Halloween Is our favorite holiday, and we love to go crazy with preperations! Why rummage through store aisles when you can craft up some hilariously original DIY costumes with items probably collecting dust in your home? Fancy yourself as "Green with Envy"? Or perhaps you're game to give folks the giggles as a "French KISS"? Channel tech titans like Steve Jobs, snack on some Eggos as Eleven from "Stranger Things," or even spook the modern tech junkie with those truly "Scariest Signs." And if you're feeling especially icy, why not bring Walt Disney's frozen urban legend to life? The only thing scarier than these costumes might be how easy they are to make. Dive in, get crafty, and let's make this Halloween a spectacle to howl over!
Jelly Belly Joy (15 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 3)
Ready for a deliciously fun costume idea? Dive into making a wearable Jelly Belly bag! Grab a large, clear plastic trash bag. Carefully cut out holes for your arms and legs, ensuring they're smooth and spacious.
Gather multicolored balloons to represent the jelly beans. Inflate them and place inside the bag. To finish, tie the top securely around your neck with a vibrant ribbon. Ensure it's safe and not too tight. Now, you're the sweetest treat at the party!
Barbie & Ken Dream Team (25 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 5)
Mix and match pink and green neon attire to replicate Barbie and Ken's beach look from the live-action Barbie movie. It's an easy outfit to put together, especially if you already have colorful body suits, tights and workout headbands in the closet.
To recreate the iconic film looks, pick a vibrant, retro-styled dress or career attire for Barbie: high heels, glammed-up makeup, and a high ponytail. For Ken, choose a suave polo or stylish shirt paired with chinos. Add name tags reading "Ken" and "Barbie" for clarity.
Toy Soldier Standout (20 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 6)
Remember those little green soldiers from "Toy Story"? Bring them to life this Halloween! Begin with green pants and a matching long-sleeve shirt. Find a pair of old shoes, even better if they're boots, and a toy gun to spray with safe, non-toxic green paint.
Don't forget the crucial details! Hunt down a green hat or toy helmet. The masterpiece touch? The unavoidable painting of the face and the hands. Yes, it does mean going overboard, but if you do it right, it'll look amazing.
Possum Parade (35 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 8)
Start your possum transformation with a furry gray onesie and black mittens, making you the spitting image of this nocturnal critter. If you're crafty, hand-make a possum face mask using felt and fabric, or hunt down a possum mask online for added convenience.
For the baby possums, either use little possum dolls or get creative with stuffed gray socks. Attach makeshift faces using buttons for eyes and stitched noses. Now, make a long and disgusting rodent's tail with stuffed pantyhose and attach to the back.
Real Life Masterpieces (45 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 8)
Grab a large piece of cardboard and paint (or print) the Mona Lisa, Vincent Van Gogh, or anyone else on it, leaving a cut-out for the face. Strengthen the frame with additional cardboard strips on the back. Attach straps or handles to hold it.
Although this is a portrait, imagine what the lower part of the body of the painted person looked like and find clothes with matching colors and styles to merge with the painted torso as our Mona Lisa and Van Gogh have done.
Ghostly Romance (60 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 9)
To embody Demi Moore's character in "Ghost", wear a white oversized shirt and dark leggings or pants. If your hair isn't short and dark, secure a wig mimicking her style. Make sure it's tucked neatly behind the ears to stay true to the iconic scene.
Attach a sturdy tray or board to hang from your neck using soft fabric straps. Place a clay vase on it. For Patrick Swayze's character, have a cardboard cutout of Sam, ideally showing him looking over Molly's shoulder. Secure it to your back.
Kim K's Internet Smash (60 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 9)
For this meme-worthy look, get a fitted black sequin dress or something sparkling with long black gloves. Add a matching wig if your hair isn't styled like hers. You'll also need to create a "shelf" under your dress and attach a champagne glass to it.
Use a tray you'll hang from your neck on your backside. Now you'll need to recreate the fizz from the champagne by wrapping bubble wrap or aluminum foil over twisted hangers and attaching the bottle to the glass over your head.
