8 Spook-tacular Budget Halloween Costumes!
Halloween is right around the corner, and if you’re like many parents, you’re probably thinking about how to outfit your little goblins and ghouls without breaking the bank. Good news! You don’t have to spend a fortune to make this Halloween memorable. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can craft adorable and imaginative costumes for your kids that won’t cost a fortune. Here are some budget-friendly ideas to get you started.

Classic Halloween Ghost
You can’t go wrong with a classic ghost costume. Grab a white sheet, cut out eye holes, and voila! Your child is ready to haunt the neighborhood this Halloween! There truly is no other costume that is quite so classic. An added bonus is that this is a cheap costume that will fit the whole family so parents, siblings, and even pets can get involved!
DIY Superheroes
Transform your child into their favorite superhero with a bit of DIY magic. Use an old t-shirt for the base of the costume. With fabric paint or markers, create a superhero emblem or logo. Add a cape using an old bedsheet or a piece of fabric. For extra flair, make a mask out of craft foam or felt. Your little hero will be ready to save the day! Why not take inspiration from some of our hero characters?
Animal Antics
Animals are a fantastic option for a cheap and easy Halloween costume. Think about using clothes your child already has. For example, black leggings and a black shirt can turn your kid into a sleek cat or a little bat. Add some ears made from felt and a homemade tail, and they’re ready to pounce!
Pirate Plunderer
Create a pirate costume using a mix of old clothes and some simple accessories. An old striped shirt, a pair of jeans or shorts, and a bandana are perfect pirate attire. Craft a pirate hat from a piece of black foam or card, and make a simple eye patch from cardboard and elastic. If you’re not sure where to start with making a pirate hat, there are lots of tutorials online, like this one. Don’t forget a cardboard sword, wrapped with some tinfoil, for extra swashbuckling fun!
Space Explorer
A space-themed Halloween costume can be as simple or elaborate as you like. For a basic astronaut outfit, use a white t-shirt and trousers or leggings. Decorate with silver duct tape or tinfoil for a futuristic touch. Create a helmet using a plastic bowl or a paper mache balloon, and add some space-suit details with fabric pens, patches, or even paint.
Magical Fairy
Halloween costumes can be magical rather than scary! A fairy costume can be created with items you likely have at home. Use a colorful dress or a tutu as the base. If you don’t have any wings in your dressing up box, you can create some from wire hangers covered in sheer fabric, with glitter for that magical touch. A little face paint and a wand made from a stick and some ribbon complete the look.
Book Characters
Bring your child’s favorite book character to life with items you already have. For example, a “Where the Wild Things Are” character can be created using a brown hoodie and a paper crown. Or, a “Mad Hatter” can sport a colorful outfit and a quirky hat made from cardboard and decorated with vibrant paper.
Charming Princess
Every little one dreams of being a princess, and creating a budget-friendly princess costume is easier than you might think. Start with a simple dress or even a long-sleeve shirt and a skirt. You can transform it into a royal gown with some fabric paint or glitter for extra sparkle. Make a tiara using a headband and craft foam or pipe cleaners. Your child will feel like royalty without the royal price tag! If you need some royal inspiration, why not take a look at some of our princes and princesses, and their beautiful crowns?

Tips for Crafting Budget-Friendly Costumes
- Repurpose Old Clothes: Before you buy new materials, check your wardrobe for items that can be transformed into a costume.
- Charity Shops and Pound Shops: These are treasure troves for costume parts and accessories. You might find just what you need for a fraction of the price.
- DIY Accessories: Many costume elements can be made at home with basic craft supplies. Look up tutorials for making masks, hats, and props.
- Involve Your Kids: Let them help with the crafting process. It’s a fun way to spend time together and they might come up with creative ideas!
Halloween should be about fun and creativity, not about spending a lot of money. With these budget-friendly costume ideas, you’ll not only save on costs but also create unforgettable moments with your little ones. So grab your crafting supplies, let your imagination run wild, and get ready for a spook-tacular Halloween!
