20 DIY Halloween Costumes for Kids That Are as Cute as They Are
These costumes will make everyone say, "Aww!"
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Halloween is easily one of the most magical times of the year for little kids. Not only do they get a free pass to eat lots of Halloween candy, but they get to do it while dressed up as anything their little hearts can imagine.
If you're the kind of family that prefers DIY Halloween costumes over store-bought, then the possibilities really are endless. Does your kid want to go as a character from his or her favorite movie, book, or TV series? We've got plenty of great DIY ideas that are so easy they can be categorized as last-minute Halloween costumes. (Think: Fancy Nancy, Max from Where the Wild Things Are, or the mouse from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.) Heck, if you have a baby or a toddler, you can still get away with dressing them up as one of your favorite characters. (Think: Eleven from Stranger Things. 😜) We've also got plenty of other fun ideas, including classic spooky costumes like a witch or a mummy, Disney Halloween costumes, and even a LEGO-inspired look for your favorite little kid builder. Many of these would lend themselves well to a family Halloween costume idea, too, if you and the rest of your boo crew want to get in on the fun!
Classic Witch Costume
You can't go wrong with a classically spooky costume! Your little one will look positively bewitching in an all-black witch outfit, complete with a pointy black hat and trendy raffia broom.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
In-N-Out Costume
You won't want to forget the side of fries with this cute costume. Dress your little ones up as an In-N-Out Burger server and an order of french fries for the tastiest kids costume in town.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Maleficent Costume
If your little one is more into Disney villains than princesses, they'll love this homemade no-sew (!) Maleficent costume. Find out how to DIY the whole costume, or even just the horns if you don't have tons of time for the full project.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl.
Mad Scientist Costume
Calling all science-loving kids! This fun costume is easy to pull together with a lab coat, rubber gloves, safety goggles, and, of course, a kooky wig.
Get the tutorial at A Night Owl.
Fruit Snacks Costume
If your toddler can't get enough of fruit snacks, then this is the perfect costume for them. They say you are what you eat, after all!
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
Prince Charming Costume
Your little prince will look so, well, charming in this Cinderella-inspired costume. The tutorial includes detailed, step-by-step instructions so even a novice sewer can create this look.
Get the tutorial at Make It & Love It.
Fancy Nancy
Does your little one adore all things fancy? Then they'll probably love dressing as the star of the popular picture book and TV series Fancy Nancy. This one is easy to put together using everything in their dress-up chest!
Get the tutorial at Meaningful Mama.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed RAIN-Deer Costume
We love a good Halloween-Christmas crossover almost as much as we love a good pun—and this costume has both! Dress your little one up as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Raindeer by adding cute rainy day touches like an umbrella and boots.
Get the tutorial at The Thinking Closet.
Mickey Mouse Costume
Mickey Mouse is in the house! This costume is so easy to pull together with a black leotard, red shorts, yellow shoes, and white gloves. Oh, and don't forget the mouse ears. Hot dog!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
SMEG Toaster Costume
Leave the stroller at home and make your little one's transportation part of the costume this year. Learn how to transform an ordinary wagon into this adorable SMEG-inspired toaster. Once that project is complete, simply pop in a piece of toast (a.k.a your toddler!).
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY!.
Max from 'Where the Wild Things Are' Costume
Let the wild rumpus start! Dress your little boy or girl up as Max from the beloved children's picture book and film Where the Wild Things Are. Save time by buying a white onesie and DIYing the accessories, including a fur crown and a scepter.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Flapper Costumes
Your kids will look like the cat's pajamas in these easy DIY flapper costumes. And just think how much fun they'll have talking in old-timey accents all night!
Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.
Cowboy Costume
Howdy, partner! Your little one will be the cutest kid in the West in this DIY cowboy costume. And if they're a Toy Story fan, you could even use this easy tutorial to create a Woody costume with a few little tweaks.
Get the tutorial at The Homes I Have Made.
Eleven from 'Stranger Things' Costume
This is the most adorable Stranger Things costume we've ever seen! A pink dress, tube socks, and an Eggo waffle are pretty much all you need to pull off this look. Add a touch of fake blood if you dare!
Get the tutorial at The Thinking Closet.
LEGO Costume
Any kid who loves playing with LEGOs is sure to love dressing up as one, too. Use a cardboard box, a cut-up pool noodle, and glue gun to create the block, and then spray paint it your kid's favorite color.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Baby Hungry Hippo Costume
Chances are you have fond memories of playing Hungry Hungry Hippos as a kid, so why not pass the love on to your kid? Plus, the ball pit is a must for photo ops.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
'If You Give a Mouse a Cookie' Costume
Bring the star of the beloved children's book If You Give a Mouse a Cookie to life with this funny costume. Grab overalls from their closet and learn how to DIY mouse ears and a cookie trick-or-treat bag!
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built.
Animal Muppet Costume
Name a cooler Muppet than Animal. We'll wait. And while we do, you can create this costume head by attaching faux pink fur to a bike helmet.
Get the tutorial at Meaningful Mama.
Mummy Costumes
Here's another classic spooky costume for your little ones. Sure, you could simply wrap them up in plain white gauze, but this tutorial teaches you how to dye it with tea for the full mummified effect!
Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.
Baby Astronaut Costume
We love this costume like you love your baby—to the moon and back! Iron NASA patches on to a pair of blue coveralls to create this out-of-this-world look.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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