Electric Love Duo (40 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 7)
Ladies, grab a white cardboard box and cut it to fit your torso. Draw the characteristic slots of a female electrical socket. For the face, craft a mask with three holes resembling an outlet. Secure it with elastic or ribbon. Wear black.
Gents, start by wearing black and putting on the same kind of face mask your partner has. For the plug, attach two or three cardboard or foam "prongs" to the white cardboard box hanging from your midsection. Spray paint them silver for that metallic look.
Bird-Attack Drama (50 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 8)
Channel Tippy Hedren's timeless style from Hitchcock's "The Birds" with a chic 1960s outfit: a pencil skirt paired with a crisp, tucked-in blouse and classic pumps. A blonde wig in a swept-back style (if you're not already blonde) completes the head-turning look.
Buy or make several black bird silhouettes out of felt or cardboard and attach to your clothing, giving the illusion they're in flight around you. Add a few fake scratch marks on your face or arms with makeup for that attacked effect. Make Hitchcock proud!
Tiny Elderly Charm (30 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 5)
Turn your adorable baby into an endearing oldie! Hunt online or in local stores for a baby-sized cardigan in muted colors. Add a cute dress or tiny skirt. For added detail, purchase or find oversized glasses frames, removing the lenses for safety.
The crowning touch? A swimming cap dotted with many tiny pom-poms or cotton wool buds, mimicking the bingo night style you want your baby to have. Simply glue them on securely. Voilà! Your baby is now the cutest grandma at the party.
Oscar the Grouch Baby Costume (60 Minutes Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 9)
Craft a cardboard trash can structured around styrofoam circles and spray-painted grey. This can was designed to accommodate Oscar in a baby carrier, kept in place by string. Oscar's headpiece, a 13" styrofoam half-circle, features foam jaws and is lined with olive-green faux fur (Amazon).
Eyes, crafted from halved foam eggs and a sample fur unibrow, were glued on. An adjustable toy fireman's hat insert ensured a snug fit. Oscar's attire? A fur-lined green hoodie. And the mother complements everything when she turns into a garbage woman.
Snapchat Filter Costumes (10 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 1)
Whether you're a die-hard Snapchatter or lean more towards Instagram stories, the adaptability of this costume theme fits everyone. A memorable 'filter/no filter' duo involved a last-minute closet raid resulting in twinning outfits; the cherry on top: a long wig from the Halloween store.
Some take the theme above and beyond, with meticulous attention to outfits, hair, makeup, and pose. Tips to master this? A distinct 'filter/no filter' sign, matching outfits (the flashier, the better), and ideally, a wig mirroring your partner's hair.
Lloyd Christmas Kiddo (60 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 7)
Begin with Lloyd's unforgettable hairstyle. Either get a short brown wig and style it into a bowl-cut, or use hair gel hair to achieve the look. Next, dress your child in an orange tuxedo or other orange clothes if that's hard to find.
The Mutt Cutts Mobile is where the fun begins! Wrap a toy car in faux fur, and use felt or cardboard to make floppy dog ears, a nose, and a tail to attach to the vehicle. Your little one is ready to be dumb. Or dumber.
Zombie Ace Serve (40 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 6)
The outfit is a tennis shirt, shorts or skirt, and tennis shoes. Rip, tear, and dirty them up for an undead appearance. Using brown and green paints, or even real mud, create stains on the clothes. Torn knee-high socks can add an extra touch.
Makeup is next! Pale face paint sets the ghostly base. Add dark circles around the eyes using purples and blacks. Fake blood splatters on the face and clothes suggest a rough game went down. Complete the look with messy hair and a tennis racquet.
Taco Belle of the Ball (90 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 8)
For this punny costume, begin with a long dress. Hand-paint cardstock for taco shells, giving them a realistic hue. Fill these shells with green tissue paper for lettuce, red felt for tomatoes, and yellow felt strips for cheese.
For added flair, create ruffles using flattened Taco Bell wrappers. Attach these along the dress’s neckline and hem. Fold and twist wrappers into flowers for decoration. Combine crafted tacos and wrapper details for a delectable masterpiece!
