40 Epic & Easy DIY Family-Friendly Halloween Costumes (2024)

If you grew up with budget-conscious parents in the 80s and 90s, you likely wore DIY family-friendly Halloween costumes. Back then, “store-bought” costumes were mostly for the wealthy, while the rest of us relied on construction paper, cardboard boxes, and glue. Now, as parents, we’re realizing the wisdom of homemade costumes. Gen X went from latchkey kids to Amazon adults in the blink of an eye, and it’s having a significant impact on our children.

There are a thousand memes about parenting kids now who are asked to wear a different themed outfit every other week. There’s spirit week, Hawaiian shirt week, Disney week, zoo week, and of course tie dye week (my least favorite). The Amazon carts are on fire, the drawers are overflowing, and our wallets are shrinking.

Halloween is OUR TIME to take back our sanity (if you didn’t get the Goonies reference please pause reading, and watch immediately). That being said, homemade Halloween costumes can feel daunting. We’re just not as handy with a sewing machine as our moms were. This is why I’ve adopted a method we called “semi homemade.” There is some glue, occasional left over cardboard, and plenty of trips to Goodwill.

When I was a young mom with two little kids at home, and a docket full of cases at work, I couldn’t imagine a world in which we would craft our own costumes. But one year, about a month before Halloween, a dear friend showed up with felt and a hot glue gun, and a new tradition was born. She taught me that semi DIY was much less daunting than I had imagined, and I hope I can pay that same message forward.

Semi homemade Halloween costumes are incredibly fun for the entire family. The kids love getting in on the action, and it’s a great activity where you get to spend time together. The costumes end up looking better than cookie cutter store bought options, and teachers and friends are always impressed with the effort (even if less so with the final product).

In this article, we’ll discuss the best options and ideas for homemade and semi homemade costumes for kids and families. There is no need to throw money at Amazon every year when many of the supplies can be sourced from the costume bin, old clothes, and, of course, good ole cardboard. You will leave with plenty of ideas and inspiration.

Family Semi Homemade Costumes

First, we’ll talk about my absolute favorite homemade costumes – family costumes. There are six of us and we all love family costumes. Yes, even our preteen and teen. The kids love the months of discussions leading up to the choice, watching old movies they think might provide inspiration, and ultimately how it all comes together in the end.

The single biggest piece of advice I can give families interested in family costumes is to start as early as possible. If you start this tradition when the kids are little and love to match, it will become part of your family culture and the kids are much more likely to be happy to continue as they grow older. Our oldest has declared she plans to come home from college for Halloween just to keep the tradition alive. We have one aunt and uncle whose fully adult kids continue to participate and it makes for the absolute best Christmas card picture. Like anything, it’s harder to start the older kids get.

We’ll start with 20 costume ideas for Family-Group Halloween costumes based on movie themes. And then we’ll finish up with 20 additional individual family-friendly DIY costumes if your kids aren’t into the family theme.

Top 20 ideas for DIY Family-Group Halloween Costumes Based on Movie Themes

There are plenty of characters in every option, and you can find one which works for kids of all ages. We’ve tried many ourselves over the years, and they’re always a hit.

1. The Goonies

This was one of our absolute favorite family costumes. Here’s the breakdown of the characters:

• Mom: Andy, with her classic cardigan and A monogram.
• Dad: Brandon, rocking his athletic look.
• Kids: Mouth, Mikey, Chunk, Data, and Steph.
• You can always add the Fratellis and the beloved Sloth for extra fun.

Many of the costumes were found in our closet or at Goodwill. I splurged on Mouth’s Members Only jacket for our daughter, and she wore it for years after. We even busted out the cricket for Andy’s cardigan and had a blast gluing Data’s gizmos to his jacket.

2. Madeline

This theme is perfect for families with little ones, especially since there’s nothing cuter than kids dressed as French schoolchildren. Here’s how we did it.

• Mom: Miss Clavel, in a simple nun’s outfit.
• Dad: Lord Covington, dressed in formal attire.
• Kids: Madeline and Pepito are the stars of the show

But if you have more kids, they can be the other girls from the school, Pepito’s friends, or even the Spanish Ambassador. We loved how easy the Madeline and Pepito costumes were to make out of felt, and school uniforms we already had on hand. Goodwill was our go-to for Lord Covington’s formal wear and Miss Clavel’s outfit.

