Halloween, Last Minute: 8 DIY Costumes You Can Make at Home

Halloween is almost here, and if you're anything like us, you might still be figuring out what everyone is going to wear.

The good news? You don't need to rush out to buy a costume. Sometimes the best ideas come from the things you already have at home: a piece of cardboard, some paper, an old bedsheet, or that colourful outfit hanging in the closet.

We came up with a few last-minute costume ideas that are easy to put together, fun for kids to help make, and a little different from the usual Halloween outfits. Most of them need just a few basic supplies and a little imagination.

Ready? Let's see what you can make!

1. Become a Giant Pencil 

What could be cuter than a little pencil walking around on Halloween?

Find a yellow outfit, or simply wear a top and trousers in your favourite pencil colour. Then grab some paper and make a big pencil hat. Roll the paper into a cone for the sharpened tip, add a pink eraser at the other end, and decorate it with crayons, markers, or whatever you have around.

You could even make a giant pencil from a piece of cardboard if you're feeling ambitious.

The best part? Your child gets to choose what kind of pencil they want to be. A classic yellow one? A rainbow pencil? A pencil covered in doodles?

Just don't be surprised if everyone asks you to write something!

You'll need: Paper or lightweight cardboard, crayons or markers, tape, and a yellow outfit if you have one.

2. Yayoi Kusama, but Make It Halloween 

For little art lovers, why not take inspiration from Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, famous for her colourful polka dots?

Start with a red dress, or a red top and trousers. Cut white circles from paper or felt, then attach them all over the outfit using double-sided tape or a few loose stitches on suitable fabric. Add a matching red headband or hat, and your little artist is ready to go.

You can make the dots big, small, neat, or completely random. There is no need to make them perfect.

It's a fun way to turn an everyday outfit into a wearable piece of art, and kids can help cut out and arrange the dots themselves.

You'll need: A red outfit, white paper or felt, scissors, and double-sided tape or needle and thread with adult help.

3. Be the Sun, a Cloud, or a Giant Flower

This one is for kids who love making things.

Find a piece of cardboard from an old delivery box and draw a big sun, fluffy cloud, or flower. Colour it in, cut it out, and carefully cut an opening for the face. Add two holes near the top for string or ribbon, or attach a lightweight handle so your child can tie up around their face.

Wear a simple outfit underneath that matches your creation!

You could even make a whole family of weather and garden characters. One child can be the sun, another a cloud, and someone else a very happy little flower.

A forecast of 100% cute!

You'll need: Recycled cardboard, crayons or paint, scissors, string or ribbon, and an adult to help with cutting.

4. A Little Gnome 

Inspired by the whimsical gnomes in Phoebe Wahl's illustrations and books, this costume is all about cosy layers and a pointy hat.

Start with a sweater, a dress, or whatever comfortable outfit you already have. Add leggings, warm socks, and a handmade pointed hat from coloured paper or felt. A little felt beard is optional, but highly encouraged if your child wants to look like a very serious garden gnome.

Earthy colours, stripes, and soft textures all work beautifully, but honestly, anything goes. Your gnome can wear pink, purple, or even a very fancy floral dress.

If you have a little basket, let your gnome carry it around to collect pretend mushrooms, leaves, or Halloween treats.

You'll need: Clothes from the wardrobe, paper or felt for the hat, tape or glue, and a basket if you have one.

5. The Weather Took a Turn!

What happens when a weather reporter gets caught in a tornado? Anything goes!

Start with everyday clothes, then create your own little weather disaster. Carry a broken umbrella, attach paper leaves and scraps of paper to your clothes, and let a few lightweight bits of “trash” look like they’ve been swept up by the wind. You could even add a paper weather map or make a little sign that says TORNADO WARNING!

Use double-sided tape or a few loose stitches to attach the paper pieces, and make sure everything stays lightweight and comfortable. No need to make it neat, the messier and sillier, the better!

It’s a costume that celebrates the unexpected, uses whatever you can find at home, and gives kids plenty of room to get creative. After all, sometimes the best Halloween costumes are the ones that go a little off course.

You will need: A broken umbrella, lightweight scrap paper, paper leaves, double-sided tape or a needle and thread, and a little imagination.

6. The Classic Ghost 

Sometimes the simplest idea is still the best.

Find an old white sheet or a lightweight white fabric, carefully make an opening for the eyes and the mouth, and add two black paper eyes. That's it. You're a ghost!

If your child prefers something less traditional, try a little ghost with pink cheeks, funny eyebrows, or a very surprised expression. You could even make a whole family of ghosts with different personalities.

Just make sure the fabric is short enough for your child to walk safely, the eye openings provide clear visibility, and nothing can get tangled around their feet or neck. For younger children, a white outfit with a paper ghost face attached to the front is a safer alternative to wearing a sheet over the head.

You'll need: A white sheet or white outfit, black paper, and tape or fabric-safe adhesive.

7. Become Your Favourite Character!

Have a favourite character at home? Turn them into a costume!

Grab a piece of cardboard and draw the character's face, then colour it in and cut it out to make a simple mask. Attach a craft stick or sturdy paper handle to hold it in front of the face, rather than tying it around the head. Make sure your child can see clearly and breathe comfortably while using it.

Pair the mask with clothes you already own that match the character's colours. A striped top, a colourful dress, or a simple sweatshirt can go a long way.

It could be a favourite cartoon character, a storybook animal, or even a character your child has invented themselves.

And if they can't decide which character to choose? Make two masks and have a little costume change.

You'll need: Cardboard, crayons or markers, scissors, tape, and a craft stick or paper handle.

8. Be an '80s Kid! 

Who says Halloween costumes have to be spooky?

Raid the wardrobe for the brightest clothes you can find. Think colourful leggings, an oversized sweatshirt, stripes, scrunchies, chunky socks, and a pair of sunglasses. Mix the colours, clash the patterns, and make it as wonderfully over-the-top as possible.

Add a handmade cardboard cassette tape or a paper boombox prop, and suddenly your little one is ready for a totally tubular Halloween.

Parents, this one's for you, too. You probably already have a pretty good idea of what an '80s outfit looks like and maybe a few pieces hiding in the back of your closet.

Bonus points if you teach your kids a dance move or two.

You'll need: Bright clothes or bold pattern clothes, fun accessories, and a willingness to embrace the colour!

A Little Reminder: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect

We think the best part of making a last-minute costume is seeing what children come up with along the way.

Maybe the pencil hat turns out a little wonky. Maybe the cloud has one very big eye. Maybe your gnome decides to wear a superhero cape, too. That's all part of the fun!

You don't need a perfect costume or a complicated plan. A few things from around the house, a little time together, and some imagination are often more than enough.

Who knows? The costume you put together in twenty minutes might just become the one they remember for years.

Happy Halloween from Lightbulb Lighthouse! 🎃