Easy Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas for Families

Family Compassion
Oct 21
2 min read

Halloween doesn’t have to mean last-minute runs to the costume store or spending half your paycheck on something your kids will wear once. Some of the most memorable Halloween looks are the ones made at home — with a little creativity, a few household items, and a whole lot of imagination.

This year, skip the stress and gather around the kitchen table with scissors, tape, and laughter. Here are some homemade Halloween costume ideas that are simple, affordable, and bursting with personality for kids, parents, and even pets!

For Kids:

Kids love costumes they can help make — and these are as fun to craft as they are to wear.

1. Bubble Bath

White balloons become bubbles! Pin or tape them to a white shirt, add a shower cap, and carry a rubber ducky. Bonus: Add a loofah as a “bath buddy.”

2. Scarecrow

Old flannel shirt, jeans, and some raffia or straw peeking out of the sleeves. Paint a few cute “stitch” lines on your child’s cheeks for extra charm.

3. Superhero of Kindness

Cut a pillowcase into a cape, decorate it with a handmade “K” for “Kindness,” and let your child save the day with good deeds instead of superpowers.

For Families:

Family costumes don’t have to be complicated — just coordinated!

1. Breakfast Bunch

Be the most important meal of the day:

Parent 1: Pancake (brown shirt + felt “syrup” and butter square)
Parent 2: Bacon (striped red and white cardboard)
Kids: Eggs (white T-shirt with a yellow circle in the middle)

2. Classic Storybook Crew

Go literary! Choose a favorite children’s book and assign characters — think Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, or Alice in Wonderland.

3. Weather Forecast

One person’s the sun, another’s a rain cloud, one’s a rainbow — and someone can carry a little “lightning bolt” cut from cardboard.

For Pets (Because They’re Family Too!)

1. Hot Dog

Brown felt “bun” sides attached to your dog’s harness.

2. Pumpkin Pup

Orange T-shirt, green felt leaves around the collar — adorable and easy.

3. Bat Cat

Attach felt wings to a soft harness for a spooky-but-sweet look.