3. Wizard of Oz

This is such a classic and easy theme to put together, with plenty of recognizable characters. Here’s how we split it up.

• Mom: Wicked Witch of the West, complete with a pointed hat and broomstick.
• Dad: Scarecrow, with a costume made from Goodwill finds, cut-up clothes, and glued-on raffia.
• Kids:
  • Dorothy
  • Tin Man
  • Cowardly Lion
  • Glinda.

You can always add Toto, the Wizard, and of course, some Munchkins. The Tin Man costume had us saving and spray-painting cardboard, while the rest were a mix of homemade pieces, the costume box, and Goodwill treasures.

4. Addams Family

The Addams Family is as iconic as it is dark, and this theme was perfect for a last-minute costume idea. Here’s the breakdown.

• Mom: Morticia, in her sleek, dark dress.
• Dad: Gomez, with his dapper suit and thin mustache.
• Kids:
  • Uncle Fester
  • Wednesday
  • Pugsley
  • Lurch

If you have another family member, Cousin It is always fun to add. The Addamses wear a lot of dark clothing and have a somber look, making the costumes easy to pull together with what we had. Wednesday’s long braids were a breeze, and a bald cap finished off Uncle Fester’s look.

5. Mary Poppins

A charming and timeless choice, this theme is magical and elegant.

• Mom: Mary Poppins, with her iconic hat, umbrella, and carpet bag
  • Alternatively, Mrs. Banks- Votes for Women!
• Dad: Bert, dressed as a chimney sweep with a sooty face and a flat cap.
• Kids:
  • Jane Banks
  • Michael Banks, dressed in classic Edwardian-style clothing.

You can add characters like the penguins, Uncle Albert, or even Mr. Banks. Mary Poppins’ costume can be assembled with a black skirt and jacket, a white blouse, and a red bow tie. Bert’s look can be easily created with old clothes, a scarf, and a little bit of face paint to mimic soot. The kids’ costumes can be combined with vintage-style clothes found in thrift stores or borrowed from your costume box.

6. Ghostbusters

This is a fun and nostalgic theme that’s instantly recognizable.

• Mom: Dana Barrett as Zuul, with a flowing dress and wild hair.
• Dad: A Ghostbuster, complete with a jumpsuit, a proton pack, and the iconic logo.
• Kids:
  • Other Ghostbusters
  • Slimer with green face paint and a creative costume.

You can also add Stay Puft Marshmallow Man or a possessed librarian for extra fun. The Ghostbuster costumes can be made from khaki-colored jumpsuits or overalls, and the proton packs can be crafted using cardboard boxes, tubes, and spray paint. Slimer can be created with a green outfit and some creative accessories, while Dana’s costume can be pulled together with a flowy dress and dramatic makeup.

7. Sound of Music

A classic and wholesome theme that works wonderfully for large families.

• Mom: Maria, in a simple dress or her iconic apron and blouse.
• Dad: Captain von Trapp, dressed in a military-style jacket.
• Kids: The von Trapp children, each in matching outfits, whether it’s sailor suits or their play clothes made from curtains.

You can also add characters like:

• the Baroness
• Max
• or even nuns from the abbey.

Maria’s costume can be created from a plain dress, while Captain von Trapp’s look can be assembled with a suit jacket and some homemade or purchased military insignia. The children’s costumes can be as simple as matching outfits or coordinated patterns, easily found in thrift stores or crafted from simple fabrics.

8. Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

A totally bodacious choice, this theme is perfect for fans of the 80s.

• Mom: Rufus, with a cool coat and futuristic shades.
• Dad: Ted, in a cropped rock band t-shirt and baggy pants.
• Kids:
  • Bill, with a flannel shirt tied around the waist and a wild wig,
  • Or historical figures like Socrates, Joan of Arc, and Napoleon.