Spicy Squad Goals (30 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 6)
Start by donning a black shirt and pants combo. It's the perfect backdrop to let the "spice" stand out. Add a red apron over it and long red socks you'll pull up. This combo mimics the McCormick spices bottle, giving it a recognizable look.
Print a large label of your chosen spice, like "Paprika" or "Cumin." Attach this to the front of your apron. Amplify the look with a black top hat, optional but adds flair. Round up your friends, and voila! You've got a flavorful Spice Girls ensemble!
Lemonade Life Lessons (20 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 2)
Begin with a plain white or light-colored shirt as your canvas. Using fabric markers or paint, carefully craft the word "LIFE" across the chest. Let it dry properly, ensuring the design doesn't smudge, capturing the essence of the classic saying.
Accessorize with a mesh bag brimming with lemons. For the perfect finishing touch, consider holding a jug or glass of lemonade. Whenever someone looks curious, simply quip, "When life hands you lemons..." and watch them join the dots! Refreshingly inventive!
Green With Envy IRL (25 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 3)
For the "green" individual, deck out in a full green ensemble, channeling a Peter Pan vibe. Opt for green tights, a tunic, and a hat. Maybe even add a faux feather to the cap for an authentic touch, embracing the forested Neverland essence.
The "envy" companion keeps it straightforward yet impactful. Wear any outfit of choice, but prominently display a hand-written cardboard sign across the chest. The sign should boldly pronounce "ENVY." Together, you'll be a witty, envy-inducing duo at any gathering!
Dairy Dissenter Duo (20 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 2)
As a lactose intolerant protester, you'll want to dress in casual attire, preferably neutral colors, to let your signs stand out. Perhaps wear a shirt that mimics a cow pattern for added effect, adding a touch of playful irony to your dairy protest.
Create picketing signs using cardboard and wooden sticks. Let your creativity shine with phrases like, "Milk? No Thanks!", "Lactose? More Like Lact-no!", or "Say No To Moo Juice." Wield them proudly as you champion your lactose-free stance, eliciting chuckles and nodding heads all night.
Sweet Brains Smarty Pants (30 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 3)
Grab a pair of solid-colored pants, preferably jeans or slacks. Attach Smarties candy wrappers evenly across them using fabric glue or safety pins. Ensure they're not glued upside down and all of them are readable. Make sure they're secured well to withstand your Halloween adventures.
Pair your smarty pants with over-exaggerated glasses to achieve that quintessential nerdy aesthetic. Maybe opt for a witty t-shirt or a crisp button-down for the top. Whenever someone asks about your outfit, cheekily reply, "Well, I'm a smarty pants, of course!"
Shades Soiree (40 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 2)
Dive into your crafting supplies or visit a paint store to gather a variety of gray-colored swatches that'll turn you into "50 Shades of Gray." Aim for 50 different shades, ranging from light dove gray to deep charcoal.
Attach these swatches evenly across an outfit of your choice using safety pins or fabric glue. Perhaps a simple white or black outfit to make the grays pop! The result? A cheeky and clever ensemble that's bound (haha) to be a conversation starter.
Irresistible Chick Magnet (30 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 4)
Start with a base of simple clothes like jeans and a t-shirt. Then, acquire a lightweight board, cut into the shape of a horseshoe magnet. Paint it red and silver. Or just buy a magnet-colored neck pillow if you find one.
Attach the faux-magnet to your chest area or put it around your neck using elastic straps over your shoulders. Next, get some small plush chicks or rubber duckies and adhere them to the magnet using hot glue or Velcro. Voilà! You're an irresistible chick magnet.
Clearly Captain Obvious (40 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 5)
Begin with a captain's uniform, which can be as simple as a white button-up shirt, black or navy pants or dress, and some shoulder epaulets. Add a captain's hat, which you can find at a costume store, or craft your own using stiff white paper.
The fun lies in the details. You can just use a wide ribbon that reads "Captain Obvious" like the woman in the photo, but you can make it better with various 'obvious' labels or signs on your outfit like "Shirt", "Pants", "Shoe", or "Hat."
