Not only do parents love budget friendly Halloween costumes, quick and easy to make ideas are also a must! All the ideas below take clothes that you already own and spice them up with accessories to complete the look. Most of the costumes use household items, fabric scraps, paint, and/or your recycling! It doesn’t get cheaper than that.
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Time and Money Saving Tips
- If the only shirt you have available has a picture on the front, have your kid wear it inside out and/or backwards. Cut off the tag if need be. There’s no point buying a new shirt for one night.
- If a costume requires a quick strip of fabric for a head band or other simple accessory, don’t waste time trying to stitches the edges. This costume is going to be worn for less than a full day total.
- If you absolutely must finish an edge, you can save time with iron on stitching.
Halloween Costumes: Quick and Easy
Mummy
Estimates Cost: free – $5
Aside from the clothes you already own, this fantastically easy project on Red Ted Art uses just 1 supply, and it’s not toilet paper. Can you guess what it is?
Nerd
Estimated Cost: free – $10
This adorable idea by Crafts by Courtney comes together in a flash and is perfect for a last minute idea.
Baby Lamb
Estimated Cost: $10
This adorable farm animal costume by Spaceships and Laser Beams does take a little bit of craftiness, but it pays off in the end with major cute factor!
Cardboard Emoji
Estimated Cost: free – under $5
Let your kids’ personalities shine with this custom made emoji costume by Hello Wonderful.
Hot Air Balloon
Estimated Cost: $5 – $10
This adorable costume, by Every Day Best is totally unique and totally awesome
Egg Carton Black Cat
Estimated Cost: under $5
This trash to treasure masterpiece, by The Craft Train, is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Scuba Diver
Estimated Cost: $5
Save those soda bottles for this fun DIY, by Artsy Fartsy Mama.
No-Sew Care Bear Costume
Estimated Cost: under $10
This idea, by See Vanessa Craft, makes an awesome individual or family costume!
Gnome Costume
Estimated Cost: under $5
This adorable ensemble is great for all ages, by Adventure in a Box.
Dalmation Costume
Estimated Cost: $5 – $10
Polka-dotted perfection, by Chirping Moms.
Easy Pirate Costume
Estimated Cost: $5 – $10
This simple but adorable costume uses basic accessories to pack a might punch, by Artsy Momma.
Stick Figure
Estimated Cost: under $5
This simple costume is perfect for a last minute idea, by Money Wise Moms.
Paper Bag Princess
Estimated Cost: $5 – $15
This book-based costume, by Mama Papa Bubba, is super easy to put together. You can make the costume even cheaper by making your own dragon sock puppet!
Free Kittens Box Costume
Estimated Cost: $5 – $10
Save those shipping boxes for this cute idea by Tip Toe Fairy.
Sneetch
Estimated Cost: under $5
It doesn’t get any simpler than this. Thanks to Organized 31 for the great idea!
Minion
Estimated Cost: under $5
If your kids already have a pair of overalls, or you can score some at a thrfit shop for cheap, this is a great option for you. This idea is by Thrifty Jinxy.