You can also add a phone booth for an extra touch of authenticity. The Bill and Ted costumes are simple and can be put together with casual clothes and a bit of 80s flair—think jeans, sneakers, and t-shirts with band logos. Rufus’s costume can be created with a trench coat and sunglasses, and the historical figures can be crafted with makeshift robes, armor, or togas using sheets and accessories from the costume box

9. Peter Pan

A magical and adventurous theme that’s perfect for families with little ones.

• Mom: Wendy, in a simple nightgown with a blue ribbon.
• Dad: Captain Hook, with a pirate’s coat, hat, and hook hand.
• Kids:
  • Peter Pan in a green tunic and hat,
  • Tinker Bell with wings and a sparkly dress,
  • The Lost Boys with animal-themed outfits.

You can also add characters like Smee, Tiger Lily, or even a crocodile. Peter Pan’s costume can be easily made from green fabric cut into a tunic, while Tinker Bell’s wings can be crafted from wire and tulle. Captain Hook’s outfit can be pieced together with a red coat and a hook made from a coat hanger or cardboard, while Wendy’s costume is as simple as a nightgown with a sash.

10. Back to the Future

This time-traveling theme was a huge hit with our family, especially for fans of the iconic film series. Here’s the breakdown of the characters.

• Mom: Lorraine Baines, with her vintage dress and 50s-style hair.
• Dad: Marty McFly, in his red puffer vest, denim jacket, and sneakers.
• Kids:
  • Doc Brown, with wild hair and a lab coat,
  • Biff, sporting a leather jacket.

You can also add characters like Einstein the dog, Jennifer, or even a version of Marty from a different time period. Marty’s costume was easily assembled from items in our wardrobe, while Doc Brown’s look came together with a lab coat and some DIY gadgets. We found Lorraine’s vintage style at a thrift store, and Biff’s tough-guy jacket was another Goodwill find.

11. The Princess Bride

This cult classic made for a fabulous family costume that everyone loved. Here’s how we split up the characters.

• Mom: Buttercup, in her royal dress.
• Dad: Wesley, complete with his black mask and sword.
• Kids:
  • Inigo Montoya
  • Humperdinck
  • Vizzini, Fezzik
  • Miracle Max
  • Valerie

These costumes warranted a trip to Goodwill and some scissors to old clothes. Vizzini’s bald cap was a necessary purchase, but we found many of the other pieces lying around the house. The result was a fun and instantly recognizable set of costumes that made for a memorable Halloween.

12. Classic Monsters

This spooky theme was a big hit with our family, perfect for embracing the Halloween spirit. Here’s the breakdown of the characters.

• Mom: Bride of Frankenstein, with her iconic hair and white dress.
• Dad: Dracula, in a dark cape and fangs.
• Kids
  • Frankenstein
  • Mummy
  • Vampire
  • Skeleton
  • Werewolf.

We also added a ghost and a witch to complete the ensemble. Most of the costumes were pieced together with dark clothing, face paint, and a few accessories like capes, bandages, and fake fangs. We had a blast using makeup to create the eerie looks, and the kids loved playing the part of these classic monsters all night long.

13. Disney Villains

This theme brought out our family’s wicked side in the best way. Here’s the breakdown of characters.

• Mom: Maleficent, with her dramatic horns and dark robe.
• Dad: Captain Hook, complete with a hook hand and pirate hat.
• Kids:
  • Cruella de Vil,
  • The Evil Queen
  • Hades.
  • For an extra twist, we added Ursula and Jafar.

Most of the costumes were put together with dramatic clothing and bold makeup. I splurged on a Maleficent headpiece, and it really made the costume pop. We had a blast with this theme, especially the kids, who loved being the “baddies” for a change.

14. Wizarding World

This magical theme was a family favorite, especially for our little wizards. Here’s the breakdown of characters.

• Mom: Professor McGonagall, with her pointed hat and robe.
• Dad: Hagrid, complete with a bushy beard and oversized coat.
• Kids:
  • Harry
  • Hermione
  • Ron
  • Dobby
  • We also included Luna Lovegood and Draco Malfoy

Most of the costumes were assembled with robes, scarves, and homemade wands. We had fun with the details, like creating Harry’s glasses and Hermione’s Time-Turner. If your kids are fans, chances are these costumes are already in their closets.

