How to Make Cheap Halloween Costumes for Kids

Use items you already have to create cheap Halloween costumes for kids. You can not only save money by making a home-grown costume, but you'll also enjoy spending time with your child doing a fun project together that displays your creativity.

Instructions

1. Decorate cardboard boxes. Boxes can be used for a variety of costumes. Some popular ideas are robot, television set, computer monitor, vehicles, wrapped gifts and Lego costumes. Paint the box the appropriate color associated with the thing or theme. Use paint, stickers, aluminum foil, aluminum pans, cans, margarine tubs, cups and bottle caps for embellishments.

2. Cut a hole in the top of a black garbage bag, stuff the bag with newspapers, and tie at the bottom. Use crepe paper to make bumblebee stripes or red circles cut from construction paper to make a ladybug. Add antennae for butterflies and bugs.

3. Purchase a bag of balloons. Purple or green balloons can be used to make a bunch of grapes. Multicolored balloons can be a bag of jellybeans. Blow up the balloons and tape them to a shirt. Add a few to a hat. Be sure to bring along extra balloons in case some break.

4. Dress the child in pajamas. Add rollers to create a tired woman costume. Use a rattle and bottle for a baby costume. Use black, brown or white pajamas with a furry texture to make a bunny, cat, mouse or other animal. Add ears cut from construction paper. Paint on a nose and whiskers.

5. Use clothes your child already owns. With a few props, a party dress can be transformed into a princess or china doll costume. Add a name tag, glasses, and a pocket protector to dress shirts and ties to create a computer nerd or office worker. Make a scarecrow costume from a denim shirt, a straw hat and pieces of straw.

6. Come up with your own ideas. Look around your home and in your children's closets. Browse family/craft magazines and websites for inspiration and instructions.

Resources

• Website provides homemade Halloween costume ideas.