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Quick and Inexpensive Halloween Costumes

by Neighborhood-Kids.com10/27/2008 3:52:15 PM

We’ve come a long way from the European and Celtic traditions of wearing masks on “All-Hallows Eve” to blend in with the ghosts that have returned to the world of the living, and leaving bowls of food outside to prevent the spirits from entering the house (find out more at History of Halloween: Today’s Traditions). Although today’s Halloween costumes tend to focus on the fun, dressing up for free treats is still a pretty good deal that most kids don’t want to miss.

Get some cheap and simple ideas for Halloween costumes.

But why spend a ton of money on a Halloween costume that kids are only going to wear for one night? Don’t forget that you can still get creative with costumes without spending too much money. In fact, you can probably whip up a great outfit using clothes and items that you already have lying around the house, and maybe with one quick trip to a local thrift or craft store. Here are just a few ideas for any kids, or adults, that are on a budget for Halloween this year.

Super Hero
The most important element for this costume is a cape. You can use an old towel and tie the ends together (make sure that it’s not tied so tight that it’s a choking hazard). Or, for something a little more refined, make a No-Sew cape (you can find instructions in Judy Ann Sadler’s The Jumbo Book of Easy Crafts). You can also have your child pick out a super power and add design elements based on their power (if they have “lightening speed,” draw lightning bolts on an old t-shirt). Some accessories to help complete their super-look are rain boots, an oversized belt buckle made out of cardboard and covered in aluminum foil, and a bandana with eyeholes cut out for a mask.

Chef/Baker
You can make a tall chef’s hat easily with two pieces of legal sized (11 x 14 inches) white paper and tape. Tape the papers together (now you’ll have one sheet that is 11 x 28 inches) and “accordion fold” it to crease the paper. Unfold, then fold a cuff two inches from the bottom edge. Try it on and adjust to fit, then secure with tape or paperclips. Don an apron and sprinkle some flour on your child’s cheeks and hair to give them the look of a true baker. They can also collect Trick or Treat candy in a mixing bowl and carry a whisk in their other hand.

Mad Scientist
Try searching thrift stores first, then check out Bellingham’s Classic Health Apparel (but only if you’re willing to spend more than a few dollars) in order to find a white lab coat. Maybe you even know a doctor or science teacher that will loan you an old, spare coat (it never hurts to ask!). After that, all you need is a pair of rubber dishwashing gloves on your hands, swim goggles perched on your forehead, and some mousse to tousle your hair for that extra deranged look.

Robot
Need a costume in a hurry? Grab a roll of aluminum foil and start wrapping up your legs, arms, and torso (over your clothes, of course). Use duct tape to secure the costume and start practicing your best android impression.

Have any tricky ideas for fast and inexpensive Halloween costumes for kids? Or a story about your favorite Halloween costume when you were a kid? Tell us about them on the Neighborhood-Kids.com Forum, or leave a comment below.