15. The Incredibles

This super-powered theme was a huge hit with our family, making us feel like a real superhero team. Here’s the breakdown of the characters.

• Mom: Elastigirl, in her red suit and black mask.
• Dad: Mr. Incredible, ready to save the day.
• Kids:
  • Dash
  • Violet
  • Jack-Jack

We even added Frozone and Edna Mode for extra fun. The costumes were mostly matching red suits, and we added black masks and gloves to complete the look. We found a baby onesie for Jack-Jack, making this one of the easiest and most cohesive family costumes we’ve ever done.

16. Toy Story

This playful theme was a delight for the whole family, bringing beloved characters to life. Here’s the breakdown of the characters.

• Mom: Jessie, with her cowgirl hat and braids.
• Dad: Woody, in his sheriff outfit.
• Kids:
  • Buzz Lightyear
  • Rex
  • Bo Peep.
  • We also added Slinky Dog and Hamm.

Most of the costumes were easy to find at home or at thrift stores. We added cowboy hats, space gear, and even made Bo Peep’s staff from a painted broomstick. The kids had a blast bringing their favorite Toy Story characters to life, and the costumes were a big hit.

17. The Sandlot

When I was pregnant with the kids I wore a shirt that said “You’re Kickin’ Me Smalls.” If that resonates with you, these costumes are worth a try.

• Mom: Wendy Peffercorn in classic 60’s dress, big sunglasses and a wide headband.
• Dad: Michael “Squints” Palledorous with black-rimmed glasses and a baseball cap.
• The kids can join in as:
  • Scotty Smalls with a red baseball cap and striped shirt
  • Ham Porter with a baseball tee and shorts
  • Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez with a blue Dodgers cap, a white t-shirt, and jeans.

The costumes are simple to put together with items you likely already have at home, and adding some baseball gear like gloves or bats will complete the look. If you have a dog, they should obviously join as “the Beast.”

18. Star Wars Saga

This galactic adventure was an epic theme for our family, bringing the Star Wars universe to life. Here’s the breakdown of the characters.

• Mom: Princess Leia, with her iconic buns and white gown.
• Dad: Darth Vader, in his dark suit and helmet.
• Kids:
  • Luke Skywalker
  • Yoda
  • R2-D2.
  • We also included Chewbacca and Rey.

Most of the costumes were made with simple robes, belts, and homemade lightsabers. We even crafted an R2-D2 costume from a cardboard box. The kids loved the epic battles and pretending to use the Force, making this a Halloween to remember.

19. Under the Sea

This aquatic theme made a big splash with our family, perfect for ocean lovers. Here’s the breakdown of the characters.

• Mom: Mermaid, with her shimmering tail and seashell crown.
• Dad: Sea Captain, ready to sail the seas.
• Kids:
  • Shark
  • Jellyfish
  • Octopus.
  • We also added a fish and a sea turtle.

The costumes were easy to create with blue and green clothing, seashell accessories, and some creative use of streamers for tentacles. We had a blast making the jellyfish costume with an umbrella and ribbon. The kids loved pretending to swim through the ocean, making this theme both fun and imaginative.

20. The Royal Tenenbaums

This quirky and stylish theme was a fantastic choice for our family, perfect for fans of Wes Anderson’s iconic film. Here’s the breakdown of the characters.

• Mom: Etheline Tenenbaum, with her classic bob haircut and understated elegance.
• Dad: Royal Tenenbaum, in his signature pinstripe suit and red-lined coat.
• Kids:
  • Margot — in her fur coat and heavy eyeliner
  • Richie — in his tennis gear and headband
  • Chas — in his red tracksuit
  • We also added characters like Eli Cash with his cowboy attire and even Pagoda with a pocket knife.

Most of the costumes were put together with thrift store finds and a few simple accessories. Margot’s look was easily assembled with a fur coat and a barrette, while Royal’s suit and Richie’s tennis outfit came together with some creative Goodwill shopping. The kids loved getting into character, and the costumes were instantly recognizable, making this theme a memorable hit.

