Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas

Oh no! It happened again! Last year you swore you wouldn’t find yourself on October 30 with no costumes in hand! But life has a way of getting away from you. So think on these low-budget, no-need-to-order-online resources that won’t break the bank.

Check out resale shops (or a box store if you know they are already discounting their holiday selection). From the local thrift store to local consignment shops and dollar stores, decent costumes at low cost line their racks. This option works best with an open mind, as their selection is a hodge-podge of last year’s best donations. Some stores, like Goodwill, have taken strides to amp up their holiday selections and include new items at a discounted cost as well.

Pull out the craft bins! And grab a cardboard box! Ignite your child’s creativity and come up with something together. Use string or ribbon to attach the box to your child’s body. Cat in the Hat’s Thingamajigger? No problem! McQueen from Cars? John Deer tractor? Cow? The possibilities are endless with a box. And some duct tape! Don’t forget balloons, pipe cleaners, and fuzzy balls galore!

Check with friends or family nearby who have children a size or two larger than yours. Maybe they still have last year’s costume?

What costumes do you already have in your home? Dig through your home’s imagination station. Chef hats? Princess dresses? Capes? Swords? And everything in between? Get creative.

Use clothing you already have. Does your child have a sports jersey? Baby legs? Firefighter shirt? I myself never met a princess firefighter that didn’t make me smile! You’re one step closer to a costume! Some say you can dye your nylon stockings in Koolaid (beware… your children may have oddly colored legs the next day!). Solid-colored shirts, shorts, skirts, tights, and dresses are also easy to add on to.

What items from your closet and house do you not use? Everything from an old fancy purse, costume jewelry, and bright makeup to table cloths, fake flowers, and Halloween decor could spruce up your child’s evening outfit. Raid your child’s Halloween-party loot and find spider webbing, spider rings, and more to add the final touches.

You might wonder why I didn’t give many examples of costumes? So many people already have, with real life pictures to help! Hit up Pinterest and Google. Turns out… you aren’t the only mama who has a life and waited until the last minute to get things done!

Lynette is a mom of three children from one year to age five. She has cloth diapered all three since birth and enjoys all things eco-friendly and mindful living.