Snapshot Stunner (1 Hour Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 6)
Begin by selecting a popular stock image theme: think "confused businessman," "cheerful woman eating salad," or "family on couch." Print a large version of the image on sturdy poster board, but ensure the character's face is sized to fit yours.
Carefully cut out the face portion to create a hole. Attach the poster board to a piece of cardboard and add straps or handles to place your face through the hole. Remember to wear clothes that look like your character is wearing in the photo.
Recreate the CVS Receipt (2 Hour Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 7)
Inspired by a San Diego man's costume, start with a trip to CVS. Purchase a small item to get the notably long CVS receipt. Scan this receipt into Photoshop and divide it into 42 separate segments. Print these out on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
Use packing tape to connect these printed segments, recreating the full-length receipt. Then, attach this lengthy paper creation onto poster boards for stability. For added support, tape yardsticks to the back. Cut a hole in one piece and put your head through it. You're done.
Randy Dandelion (30 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 4)
For a unique and humorous spin on a dandelion, start by securing a helmet or headpiece. Attach spikes or thin rods, uniformly spaced around it. These will act as the dandelion seeds' stems.
Glue fluffy cotton balls at the end of each spike to replicate the dandelion's seeds. Pair this headpiece with a vibrant green shirt. For a cheeky touch, print or paint the words "blow me" across the shirt. Get ready to be the center of attention!
S'mores Sweetness (45 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 5)
There are a few variations on this one, but here's the basic idea. Begin by creating the graham cracker layers. Using two large cardboard pieces, paint them a light brown to mimic the cracker. You can add darker lines for added texture and realism.
For the marshmallow and chocolate layers, use white and brown felt or cloth, respectively. Attach them between the cardboard pieces so you're sandwiched in between. Wear a white or brown shirt underneath to match. Get ready to look deliciously adorable as the beloved campfire treat!
Tiny Commander-in-Chief (1 Hour Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 6)
Create the presidential podium using cardboard boxes. Paint it a sleek navy blue and brown, ensuring to leave space at the front for the "Presidential Seal". This podium will encircle your baby, so measure accordingly.
Dress your little one in a mini suit and tie. Attach the printed Presidential Seal to the front of the podium and add a mini flag. Once the baby is safely strapped behind their mini-podium they're ready to lead the free world.
Lil' Roaring Cutie (30 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 4)
Dress your baby in a soft, golden-hued onesie. If available, a onesie with a lion's mane hood is ideal. Alternatively, craft a mane using yellow and brown yarn, attaching it around a soft baby cap.
Using a piece of cardboard, create a small "Beware of Lion" sign. If you're up to it, create a small cage too around the baby. Attach it to the baby's stroller or, if carrying, hang it playfully around your neck.
Sugar-Spun Delight (45 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 5)
Begin by wearing white or light pink clothing. Purchase or repurpose a lightweight batting or fluffy pillow stuffing. Spray paint it a soft, pastel pink color, ensuring you allow it to dry completely before the next step.
Once dry, spread a thin layer of fabric glue over your clothing and attach the pink batting, ensuring it looks spun and whimsical like cotton candy. For added effect, wear a white or pink beanie, attaching a paper cone to resemble the cotton candy stick.
Slow and Steady Wins! (30 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 4)
Start by wearing neutral-colored clothing, like browns or grays, to match your snail's "shell." For the snail's antenna, take a headband and attach two long, flexible wires, and at the end of each wire, stick a small foam ball.
For the snail shell, take your brown or gray comforter and roll it up in a spiral shape. Secure it with some fabric-friendly adhesive or large safety pins. Attach two straps or a belt to help you wear the rolled-up comforter on your back.
Adventurous Spirit Takes Flight! (45 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 4)
For Carl's outfit from "Up," choose a white short-sleeved shirt, black bow tie, and brown trousers. Add a pair of large square-framed glasses to capture his look. Top it off with a brown or gray wig or spray, styled to resemble his sparse, combed-over hair.
Create Carl's iconic balloon bundle using multiple colorful balloons tied together. For a more permanent prop, consider using helium-filled balloons tied to a backpack or small cardboard house. Finish off with a walker made of three connected pipes and two tennis balls.