Summing Up Semi-DIY Family-Group Halloween Costumes

There you have it. Our list of the top 20 super fun, movie-based family group costumes which will both be fun to make and fun to wear. If you use any of these ideas, please send us a pic! We love seeing our “inspo” in action.

If your kids just aren’t having the family costumes this year, we’ve still got you covered. Semi homemade works really well for stand-alone kid costumes as well. Make sure to involve your child in the planning and construction – it will be more fun than Halloween itself.

Top 20 Ideas for Unique DIY Halloween Costumes for Individual Kids (and Parents)

These 20 costume ideas are more unique than the average Halloween getup, and will inspire you and your child to add more, fun homemade touches.

1. Fortune Teller

Step into the mystical world with a fortune teller costume. Dress your child in a flowy, colorful skirt or pants with a matching shawl or cape. Add layers of beaded necklaces, bangles, and large hoop earrings. A headscarf or turban can be tied around the head, and a crystal ball (made from a plastic ball or even a snow globe) can be carried as a prop.

You can also create tarot cards from cardboard for an extra touch. Use face paint to create an exotic makeup look with bold colors and glitter. This costume is not only visually striking but also gives your child the chance to play a character full of mystery and intrigue.

2. Time Traveler

Imagine traveling through time with this inventive costume. Start with a base outfit that looks somewhat old-fashioned or futuristic—a trench coat, waistcoat, or jumpsuit. Add quirky accessories like a pocket watch, goggles, or an antique compass.

You can craft a “time-traveling device” out of cardboard, gears, and other bits and pieces from around the house. Create a timeline sash with dates and events written on it, draped across the body.

Consider adding elements from different eras, like a Victorian hat paired with futuristic shoes. This costume is perfect for a child who loves history, science fiction, or simply standing out with a creative and complex concept.

3. Bookworm

Celebrate the love of reading with a bookworm costume. Dress your child in a sweater and glasses to give them a scholarly look. Attach small, lightweight books or book covers to a belt or headband to represent the “worm” element.

Alternatively, create a worm-like body using green fabric or a stuffed tube, wrapping it around the torso with books attached. Carrying a large book as a prop or having a book bag filled with their favorite titles adds to the charm.

This costume is perfect for a child who adores reading and wants to show off their passion for books in a fun and creative way.

4. Mad Scientist

Unleash your child’s inner genius with a mad scientist costume. Start with a white lab coat, which can be splattered with colorful paint or “chemical stains” for effect. Add wild, untamed hair—achieved with a wig or by teasing their own hair and using hairspray.

Safety goggles or oversized glasses are a must, along with a bow tie or tie for a quirky, intellectual look. Create test tubes filled with colored water using small plastic containers, or fashion a DIY beaker from a plastic bottle.

Complete the look with a clipboard, rubber gloves, and a name badge with a fun title like “Dr. Crazy.” This costume is ideal for kids who love science, experimenting, and playing the role of the eccentric inventor.

5. Vintage Circus Performer

Step right up to a unique and vintage-inspired circus performer costume. Dress your child in a leotard or old-fashioned striped outfit. Add a ruffled collar, suspenders, and knee-high socks or tights with bold patterns.

For accessories, include a top hat, cane, or juggling balls. You can even create a small hoop for them to jump through or a miniature set of weights labeled with exaggerated numbers (like 1000 lbs).

Face paint can be used to create a classic circus performer look, with a small red nose, white face, and rosy cheeks. This costume is perfect for kids who love to entertain and want to embody the charm of an old-timey circus.

6. Garden Gnome

Bring a touch of whimsy to Halloween with a garden gnome costume. Dress your child in a colorful shirt and pants—earthy tones like brown, green, and blue work well. Add a wide belt with a large buckle and boots.

The iconic pointy gnome hat can be made from felt, and a white beard can be crafted from cotton balls or faux fur.

For an extra touch, you can create a small fishing rod, watering can, or even a potted flower as a prop. This costume is not only adorable but also allows for some fun photo opportunities with your little gnome posing in the garden.

7. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

This quirky and playful pair from “Alice in Wonderland” makes for a delightful and whimsical Halloween costume. For both Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, start with red pants or shorts paired with a yellow shirt. Add large blue bow ties, which can be made from fabric or felt, and attach white collars made from cardboard or thick paper around the neck.

