The Penguin (from Batman)
- Pillow for the stomach
- Top hat
- Black umbrella
- Black dress pants
- Oversized white dress shirt
- Black blazer
- Belt to go over the dress shirt (this holds the pillow in place)
- White and black face paint
Little Red Riding Hood
- Red hooded dress, jacket or cape
- Small picnic basket
Ninja
- Black sweatpants
- Black turtleneck (pull it up all the way over the mouth)
- Thin black hoodie
- Black stretchy gloves (cut out fingertips)
- Solid color fabric (cut strips to wrap around ankles, wrists and waist)
- Toy sword and/or throwing stars
Twins or Two Kids
Mario & Luigi
- Plain red and green baseball caps
- Fake Mustaches
- Red and green T-shirts
- Denim overalls
- White felt for the circle on the hats and red and green felt for the letters (M and L)
Princess Leia & Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)
LEIA:
- White bell-sleeved
- Shirt and long skirt, or a bell-sleeved maxi dress
- Thick, brown leather belt
- Twist hair into two Princess Leia buns
LUKE:
- White bathrobe
- White pants
- Brown holster belt
- Lightsaber
Infant
Cow
- White T-shirt and cap
- Black felt for spots on shirt and cap (and for ears)
- Pink felt as the belly (and inner ears)
- Black socks, or mitts for hands and feet
- Four nude-colored bottle nipples
- Hot glue
Child with Wheelchair
Child chef
- A large box that will fit around the wheelchair
- White tablecloth
- Chef hat
- Chef jacket
- Supplies from a child’s toy kitchen set (bowls, pots, pans, utensils, plates)
- Toy food
- Clear tape to secure items
Costumes for Kids with Special Needs
All children who celebrate Halloween want to have a good time and a great costume, but there are a few things to keep in mind when planning for a child with special needs.
Kathy Henry, of Achievement Centers for Children (ACC), says that although fun is the goal, safety is most important. Many of the children at the centers have autism and based on the severity of their diagnosis, there are some things to avoid and consider.
“Some of our children are sensitive to touch, so think about the fabrics used and tags,” explains Henry. “Small pieces such as buttons can be pulled off and some children may put them in their mouths.”