Home Run in the Making! (30 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 3)
This costume requires being pregnant. Wear a white maternity shirt as the base. On the belly, paint curved stitch markings to mimic a baseball. The pregnant belly will give the perfect rounded shape of the ball, making it the centerpiece of the costume.
Accessorize with a baseball cap and high socks. If you have a baseball glove or bat, they can be great props to enhance the look. Now, you're ready to step up to the plate and hit a costume home run!
Pop Art Perfection! (45 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 4)
Begin with a clean face and apply a base foundation. Now, channel Roy Lichtenstein's signature pop art style: use black eyeliner or face paint to outline key facial features sharply, such as the eyebrows, nose, and the contour of the face.
Dab red or light pink dots uniformly over your face using the blunt end of a makeup brush, mimicking the 'Ben-Day' dots Lichtenstein famously utilized. Finish with bold red lips and exaggerated teardrops if desired. Pair with a 60s mod-style outfit to complete the look.
Bunch of Balloon Grapes! (30 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 6)
Start with a solid green or purple outfit as your base, depending on your chosen grape color. This will camouflage any gaps between balloons and create a cohesive look. Make sure the outfit is comfortable and not too tight, as you'll be attaching balloons to it.
Inflate green or purple balloons to a consistent size. Securely tape or pin them to the outfit, ensuring they're close together to mimic a bunch of grapes. Add faux grape leaves to a headband for an extra touch. Remember to move gently to avoid popping!
Eleven’s Eggo Extravaganza! (1 Hour Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 3)
To channel Eleven from "Stranger Things", start with a pink dress. Wear knee-high white socks and white Converse or similar shoes. Use a short, wavy wig (if you need to) and a subtle smudge of "blood" under one nostril.
For the signature Eggo touch, carry a box of Eggo waffles. Enhance the costume's authenticity by wrapping a blue jacket or windbreaker around your waist or wearing it. Remember, Eleven's vibe is part mysterious, part vulnerable, so practice a serious, contemplative expression.
A French Kiss (1.5 Hours Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 4)
For the "French" aspect, embrace your inner Parisian. Don black and white striped shirts, reminiscent of classic French fashion. Pair this with black pants or a dark skirt. You may also want a beret and a baguette.
To infuse the rock band 'KISS' into the ensemble, makeup is essential. Go bold with black and white face paint, mirroring the iconic designs of the KISS band members. Think starry eyes, darkened brows, and dramatic lightning bolts.
Steve Jobs’ Silicon Valley Swag! (20 Minute Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 2)
Channel the iconic co-founder of Apple with a black turtleneck, blue jeans, and gray New Balance sneakers. Perfect Steve's distinct look with a five o'clock shadow, and if you're lacking, apply makeup to mimic that scruffy appearance.
Complete the ensemble with round glasses, a signature of Jobs. For that ultimate tech touch, hold an iPhone or iPad. As you step out, embody Steve's contemplative demeanor to truly become the legendary tech innovator for the night.
The Tech Terror Twins! (1.5 Hours Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 3)
What’s more terrifying to the tech-savvy generation than a low battery signal or no Wi-Fi? Embodying the very essence of modern-day horror, this couple's ingenious costume will send chills down the spine of any smartphone addict.
Do your makeup like a skeleton and wear those frightening symbols on your black shirt. You can cut them out of white or gray cardboard like these two, but we think that printing them on the shirts is easier.
Cryonic Comeback King! (2 Hours Prep Time; Difficulty Level: 4)
Drawing inspiration from the legendary tales surrounding Walt Disney's alleged posthumous journey into cryonics, this costume brings the urban myth to life. Walt's return from a frozen slumber provides a chilling twist to typical Halloween outfits.
Though the story of Disney's cryogenic suspension remains unconfirmed, this inventive Halloween enthusiast embraces the legend, adding a macabre touch with a frozen Mickey Mouse companion. You'll need bluish or grey clothes and blue face paint. Add a Mickey Mouse doll for an extra giggle.