A key detail is the iconic propeller beanies, which you can create by attaching a small, colorful propeller to a regular beanie or cap. Finish the look with white gloves and suspenders. For an extra touch, you can add name tags that say “Tweedle Dee” and “Tweedle Dum” or create signs with their names to hold.

Face paint can be used to add rosy cheeks, emphasizing their round, cheerful faces. You can use these costumes or for besties.

8. Beekeeper

Buzz into Halloween with a beekeeper costume. Start with a white jumpsuit or shirt and pants. Add a wide-brimmed hat with a veil made from tulle or mesh fabric, secured around the brim. Craft a small honey jar or wooden honey dipper as a prop.

Attach small bee cutouts made from felt or paper to the outfit and veil. For an extra touch, you can create a small beehive from cardboard or paper mache and carry it as a prop.

This costume is perfect for kids who are fascinated by nature, insects, and the important role bees play in our ecosystem.

9. Thing 1 and Thing 2

These mischievous characters from Dr. Seuss’s “The Cat in the Hat” are a perfect choice for a playful and energetic Halloween costume. For both Thing 1 and Thing 2, start with a bright red jumpsuit, or red shirt and pants, as the base. Create the iconic “Thing 1” and “Thing 2” circles by cutting out white fabric or felt circles and writing the numbers with black fabric paint or marker, then attach them to the chest of each costume.

The wild blue hair is a must for this look—use a blue wig or create a hairpiece using blue feathers or yarn. To complete the look, add red socks or shoes and a bit of face paint for rosy cheeks and a mischievous grin.

For an extra touch, you can carry small props that represent the chaotic fun they bring, like toy hammers or colorful streamers. This costume is perfect for siblings or best friends who love to cause a little harmless trouble together, just like the original Things 1 and 2.

10. Raining Cats and Dogs

Bring the weather to life with this clever and humorous costume. Dress your child in a raincoat and boots, and have them carry an umbrella. Attach small stuffed animals—cats and dogs—to the inside of the umbrella using string, so they dangle down as if they’re falling from the sky. You can also add raindrop cutouts made from blue paper or felt to the umbrella and raincoat.

For an extra touch, you can have your child wear face paint to create a “wet” look with water droplets. This costume is perfect for kids who love animals and want to showcase a creative twist on the classic rain theme.

11. Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy

This timeless and charming duo is perfect for a sweet and nostalgic Halloween costume. For Raggedy Ann, start with a simple white pinafore apron worn over a blue or red dress with puffed sleeves. Add striped red and white tights, black Mary Jane shoes, and a red yarn wig with pigtails tied with ribbon.

Face paint is key for this look—draw on a heart-shaped nose and a sweet smile with exaggerated lashes.

For Raggedy Andy, dress your child in a red and white checkered shirt paired with blue overalls or pants. Add a white sailor collar, a matching red yarn wig in a mop style, and a red and white striped stocking cap.

Striped socks and black shoes complete the look. The costume can be further personalized with a few stitched-on patches or buttons to give it that well-loved, homemade feel. This costume duo is perfect for siblings or best friends and brings a heartwarming, vintage touch to Halloween.

12. Cardboard Knight

Create an epic knight costume entirely from cardboard. Start by crafting a helmet with a visor that flips up, a chest plate with a coat of arms, and shoulder pads. You can also create a sword and shield from cardboard, decorated with metallic paint or foil.

Add details like rivets, patterns, and a belt to secure the armor. Dress your child in dark clothing underneath to complete the look.

The best part of this costume is its DIY nature, allowing for creativity in design and decoration. Your child will feel ready to defend the kingdom in their custom-made armor.

13. Pop Art Comic Book Character

Transform your child into a walking piece of pop art with this bold and colorful costume. Dress them in bright, solid-colored clothing. Use face paint to create a comic book look, with exaggerated features like thick, black outlines around the eyes, lips, and face.

Add dots on the face and arms to mimic the printing style of comic books. Create a speech bubble from cardboard that says something like “BAM!” or “WOW!” and attach it to a headband or hold it as a prop.

