Jessica Chenoweth 
It’s spooky season, and Halloween has a way of sneaking up on us faster than a ghost in the night! If you’re scrambling to pull together a costume for your little monster, don’t worry—you don’t need to spend a fortune (or spend hours sewing). Here are 10 easy, inexpensive, and adorable last-minute Halloween costume ideas you can make with items you likely already have at home!
- Classic Ghost
You can’t go wrong with a timeless favorite. Grab a white sheet, cut out some eye holes, and you’re done! Add sunglasses or a hat for a funny twist.
- Cowboy or Cowgirl
All you need is a plaid shirt, jeans, and boots. Add a bandana and a toy hat, and your little one is ready to ride off into the sunset (or the candy trail).
- Artist
Throw on an oversized shirt or smock, hand your child a paint palette (a paper plate works great), and add a beret or backwards cap. A dab of face paint on the cheek completes the look!
- Superhero in Disguise
Take your child’s favorite superhero T-shirt and pair it with regular clothes—like Clark Kent’s open button-down and glasses for Superman or a hoodie and mask for Spider-Man. Instant undercover hero!
- Mummy
Use old white sheets or toilet paper (wrap lightly so it’s comfortable). Add a bit of face paint for extra spooky vibes—just be sure to keep it easy to move in for trick-or-treating.
- Sports Star
Grab your child’s sports jersey or uniform and pair it with sneakers and eye black (or just use eyeliner). Add a water bottle or foam finger for fun props!
- Cat or Puppy
Black leggings and a T-shirt are the base—then add ears made from construction paper or felt, a tail (belted scarf works great), and some face paint whiskers. Simple, cute, and always a hit.
- Tourist
This one’s hilarious and super easy! Think Hawaiian shirt, sunglasses, camera, hat, and sandals with socks. Bonus points for a map or fanny pack!
- Lego Block
Take a cardboard box, cut out arm and head holes, and glue on painted paper cups as the studs. Spray paint the whole thing one bright color. Boom—mini Lego kid!
- Bunch of Grapes
Blow up purple balloons and tape or pin them to a purple shirt. Add a green hat or leaf headband for a bunch that’s as sweet as it is silly!
Trick-or-Treat Takeaway
Halloween doesn’t have to be stressful (or expensive) to be memorable! With a little creativity and a few household items, your kids can hit the candy jackpot in style.