This costume is visually striking and perfect for kids who love art and want to make a bold statement on Halloween.

14. Snow Globe

Turn your child into a magical winter wonderland with a snow globe costume. Start with a clear plastic dome or create a dome-shaped frame using wire and clear plastic sheeting. Dress your child in a winter-themed outfit, like a snowman or a skier.

Fill the bottom of the dome with fake snow (like cotton or small white pom-poms) and attach it around the waist. Add small decorations inside the globe, like mini trees or snowflakes. You can also create a “base” for the snow globe using cardboard and paint it to look like a pedestal. This costume is enchanting and perfect for kids who love snow and all things wintery.

15. Cloud with a Silver Lining

Spread positivity with this uplifting and creative costume. Dress your child in all white or light gray. Create a fluffy cloud effect by attaching cotton or quilt batting all over the outfit.

Add a silver lining to the cloud by wrapping sections in metallic fabric or tinsel. You can also create rain or lightning bolts from felt and attach them to the cloud. For an extra touch, add a small rainbow or sun peeking out from the cloud.

This costume is perfect for kids who want to spread a little cheer and remind everyone to look on the bright side.

16. Piñata

Get ready to party with this colorful and festive piñata costume. Dress your child in a base layer of neutral clothing, then cover them in layers of fringed crepe paper or fabric in bright colors. You can create the fringed effect by cutting strips of paper or fabric and layering them from the bottom up.

Add a headpiece with paper cones or tassels to represent the top of the piñata. For an extra touch, attach a few small paper “candies” to the outfit. This costume is fun, vibrant, and perfect for kids who love celebrations and candy.

17. Vintage Pilot

Take flight with this nostalgic and adventurous vintage pilot costume. Start with a brown leather jacket, or a jacket with a similar look, and add a white scarf and aviator goggles. A pilot’s hat can be made from brown felt or an existing cap, with added details like ear flaps and a chin strap.

Dress your child in khaki pants and boots to complete the look. For an extra touch, create a small cardboard airplane that they can carry or wear around their waist.

This costume is perfect for kids who dream of soaring through the skies and exploring new horizons.

18. Bubble Bath

This whimsical and bubbly costume is sure to be a hit. Start by dressing your child in white or pale blue clothing. Attach white balloons all over the outfit to represent bubbles, securing them with safety pins or clear tape. Add a shower cap and a loofah or bath sponge as props.

You can also create a rubber ducky headband or attach small rubber ducks to the bubbles for added effect. For an extra touch, carry a bubble wand to blow real bubbles as you go.

This costume is not only fun and playful but also makes for great photo opportunities.

19. Puppet on a String

Bring a classic toy to life with this creative puppet on a string costume. Dress your child in a colorful or vintage-style outfit. Create a simple wooden cross frame using dowels or sticks and attach strings from the frame to the child’s wrists and knees, giving the appearance that they’re being controlled like a puppet.

Add makeup to create a wooden or jointed look on their face, with painted-on lines to represent the puppet’s mouth and joints.

For an extra touch, you can add a puppet stage made from cardboard that your child can stand behind. This costume is perfect for kids who love to perform and want to bring a bit of theater to Halloween.

20. Day and Night

This dual-theme costume is both creative and symbolic. Dress your child in an outfit that’s half light and half dark—one side representing day and the other representing night. For the day side, use bright colors, add a sun, clouds, or birds, and use face paint to create a glowing look.

For the night side, use dark colors, add stars, a moon, and perhaps some glow-in-the-dark paint for added effect. This costume can be as simple or as detailed as you like, with endless possibilities for creative decoration. It’s perfect for kids who want a costume that’s visually unique and full of meaning

DIY Family-Friendly Halloween Costume Wrap-Up

These outside-the-box costumes are designed to stand out and inspire creativity, providing your child with a unique and memorable Halloween experience. Each costume encourages imagination and offers the opportunity to personalize and have fun with DIY elements.

So there you have it—dust off the glue gun. Start saving the cardboard boxes. Dig out the scissors. This is a great year to institute this fun new family tradition – the payoff in giggles and family time will be sweeter than the bags of Halloween candy.